OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Are you looking to make a difference in the community at a grass roots level? Earbus Foundation is an award-winning not-for-profit seeking a Paediatric Occupational Therapist to fill a key position in our passionate and experienced clinical team.

You will be given the chance to do work that makes a genuine difference in communities working with vulnerable and disadvantaged children. You will be provided opportunities to learn and evolve as part of a growing and innovative organisation.

Our Mission is to reduce the incidence of middle ear disease in Indigenous and at-risk children in Western Australia below the World Health Organisation benchmark of 4%. We will achieve this via our established outreach programs, which demonstrate excellence in Aboriginal health.

Our Vision is that current and future generations of Indigenous children can succeed at school unhindered by the debilitating effects of Otitis media and its impacts upon their ability to learn and achieve to their full potential.

POSITION

We are currently seeking a dynamic and compassionate Paediatric Occupational Therapist to join our team. The ideal candidate will have specialised expertise fine motor skills, experience working with co-morbid conditions and a strong background in promoting literacy and numeracy skills in children. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families while working in a supportive and collaborative environment.

This is a flexible position (full time, part time or sessional) reporting to the Manager of Clinical Services in close partnership with the CEO. Some overnight travel required to regional WA.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Collaborative approach to development of programs for pre-school and school-aged Aboriginal and at-risk children in a range of educational settings

  • Conduct comprehensive assessments to evaluate fine motor skills, sensory processing and functional abilities of paediatric clients

  • Develop and implement individualised treatment plans tailored to each child's specific needs and goals

  • Provide therapeutic interventions to improve fine motor coordination, handwriting skills, visual-motor integration and activities of daily living

  • Address co-morbid conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, and other developmental delays through evidence-based, culturally appropriate interventions

  • Collaborate with parents, caregivers, teachers and other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach to therapy and promote carryover of skills into various settings

  • Utilise innovative strategies to promote literacy and numeracy development including incorporating sensory-based activities, assistive technology and adaptive resources

  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation of evaluation findings, treatment plans, progress notes, and communication with stakeholders

  • Adapt, or willingness to learn to adapt, materials to be culturally appropriate

  • Stay current with advancements in the field of occupational therapy through continuing education and professional development activities

  • Collaborative work practises within an interdisciplinary team of health professionals with a focus on child-centred care

  • Support and train other professionals such as education assistants in administering therapeutic programs

KEY QUALIFICATIONS & ATTRIBUTES

Essential:

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program

  • Current WA licensure or eligibility for licensure as an Occupational Therapist in Western Australia

  • Demonstrated expertise in assessing and treating fine motor skills, sensory processing difficulties, social skills and activities of daily living

  • Strong knowledge of evidence-based practices and interventions for supporting literacy and numeracy skills in children

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build rapport with clients and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams

  • Passionate about helping individuals achieve their communication goals and committed to providing high quality care within a client-centred framework

  • Current WA Working With Children Card

  • Current WA Driver’s License

Desirable:

  • Certification or specialised training in paediatric occupational therapy

  • Prior experience working within Aboriginal Australian communities

  • Previous experience working in regional and remote communities

  • Previous experience working with children in an educational setting

  • 4WD experience or advanced driver safety course/experience

COMPENSATION

This is an opportunity for a highly motivated professional to assume a pivotal role in the evolution of a fast-growing, highly respected organisation. We are seeking an individual of outstanding quality with a respected track record. Earbus is prepared to offer an attractive compensation package including a competitive base salary as well as salary sacrifice benefits and bonus annual leave.

EARBUS VALUES

Our Values are at the core of everything we do. Successful applicants will: 

  • Be open and honest in communication and intent 

  • Be loyal and supportive to Earbus, their colleagues and the communities they serve 

  • Be brilliant in their role 

Our internal motto is 'Say it, Mean it, Do it'. If these values describe you, then you will have found a home at Earbus.

We aim to create a work environment that is sensitive to cultural difference and to develop talent among Aboriginal people. If you are an Aboriginal person looking to further your career give us a call to have a yarn.

Submit your CV and a one-page cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for this position to Jane Jenkins, Business & Operations Manager at jane.jenkins@earbus.org.au, or call Jane for a confidential discussion on 08 9328 4574.