LERATO THEODORUS SAMBO
Benoni
Summary
Results-driven and clinically Occupational Therapist with over 5 years of progressive experience specializing in Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE), medical incapacity management, disability assessments, vocational rehabilitation, and insurance-related medico-legal case management. Possesses advanced qualifications including a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration and a Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, providing a robust understanding of corporate health governance, occupational legislation, and stakeholder liaison (HR, employers, and insurers). Proven expertise in reviewing complex medical and occupational records, evaluating functional capacity against job demands, and delivering objective, evidence-based reports that support fair incapacity and disability case outcomes (temporary incapacity, permanent health insurance, and total permanent disability).
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Locum Mental Health Occupational Therapist
Journey Recovery & Wellness Centre
Johannesburg, South Africa
04.2025 - Current
- Assessed psychological and cognitive barriers to occupational functioning to identify specific client needs for targeted interventions.
- Developed tailored rehabilitation strategies and management plans to enhance client coping mechanisms and facilitate successful return to work.
- Implemented therapeutic interventions aimed at improving patients' daily living skills and independence.
- Worked as part of multi-disciplinary team to contribute to holistic assessment of patients and develop specialist palliative care plans.
- Monitored, evaluated and modified treatment to measure progress and effectiveness of therapy.
Production Level Occupational Therapist
Edenvale Hospital
Johannesburg, South Africa
09.2023 - 12.2025
- Managed complex patient cases, conducting detailed functional and cognitive evaluations for disability and compensation claims to ensure accurate assessments.
- Evaluated functional capacity against occupational demands, recommending vocational placements or disability reviews to optimise patient outcomes.
- Educated patients, families, and stakeholders on functional limitations and coping strategies, enhancing understanding and support for rehabilitation efforts.
Senior Consultant Occupational Therapist
Vulpes Consultants
Pretoria
08.2021 - 08.2023
- Conducted clinical and functional assessments to evaluate work ability for insurance, disability, and compensation claims, ensuring comprehensive understanding of client needs.
- Compiled comprehensive, evidence-based medico-legal and disability assessment reports supporting objective insurance and compensation outcomes.
- Reviewed and signed off assessment reports from occupational therapists, ensuring clinical accuracy and adherence to quality and regulatory standards.
- Provided training and clinical mentoring to assessment teams to enhance report quality, analytical precision, and decision accuracy.
- Performed workplace and home evaluations, providing recommendations for ergonomic adaptations and modified duties to enhance client safety and comfort.
Case Manager
Bathuseng Consulting Firm
Pretoria
06.2021 - 02.2023
- Managed end-to-end case coordination for disability claims, medical incapacity reviews, and compensation cases.
- Analyzed complex medical reports, job profiles, and sick leave records to link health conditions directly to work ability.
- Prepared structured, legally compliant assessment reports to guide claims adjudication and funding decisions.
- Collaborated extensively with multidisciplinary teams, HR professionals, employers, and medical practitioners to ensure fair and compliant case management.
- Maintained strict confidentiality and meticulous records in accordance with POPIA and clinical governance standards.
Production Level Occupational Therapist
Bernice Samuel Hospital
Delmas
01.2020 - 02.2022
- Conducted comprehensive evaluations to assess patient functional limitations and potential for recovery or vocational reintegration.
- Prepared clear clinical reports and rehabilitation plans aligned with institutional and insurance protocols.
Locum Occupational Therapist
Faith Occupational Therapy
07.2021 - 12.2021
- Conducted standardized WorkWell Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) and prepared return-to-work plans for industrial and corporate clients.
- Identified workplace restrictions, rehabilitation needs, and customized accommodation options for injured or ill employees.
- Delivered targeted vocational rehabilitation and functional restoration programs to facilitate safe and sustainable return-to-work outcomes.
Community Service Occupational Therapist
Witbank Provincial Hospital
eMalahleni
01.2019 - 12.2019
- Provided foundational assessment, rehabilitation, and community reintegration services for individuals with physical and functional impairments.
Education
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration -
Wits Business School
12-2022
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy - Health and Wellness
Sefako Makgatho Health Science University
12-2018
Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety -
University of Cape Town
07-2021
Skills
- Health Risk Assessments
- Incapacity Assessments
- Sick Leave Management
- Temporary Incapacity Management
- Permanent Health Insurance Management
- Total Permanent Disability Management
- Functional Capacity Evaluations
- Job Demand Analysis
- Ergonomic Workplace Assessments
- Disability Management
- Case Management
- Return-to-Work Planning
- Workplace Accommodation
- Work Hardening
- Vocational Rehabilitation
- Report Writing
- Clinical Reasoning
- Evidence-based Assessment
- Medical Record Review
- Clinical Documentation Audit
- Risk Identification
- Compliance
- Governance
- POPIA Compliance
- Medical Ethics
- Stakeholder Engagement
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Locum Mental Health Occupational Therapist
Journey Recovery & Wellness Centre
04.2025 - Current
Production Level Occupational Therapist
Edenvale Hospital
09.2023 - 12.2025
Senior Consultant Occupational Therapist
Vulpes Consultants
08.2021 - 08.2023
Locum Occupational Therapist
Faith Occupational Therapy
07.2021 - 12.2021
Case Manager
Bathuseng Consulting Firm
06.2021 - 02.2023
Production Level Occupational Therapist
Bernice Samuel Hospital
01.2020 - 02.2022
Community Service Occupational Therapist
Witbank Provincial Hospital
01.2019 - 12.2019
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration -
Wits Business School
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy - Health and Wellness
Sefako Makgatho Health Science University
Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety -
University of Cape Town