Occupational Therapist

The Context

Arethusa College is an independent, co-educational school catering for students from Year 7 to Year 12. Arethusa College provides an alternative approach to education for students where previous schooling in a mainstream setting has not been successful due to social, emotional, physical, educational, familial or situational difficulties. The College believes that engagement in education has the potential to empower marginalised students.

Arethusa's holistic programs aim to re-engage and support students who are experiencing a wide range of risks, challenges and difficulties, aiming to establish a pathway to their employment. By providing flexible learning environments, with targeted and diverse curriculum programs, Arethusa College strives to support and develop its students, both physically, emotionally, socially, spiritually and academically. All programs are underpinned by elements of quality pedagogy, targeted literacy and numeracy development, 21st Century skills, design thinking and the development of responsible, global citizenship.

Arethusa College offers students a 'fresh start' and an alternative approach to education, seeking to develop each student's core knowledge and skills; as well as guiding them to develop and achieve both personal and career goals. The College provides supportive and educational programs to assist students' social, emotional and physical health.

The Role The position of Occupational Therapist presents a unique opportunity to contribute to a Special Assistance School environment where student wellbeing and personalised learning are prioritised for those whose needs have not been met in mainstream education. This role involves delivering specialist assessment, intervention, and support to promote students' participation, independence, and engagement in learning and daily activities, as well as supporting staff and families.

With opportunities to support our campuses and students, the role offers the chance to make a significant difference to the lives of young people. The Occupational Therapist will work under the direction of the Inclusive Education Principal, in collaboration with outreach and campus staff, to ensure optimal outcomes for students.

This role requires strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, creativity, and a commitment to ongoing professional development to effectively meet the varied needs of our diverse student community.

Key Duties / Responsibilities

The Occupational Therapist is required to:

• Assessment: Conduct comprehensive assessments of students' functional abilities, sensory processing, fine and gross motor skills, self-care, and participation in learning activities.
• Individualised support: Develop and implement tailored intervention plans to enhance participation, independence, and engagement in school and daily life.
• Collaboration: Work closely with teachers, Education Support Officers, Principals, wellbeing staff, the Inclusive Education staff, and external stakeholders to create coordinated support plans and strategies.
• Skill development: Provide interventions that build students' self-regulation, organisational skills, motor coordination, handwriting, sensory integration, and daily living skills.
• Resource development: Create and adapt resources to support student participation, including visual schedules, sensory tools, task modifications, and assistive technology.
• Trauma-informed support: Apply trauma-informed practice to create safe, supportive environments that reduce barriers to engagement for students who have experienced trauma.
• Advocacy: Advocate for the occupational participation needs and rights of students, ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities.
• Family engagement: Work in partnership with families to build strategies that can be used at home, supporting skill development and independence beyond the school setting.
• Professional development: Maintain current knowledge and skills in occupational therapy, trauma-informed care, and working with diverse learners through ongoing professional learning.
• Data collection and monitoring: Track student progress, monitor intervention effectiveness, and adjust plans to optimise outcomes.
• Whole-school support: Provide consultation and training to staff on inclusive classroom practices, environmental modifications, and strategies to promote engagement for all learners.

Personal qualities, social and interpersonal skills

• Empathy and sensitivity: Understand and respond to the diverse backgrounds and experiences of students with compassion.
• Trauma-informed practice: Apply principles of trauma-informed care to all interventions and interactions.
• Cultural competence: Respect and adapt to the cultural backgrounds, identities, and needs of students and families.
• Flexibility and adaptability: Adjust strategies to meet the individual needs of students in a changing school environment.
• Collaboration and teamwork: Work effectively within multi-disciplinary teams to deliver holistic support.
• Resilience: Maintain a positive, solutions-focused approach in challenging circumstances.
• Creativity: Use innovative approaches to engage students in skill development.
• Patience and understanding: Support students who may face multiple barriers to engagement.
• Commitment to learning: Engage in continuous professional development to ensure best-practice approaches are applied.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from a recognised institution.
• Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
• Current Blue Card (Working with Children Check).
• Current driver's licence.
• Experience working with children and young people with disabilities, neurodiverse conditions, mental health challenges, and trauma backgrounds.
• Knowledge of sensory integration, functional skill development, and environmental adaptations for learning.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with students, families, and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Commitment to Arethusa's vision, values, and a strengths-based approach to student growth.

All applications to include a copy of a paid Blue Card (Working with Children), cover letter addressing the selection criteria and a detailed resume.