Occupational Therapist - Ongoing Specialist School

Job Description Location: North West Region | Sunbury
Job type: Full time / From 29/01/2025
Organisation: Schools (Government)
Salary: Salary not specified
Occupation: Education and Training
Reference: 1452047
Location Profile Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School is a dual mode school with two campuses, a campus in Sunbury and a second campus in Bullengarook. Currently we have 275 students enrolled across both campuses.
Approximately 45% of our students have a diagnosis of autism combined with an intellectual disability. Additionally, many students have other diagnoses, which may include physical disabilities, social and emotional disorders, vision and hearing impairments, and complex medical needs.
We are dedicated to empowering students with intellectual disabilities by fostering their independence through the development of social skills, communication, and mobility.
The Bullengarook campus is included on the Bushfire at Risk Register as it is located in a high fire risk area.
The school has experienced consistent annual student growth and has a ceiling of 288 students.
The school has received in excess of $20 million of Capital Works funding that should be completed by the end of 2024.
Selection Criteria SC1 Qualification in Occupational Therapy and eligibility for membership of Occupational Therapy Australia.
SC2 Relevant clinical experience and/or knowledge in the areas of paediatric practice with specific detail in relation to equipment provision and sensory integration, including knowledge of the impact of this on individual student behaviour.
SC3 Appropriate experience in the provision of professional learning to the school community and beyond.
SC4 Demonstrated excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to consult with and advise other professionals in providing services to students with intellectual disabilities.
SC5 Participate in and contribute to a collaborative team environment, developing supportive professional working relationships with staff and students and providing advice and guidance for parents/carers.
SC6 Demonstrated commitment and experience in the field of Special Education.
Role Successful applicants may be required to work at either the Sunbury Campus (Primary) or the Bullengarook Campus (Secondary).
Start and end times can be flexible.
The Occupational Therapist will be part of the Allied Health Team (Speech Pathologist, Physiotherapist, Music Therapist, and Occupational Therapy Aide) to meet the diverse needs of students across both the Sunbury and Bullengarook Campuses of the Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School.
Therapy services provision is coordinated by the therapy services team which meets weekly to link a range of consultant therapists to students and their families, using a range of flexible and responsive approaches that effect positive changes for students who have mobility, language/communication difficulties or require independent training.
Direct service delivery may be provided on a one-to-one basis for high needs students, or, to small groups of students with similar needs. More often direct services are supervised and monitored programs managed by school support staff and teaching staff, with regular hands-on support, input and guidance from Consultant Therapists.
This collaborative approach is more sustaining and empowering and has the benefit of being more effective than therapy 'once weekly' or in isolation to the child's regular programs.
An education support class position supports the education services being provided to students but must not include duties of teaching as defined in clause 2.6.1 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) or its successor. Supervision of students cannot be required except where it is an integral part of the employee's position or involves supervision of students individually or in small groups, in controlled circumstances, where the responsibility for students remains clearly with a teacher.
Responsibilities Deliver professional support service/s in a school/s, including the direct therapy for students with a range of needs, applying sound theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. Plan and implement evidence-based intervention strategies for students with complex needs including collaborating with families, other professionals and agencies when appropriate, and manage the associated risks. Work collaboratively with the school to contribute to policies and operational practices that will guide the work of others, including other school staff. Demonstrate leadership and provide professional learning to others, such as teachers and other school wellbeing staff, to build the capacity of schools to improve students' learning and developmental outcomes. Liaise with other Department areas (including school nurses and Allied Health Staff) and external service providers where necessary to provide support to students. Maintain professional competence and continued professional learning, including attending professional development activities throughout the year. Meet relevant policies and legislative requirements in relation to student health information privacy. Who May Apply Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.
EEO AND OHS Commitment Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school.
The Department of Education is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, and diversity and inclusion for all. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department. The Department recognises that the provision of family friendly, supportive, safe and harassment free workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work, diversity and safety across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for persons with a disability.
Child Safe Standards Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards.
DE Values The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees, including those who work in Victorian Government Schools.
Other Information All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements. Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check. A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided. Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website. Conditions of Employment All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements. Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check. A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided. Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website. #J-18808-Ljbffr