Senior Occupational Therapist

About Early Start Australia

Early Start Australia is a compassionate team of allied health professionals dedicated to supporting children and young people aged 0-16 to achieve their fullest potential. Operating as a multidisciplinary group, they provide tailored, evidence-based services across various development areas including communication, motor skills, cognition, and social interaction. As a registered NDIS provider and part of the global APM Group, they offer diverse career growth opportunities within a larger network of healthcare and human services organizations.

Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct appropriate assessments tailored to each client's needs.
• Manage a caseload with a focus on complex clients through a case management approach.
• Help select and maintain therapy and assessment tools.
• Create, implement, review, and adjust individualized therapy programs to meet client goals.
• Deliver therapy services in clinic, home, school, and community settings as necessary.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary team members to optimize client outcomes.
• Design and lead specialized programs such as group therapy sessions and workshops for parents.
• Ensure strict confidentiality and adherence to privacy standards.
• Stay updated with current best practices and contribute to continuous improvements in service delivery.

Therapy Program Management

• Develop initial appointment plans and comprehensive goal-based therapy interventions.
• Engage with other health professionals such as speech therapists and psychologists when needed.
• Create resources and activities for both home and therapy sessions.
• Conduct visits to schools and homes to support therapy implementation.
• Continuously monitor client progress, adjusting goals and programs accordingly.
• Prepare evaluations, reports, and identify opportunities for additional group interventions.

Documentation and Reporting

• Document all treatment notes and session activities within 24 hours in the practice management system.
• Produce timely, high-quality reports for clients, families, other health professionals, and relevant authorities like NDIA.
• Ensure all communications meet organizational standards.
• Report client incidents or complaints appropriately.

Funding and Compliance

• Align therapy plans with the client's funding arrangements including NDIS plans.
• Assist with accurate invoicing by providing precise information about services delivered.

Professional Growth and Organizational Duties

• Participate actively in team meetings, peer reviews, and case discussions.
• Maintain detailed records as per management requirements.
• Engage in professional development to enhance role-specific skills.
• Comply with workplace health and safety policies, emergency protocols, child safety, and cultural competence standards.
• Take part in risk assessment and prevention activities.
• Foster professional networks and maintain collaborative relationships with external agencies.
• Maintain necessary registrations and adhere to professional codes of conduct.

Team and Leadership Contributions

• Support early career clinicians via clinical supervision and continuous professional development opportunities.
• Participate in reward and recognition initiatives.
• Contribute actively in meetings and organizational discussions.

Candidate Requirements

• Proven experience in delivering high-quality, evidence-based, goal-oriented therapy in early intervention or pediatric allied health contexts.
• Understanding and application of individualised service principles, adapting approaches to meet client-specific needs.
• Experience engaging effectively with diverse children, families, and external stakeholders.
• Strong clinical expertise with substantial relevant discipline experience.
• Demonstrated capacity in mentoring, supervising, or supporting peers including graduates and students.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and time management abilities.
• Exceptional skills in observation and report writing.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Relevant qualification in Occupational Therapy with registration through AHPRA.
• Compliance with necessary checks and certifications such as NDIS Worker Screening, driver's license, Working with Children or Vulnerable People check, national police check, and accredited first aid certificate.

Employee Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements including hours and compressed work weeks.
• Up to twelve weeks of annual leave plus sixteen weeks of paid primary carer leave.
• Comprehensive wellbeing support programs available for employees and their families.
• Competitive salary complemented by a bonus program.
• Financial support for professional registration and memberships.
• Relocation reimbursement up to $5,000 when applicable.
• Administrative assistance to focus on clinical duties.
• Opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration and shared success.
• Education and professional development allowances and paid leave.
• Structured mentoring, leadership training, and potential Fly-In Fly-Out roles supporting remote communities.
• Pathways within the wider APM Group for career advancement locally and internationally.