The educational and therapeutic services of SALDA include the School Support Services (SSS) that are delivered throughout Queensland, with bases in Brisbane and Townsville.
The Occupational Therapist is a professional within the School Support Services multidisciplinary team, supporting appropriate educational outcomes for students with Language Disorder.
The Occupational Therapist will be required to participate in the multidisciplinary evaluation process, inclusive of an intensive support program supporting capacity building for school staff. These services are delivered through both face-to-face and e-services.
The SSS program operates across Queensland, including State, Catholic Education and Independent Schools. SSS team members work collaboratively with school staff and students in Prep to year 12. The multidisciplinary team consists of Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Educators, a Psychologist and Physiotherapist.
The SSS Occupational Therapist may also be involved with the delivery of Fee for Service assessment, therapy and planning, providing direct services to students and families. Delivery of additional services will be in line with the Occupational Therapist’s level of experience.
Main duties and responsibilities
The main responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
- In collaboration with other relevant team members, be responsible for the creation, delivery and evaluation of the SSS program to specified clients across Queensland. This includes:
- Establish and maintain relationships with existing and new school staff, when appropriate;
- Assist school staff in the identification of students eligible for SSS;
- As part of a transdisciplinary team working in schools, evaluate students and gather data through interviewing classroom teachers and support staff including teacher aides / parents;
- As part of a team, and using professional judgement, design programs and strategies to address the educational needs of students;
- Deliver intensive support plans which are responsive to the needs of students and school staff, either by face-to-face contact or via the e-services (e.g. Zoom);
- Lead meetings with the SSS team, school staff members and parents to discuss and disseminate information about students and programs;
- Provide training/professional development to teachers, staff and parents.
- Maintain collaborative relationships with the SSS team and other staff of SALDA.
- Contribute to or assume responsibility for analysis and interpretation of findings, reporting and data collection procedures, as well as relevant correspondence and administrative tasks.
- Prepare reports incorporating recommendations subject to verification and validation.
- Contribute to the day-to-day administration and operation of the SSS team.
- Assist to mentor peers and provide guidance and advice within the SSS team and SALDA.
- Observe and assess individual student’s development with the use of standardised and non-standardised assessments and screenings.
- Lead professional discussion with members of the SSS team, SALDA and external colleagues.
- Participate in professional development, as well as initiate and engage in collaborative and/or cross-disciplinary in-servicing.
- Advocate for children with Language Disorder, in accordance with SALDA’s vision and mission.
- Deliver assessment and therapeutic services to students and their families.
- Participate in and contribute to research as required.
Qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience
Qualifications / Registrations / Professional memberships
Essential:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy as a minimum
- Member of Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority
- PRODA registration or eligibility for registration
- NDIS Worker Screening Check
- Driver’s Licence
Desirable:
- Post Graduate qualifications in a relevant discipline.
Knowledge, skills and experience
- Knowledge of best practice and procedures related to the provision of educational services to students with Language Disorder.
- Experience in developing and implementing best practice methodologies with a sound evidence base.
- Knowledge and understanding of the comorbidities associated with Language Disorder.
- Experience in multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches to working with children and young people with a disability.
- Well-developed oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to self-direct as well as work effectively with others.
- A commitment to personal and professional development.
- Experience developing professional networks internally and externally with key stakeholders.
- Experience providing peer support.
- Experience with student supervision.
Working Relationships
- The Occupational Therapist will work closely with the School Support Services team.
- The Occupational Therapist will build positive working relationships with management, administrative, therapy and education staff throughout SALDA as well as with schools, medical, and other health professionals across Queensland.
To Apply
All applications for this position are to be made via Seek.