About Us

The Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO) is a vibrant, values driven NFP, focused on partnering with Government and the community to co-design services that create real social change. We are an organisation with a bold vision to create a safe and inclusive community where prison truly is the last resort. Our purpose is to strengthen the wellbeing of our communities by advocating for and delivering services which divert people away from the justice system.

The Australian Community Support Organisation recognises the right to a safe and inclusive service without bias. ACSO is committed to the equitable treatment of its participants, employees and partners. We believe in humanity and celebrating the diverse voices of our community through leadership, practice and policy design, to honour and embrace diverse traditions, cultures and experiences of those we support and work alongside.

About the role

As an Occupational Therapist at ACSO you will be conducting evidence-based assessments with regards to clients with multiple and complex needs, specifically with intellectual disabilities, mental health disorders and offending behaviour backgrounds or behaviours of concern. This role will have an important impact on increasing both client and employees understanding of client's needs, capacity for change and how to intervene and support accordingly. This will include assessing client's baseline of need, developing goals for attainment and developing plans for transition.

This role will also be involved in the development and delivery of training across the organisation and to external providers. This role forms part of a highly cohesive and multidisciplined team of Behaviour Support Practitioners and Psychologists and works closely with our clients and colleague's in Specialist Forensic Disability Accommodation. The role also presents an exciting opportunity to work with our strategy team to shape and expand our service delivery into the NDIS.

What we're looking for

• Approved degree in Occupational Therapy recognised for membership of OT Australia - Australian Association of Occupational Therapists.
• Current registration with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency)
• Demonstrate experience and expertise in applying evidence-based tools and assessments that are relevant to the field of Occupational Therapy.
• Demonstrated experience and relevant knowledge of complex client groups, including adults with complex presentations such as intellectual disability, mental health, offending behaviour (including sexualised offending), dual disability, substance use and those considered at risk of contact with the justice system.
• Understanding of the NDIS
• Experience in the use of functional behaviour assessments, sensory assessments, adaptive behaviour and daily living skills assessments.
• Experience creating and/or facilitating skills-based group programs.
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to provide sound clinical advice, training, and consultancy services.
• Ability to work effectively both autonomously and as part of a team under the direction of a supervisor.
• Willingness and ability to travel

What ACSO can offer you

• Full time permanent position available (FTE negotiable for the right candidate)
• Flexible work location! Work from home and from any of our hubs located across Victoria
• $89,000+ base salary, including 10 % superannuation + NFP salary packaging options (pay less tax and more $ in your pocket!)
• Paid parental leave (14 weeks)
• 5% annual leave loading
• Learning and development opportunities- dedicated training budget towards your PD goals, PLUS clinical supervision, group supervision with an industry specialist in Forensic Psychology, case reviews, dedicated in house training suite in complex presentations, risk assessment and management, compulsory treatment, ASSIST, Trauma informed practice, personality disorders to name a few.
• Career progression opportunities- Leadership development programs and coaching, supervision training and opportunities to develop as a supervisor.
• Wellbeing initiatives such as free flu vaccines, Employee Assistance Program and Reward and Recognition Program, $200 wellbeing vouchers, extra $350 towards your PD. Our staff matter!
• Access to fleet vehicles for client related travel
• Phone, laptop, and provisions to help you set up at home
• Flexible working arrangements (i.e. work the hours that suit your lifestyle/ compressed hours/ ADOs)
• Dedicated inclusion and diversity initiatives to support employees from all backgrounds and dispositions, including specialised leave for cultural ceremonies or medical procedures related to gender transition.
• Most importantly, a cohesive, supportive team culture that really values integrity, fun and inclusion.

ACSO is committed to maintaining a working environment that is safe and minimises risk to the health and wellbeing of all employees, clients, contractors, volunteers and representatives. ACSO's new employees will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. All ACSO preferred candidates are required to provide proof of their vaccination status, prior to offers of employment being made.

Please note, as ACSO is an NDIS provider, the successful candidate must hold an NDIS Worker Screening Check Clearance before they commence employment in this position.

To apply and view the position description (PD), please visit our careers website and provide a copy of your resume, a brief covering letter and a document outlining responses to the selection criteria found in the PD.

Please contact Lauren Carter, Senior Manager - Clinical Services, on 0428 399 898 for more information about this position.

ACSO proudly acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia's first peoples and pay respect to their rich culture, lores, customs and elders past and present. We strongly embrace the spirit of reconciliation and continue working towards ensuring an equal voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, particularly those who have been touched by the justice system.

The Australian Community Support Organisation embraces diversity within its workforce and encourages applications from appropriately qualified and skilled people regardless of their background. All suitable applicants for this role will be considered regardless of age, ability, race, gender expression, sex, cultural background, spiritual beliefs or lived experience.