Occupational Therapist Schools and Early Years

Applications are invited for a level 1-2 Occupational Therapist in the Schools and Early Years team at Royal Far West.

ABOUT THE POSITION

As an Occupational Therapist you will be responsible for the delivery of high-quality occupational therapy services to preschool and school aged children. You will work in a multidisciplinary team alongside speech pathologists, psychologists and social workers to ensure holistic client care. An understanding of how the OT role is distinct and complementary within a multidisciplinary team is desirable.

A substantial portion of the caseload is individual therapy and working with parents and school staff to support student's individual needs.  There are also opportunities to provide assessment services, group therapy and professional development to school staff.  A typical day involves seeing 4-5 clients and attending a team or supervision meeting.

We are passionate about continually improving the quality of our services and provide all clinicians with access to individual and group supervision and professional development opportunities.

Given RFW's long standing service provision into rural and remote communities it is ideal that you recognise the benefits and challenges for families living in this area. You will be required to demonstrate culturally responsive care and have a commitment to ongoing learning in this area.

ABOUT US

At Royal Far West, we believe every child has the right to access the services they need to thrive, no matter where they live. From our base, opposite Manly beach in Sydney, we provide multidisciplinary health and disability services for children from rural and remote Australia with developmental, behavioural, learning and mental health difficulties.  We provide allied health programs on-site in Manly, via telehealth, and through in-community visits to rural and remote communities

Our mission is to to improve the health and wellbeing of children who live in rural and remote communities.  We are passionate about working with country children, their families, schools and local health providers to provide high quality support and improve outcomes. In joining our dynamic and growing team, you will help us to grow and innovate to ensure more country kids can access the care they need.

Royal Far West is a rewarding, meaningful and inspiring workplace which offers a diverse work experience, a knowledgeable health care team and exciting projects and initiatives.

Royal Far West was honoured to be recognised as one of Australia and New Zealand's Best Places to Work on the prestigious annual list, published by The Australian Financial Review and Boss Magazine.  We were proud to rank 6th on the Government, Education and NFP list, from nearly 700 nominated organisations.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for enthusiastic and dedicated occupational therapists to join our dynamic team at RFW as we continue to grow with the aim of reaching more country kids.  The role can be offered permanent full time, or part time (minimum 3 days a week), being based remotely, or work in our offices at Manly.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Structured Induction program
• Work with a highly skilled and experienced OT team: regular case discussions & professional development opportunities. Supervision and mentoring are valued and protected.
• Multidisciplinary work; we offer face to face services to children seeking assessment services or intervention. We work closely with resident paediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, speech pathologists and social workers to name a few.
• Established Telehealth program: we offer extensive training, online resources, and effective administrative support. We also provide you with an HP Laptop and an additional monitor.
• Career progression opportunities: Develop both your clinical and non-clinical skills: We offer opportunities to engage in quality improvement projects and research initiatives.
• In-community visit opportunities:Likely to be up to two in-community visits per year lasting a week at a time
• Beautiful location at Manly beach: easy access by bus, ferry and parking options should you want to work from Manly
• Work life balance:up to five care days offered per year in additional to your annual leave
• Remote working opportunities: WFH and flexible work arrangements available
• Attractive remuneration: base salary + 11.5% superannuation and salary packaging will be offered to the successful candidate. See details at
• Paid Parental Leave:14 weeks offered to staff with over one year of service
• Purchase Leave Scheme

As our newest recruit, you will have:

Essential Criteria

• Tertiary qualification in Occupational Therapy, current membership or eligibility for AHPRA Registration

• Demonstrated understanding of the core components of paediatric Occupational Therapy i.e. regulation, sensory processing, motor skills, self-care skills, play and social skills. This includes the ability to plan and deliver Occupational Therapy assessment, intervention, case management and discharge planning of children (0 –12 years) with developmental vulnerability.

• Exhibits effective written and verbal communication skills including report writing, file notes, communicating with children, carers, teachers and colleagues.

• Awareness of Child Safe practices including, but not limited to, Child Protection legislation, policy and procedures.

• Developing understanding of family-centred and strengths-based care

• Complies with Mandatory Employment Screening Checks Policy and Workforce Immunisation Policy.

• Commitment to diverse and inclusive practices. Developing understanding of the issues faced by CALD and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities within the context of health and family wellbeing.

• Highly developed computer skills including use of programs such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom, and experience delivering services via telehealth.

• Ability to travel for work to deliver services via outreach in rural and remote communities and hold a full & current driver's licence.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working within a school setting or in collaboration with schools.

• An understanding and appreciation of the benefits and challenges for children in living in rural and remote areas.

• Experience working with children/adolescents with disability and/or complex developmental, social-emotional, learning and behavioural challenges.

ABOUT OUR CULTURE

Royal Far West is a rewarding, inspiring workplace which offers a diverse work experience. It is one of our strategic priorities to elevate and harness our people power and systems to help country children for gernations to come.  . We have a knowledgeable and innovative multidisciplinary clinical team. We strive for a positive and committed workplace culture.

OUR CORE VALUES

Caring- We show genuine care, compassion and interest in our families, our partners and each other. We respect, listen, recognise and support each other's needs and celebrate our differences. 

Connected- We are deeply connected to our purpose, with our feet in the sand and our hearts in the bush. We build meaningful relationships by collaborating openly and honestly. We work as a team with our families, partners, communities and each other. 

Passionate- We go the extra country mile for our families, partners, communities and for each other. Improving the lives of country kids and giving them a voice inspires and energises us to bring our best selves to work every day.

Impact - We are committed to creating positive and lasting change. We are accountable and solutions focused, harnessing our knowledge and capabilities to think creatively, adapt and solve problems responsibly.

Our values are inegral to everthing we are as an organisation.  As you consider whether this role is for you, plesae take time to relfect on our values to see if they resonate with you.

HOW TO BE CONSIDERED:

To apply for this position, please submit your CV and Cover Letter which includes briefly addressing the essential criteria by clicking on the 'Apply' or 'Apply for This Job' button.  For further information please contact Multidisciplinary Team Leader - Tayla Iellamo via:

A position description for a Level 1 Occupational Therapist and Level 2 Occupational Therapist is available on the Royal Far West careers page

Only those applicants who have the right to work, and are currently residing in Australia can be considered.

Royal far West is privileged to work with First Nations communities and families. We are committed to the process of reconciliation and we value and respect the diversity of our employees.

Royal Far West does not discriminate based on race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable law.

Royal Far West encourages applications from minorities and all other qualified applicants.

As a child safe organisation, all employees at Royal Far West are required to provide a NSW Working with Children Check

This position holder will also need to provide a Criminal Record Check at the time of appointment.