Occupational Therapist

Broadmeadows Special Developmental School seeks a full time Occupational Therapist to work in an enormous enthusiastic team with school age students.

Broadmeadows Special Developmental School is a well-equipped Department of Education school providing educational programs for students with intellectual disabilities ranging from moderate to profound. A considerable number of our pupils have other disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, hearing and visual impairments.

The school caters for students aged from 5 to 18 years, with a current enrolment of 360 students. The school is a dual campus school with each campus located on the same block of land, one in Sorrento Street Broadmeadows and the other in Dimboola Rd Broadmeadows with students attending from a wide geographical and diverse socio-economic background.

The school is a modern purpose built facility located in the Melbourne suburb of Broadmeadows and provides an attractive and safe environment. Learning areas include well equipped classrooms, dedicated specialist spaces and outdoor learning zones. The school has 2 sites, the main campus in Dimboola Rd and a Sorrento Street campus with students attending from a wide geographical and diverse socio-economic background.

Eligible school-aged students living within the designated transport zone have access to free transport to and from school.

Role of the Occupational Therapists

· Support students to participate within daily activities and learning programs at school

· Conduct assessment of students in areas such as regulation, fine motor, self care, social interaction

· Design and implement tiered programs in collaboration with teachers, parents / carers according to students’ individual needs and based on developmental level and age appropriateness.

· Document, record and accurately report on student skills, supports and participation; evaluate progress; and make recommendations for a range of stakeholders

· Provide information about Occupational theory, intervention, equipment and environmental supports within the school environment to maximise student participation

· Contribute to therapy team and wider school team including managing resources, attending staff meetings, engaging in and/or providing training as part of whole school

Responsibilities

The initial responsibilities of this position will be:

1. Effective assessment, monitoring and reporting of student's individual needs
2. Implement and evaluate therapeutic programs through individual, small group or whole class settings within a tiered system of supports
3. Provide support to student's families or carers through direct and indirect means (E.g meetings and developing/providing resources)
4. Effective organisation, time management and promotion of team work.
5. Effective communication and collaboration skills. Evidence of professionally sensitive communication with parents /carers, other professionals and students.

Key Selection Criteria

Selection Criteria

1. A knowledge of the use and application of a wide range of interventions to assist children with an intellectual disability to participate in school based activities including play, sensory regulation, fine motor, self care.

2. Recognise the importance of working positively and effectively with a multi-disciplinary team to collaborately plan, implement and assess student learning

3. Ability to communicate effectively with families, care givers, staff and other professionals on service delivery and client based issues.

4. An ability to resource and in-service staff on relevant Occupational Therapy theory and intervention related to productivity, self care and leisure such that intervention can be facilitated in every class.

5. An understanding and commitment to using adaptive equipment to support participation and productivity within everyday environments

Who May Apply

Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfil the specific requirements of the position.

Must be a qualified Occupational Therapist (degree eg. D.Sc.O.T or B.AppSc.O.T.)

Other Information

Professional Registration Required.

Working with Children Check Required.

All staff employed by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.

Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to the satisfaction of pre-employment conditions.

A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.

Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment are available online at the Department's Human Resources website at www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/hrweb/

Further Information

All applications should include a CV and written responses to the key selection criteria.

Telephone 93021244 or email [email protected]