John Ralphs
Occupational Therapist
Akeso Stepping Stones
Qualifications
BSc Occupational Therapy (UCT)
PGDip Law (UCT)
Background
Forensic Psychiatry: experience working in the National Maximum Security Ward of a South African psychiatric hospital. Conducting functional assessments and facilitating occupational and psycho-social therapy programmes for offenders with mental illness.
Substance Abuse Treatment: Facilitating occupational therapy life skills and activity-based groups for the Substance Abuse Treatment Unit at a Psychiatric Hospital in South Africa.
Learning/Intellectual Disability: experience working in a UK Medium and Low Secure psychiatric hospital setting up the Occupational Therapy Service for young men living with Learning (Intellectual) Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Personality Disorder.
Disability Claims Assessment: Conducting Functional Assessments on behalf of the Department of Work and Pension in the UK for individuals claiming disability benefits.
Supported Employment: provision of job coaching and work-place interventions for individuals with mental illness and neurological impairment undertaking Learnership programmes.
Professional Interests and Skills
Working with Adolescents, Emerging Adults and Adults with mental illness, addiction, learning/intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder
Reasonable Accommodation and Supported Employment
School to Work/University Transition
Functional Assessments
Music and Creative Activity-Based Interventions
Life and Social Skills Group Facilitation
