Occupational Therapist

About Connect Child and Family Services

At Connect, based in the Blue Mountains, our mission is to create positive change for children, families, and communities. We prioritise children's safety while providing services in family-

centered settings such as homes, schools, early childhood education centers, and community spaces. Our approach is grounded in inclusive care, working collaboratively with families, children, and communities to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Our Values:

• We Tune In: Listening and understanding the needs of children, families, and the community.
• We Connect: Building meaningful, respectful relationships for better outcomes.
• We Show Kindness: Approaching every situation with compassion and thoughtfulness.
• We Strive for Social Justice: Advocating for equity, inclusion, and children's rights.
• We Walk Together: Embracing cultural sensitivity and supporting self-determination for Aboriginal children and families.
• We Celebrate: Valuing the uniqueness of each child and fostering their well-being.

Position Overview:

As an Occupational Therapist with Connect's Connected Abilities program based in Penrith and the Blue Mountains, you will work to provide therapeutic support within a multidisciplinary team for children aged birth-12 years, assisting them in reaching their NDIS developmental goals. This role includes delivering individualised therapy and fostering inclusive practices and increase participation in all settings. You will work within early childhood settings, schools and community environments, empowering families and educators to integrate therapy into daily routines and promoting inclusion across all areas of life.

You will play a key role in building the capacity of family and carers meet the child's needs.

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Responsibilities:

• Plan and deliver therapeutic supports using evidence-based practices.
• Manage a diverse caseload, balancing mainstream setting visits with reflective practice, record keeping and collaboration with other professionals with reflective development.
• Work with other team members to promote best practices in early childhood disability support.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Build positive relationships with families, early childhood settings, schools, and other professionals to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Act as a resource and advocate for families, helping them access services and information.
• Collaborate with colleagues in the team, ensuring high standards of service delivery and fostering continuous professional development.

Community Engagement:

• Advocate for inclusive services and actively participate in community activities to raise awareness and promote disability rights via local network links.

Key Selection Criteria:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy (Essential).

Experience:

• A minimum of two years' experience working as an Occupational Therapist.
• Experience planning and delivering therapy to children with disabilities.
• Experience working with vulnerable families and understanding complexities and barriers.
• Experience working with the NDIS scheme.

Skills:

• Strong communication skills, particularly in interacting with families from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work in mainstream settings with the child and the networks around them.
• Organisational skills and the ability to maintain accurate records and manage administrative tasks.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of Child Safe Principles, Child Protection, and mandatory reporting requirements.
• A current Driver's License (Essential).

What We Offer:

• A supportive and dynamic team environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• The chance to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families in the community.
• Experienced and knowledgeable staff to coach and guide
• Flexible work conditions
• Wellbeing leave each year
• Multiple office spaces to work from
• Contemporary record keeping, HR and business platforms
• Travel reimbursement
• IT devices for work efficiencies
• Regular staff meetings and discipline meetings for peer support