Unified social assistance system and the occupational therapist insertion

Abstract

Introduction: Occupational therapy is the profession with more historical visibility related to the health field. Within the scope of the public policy of social assistance, its insertion started to be officially foreseen from 2011, however its action has been developed in the beginning of occupational therapists’ action in Brazil. Objective: To present the profile of occupational therapists inserted in the services and/or programs of the Unified Social Assistance System (SUAS) in Minas Gerais (MG) state, Brazil. Method: Documentary research was carried out, using the SUAS Census as a source of information. Quantitative data from municipalities with occupational therapists per year, by equipment, services, and role between the years 2012 to 2019 were mapped. The data were treated using simple statistics, and the results were organized into analytical categories, which were part of the discussion of the results. Results: Data from occupational therapists were found in SUAS equipment for Basic Social Protection, Special Social Protection, and at the management level. A relevant number of occupational therapists in services for people with disabilities stood out. Conclusion: The constitution of social occupational therapy, the recognition of the profession's specialization in social contexts, and the provision of this professional in the SUAS has expanded the debate and the possibilities of action with a focus on social protection. Other studies are suggested about the professionals’ profile, as well as the practices developed by them, aiming to understand their actions, application of theoretical-practical knowledge and contribution of the specificity of occupational therapy in this context.