This role is based in Geelong as part of our highly regarded service delivery team. We are seeking a skilled Occupational Therapist, who is interested in supporting the establishment of the HCS therapy team, and contributing to the expansion our existing coordination services.

The Occupational therapist will be responsible for efficient, evidence-based clinical service delivery to a caseload of clients living with multiple and complex needs. This role will also include contribution and involvement with the existing Coordination Service Delivery team, through the expanding services HCS provides. The role is community based with occupational therapy services to be delivered either at the HCS site, in the client’s home or other relevant locations with the aim of supporting each individual client to achieve their goals and gain greater independence.

The occupational therapist will work as part of a growing team and be required to work both collaboratively with the existing team, and at times autonomously at a self-directed pace.

About You

You're an Occupational Therapist passionate about supporting people living with multiple and complex needs. You might be re-joining the workforce or wanting to dial-back the time you spend at work. You might be just looking for a new role, or an opportunity to play a more significant role in a small organisation. You might have experience in the development of programs from prior roles, or you might be keen to learn more about establishing and improving services. You might want to challenge yourself, and take an opportunity that you've been thinking about for a while. You are keen to work hard, and utilise your skills and training, but also want to switch-off at the end of a day, knowing you've had an impact in the lives of the people you work with.

What to expect

• An opportunity to join a small, specialised team that collaborates in order to achieve the best outcomes
• A chance to work alongside people living with complex needs to support their independence and autonomy
• A workplace that encourages development and improvement, both personally and professionally

The Role

Clinical Duties

• Provide evidence based, person centred assessment, clinical management and intervention to people living with a cognitive or psycho-social disability in line with each individuals’ goals
• Provide ADL (activity of daily living) and functional capacity assessments within the client’s home or other natural settings and provide recommendation and intervention to ensure the client reaches a greater level of independence
• Manage a caseload of clients who may present with increasing complexity, multiple needs and functional limitations across multiple areas of their life

• Utilise a strengths-based, client centred approach to support a client to identify their goals
• Engage in, and collaborate with a dynamic and evolving team focused on supporting high quality outcomes, while meeting clinical targets set for the therapy team

• Provide information and skills training to clients, their carers/family and support workers from other agencies as needed in order to achieve the individual’s goals
• Liaise with, and provide therapy and progress reports to relevant funding bodies, other stakeholders, external organisations and other referrers as required

General Duties

• Contribute to the maintenance of registers, reporting systems and client records ensuring the need to adhere to matters of confidentiality and diversity within a sensitive environment.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of your work activities in accordance with legislative requirements and HCS’s records, information security and privacy policies and requirements.
• Take reasonable care for your own health and safety and for that of others in the workplace by working in accordance with legislative requirements and the department's occupational health and safety (OHS) policies and procedures.
• Ensure services are delivered within the framework of HCS’s policies and procedures, legislative requirements, and meet the relevant service standards.

• Ensure that program development and service delivery reflect the cultural and social diversity of the local community
• Participate in professional development opportunities to support continuous learning relevant to position
• Participate in both peer and clinical supervision to ensure services respond to need and best practice principles
• Work with the Director and Senior Practitioner to enhance continuous improvement within the organisation, and strengthen HCS service delivery processes
• Contribute to coordination service delivery, through collaboration with the exisiting HCS team, and coordination service provision individually
• Participate in annual performance appraisal

Other Duties

• Maintain and enhance professional knowledge and technical skills by keeping up to date with new developments and relevant trends
• Undertake any reasonable additional tasks as directed by HCS Director
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, funding guidelines, service standards and contractual obligations

Essential Requirements

• Tertiary qualification in Occupational Therapy
• Demonstrated experience in person-centred care through effective assessment, planning, case conferencing and review of clients
• A commitment to HCS Values, and ability to engage in the enhancement of HCS culture and strategic plan
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills
• Current Driver’s License
• Working with Children Check (WWCC)
• NDIS Worker Screening Check
• Current AHPRA registration
• International Police Check (If Applicable)

Desirable

• Prior experience in working with people who live with Multiple and Complex Needs
• Interest in working in a start-up environment, and being comfortable with a changing and dynamic environment
• Experience in project work, or contribution to the development of service delivery programs

HCS Training, Operations and Supervision Arrangements

• HCS Induction and Training – 2 Weeks
• Monthly Operational Supervision
• Quarterly Clinical Supervision
• 12 Month performance and pay scale review
• Ongoing professional development opportunities

The Occupational Therapist position at HCS is newly established and will be focused on support provision as well as supporting leadership with establishing the therapy team at HCS. All employment types will be considered for this position including, but not limited to; Part-Time and Casual Employment. All requests for flexible work arrangements will be considered.

Huddle Community Services is committed to cultivating inclusive environments for staff, clients and carers. We celebrate, value and include people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures, bodies and abilities. HCS is committed to flexible arrangements in order to provide employment for individuals who may find traditional employment arrangements challenging - we believe this fosters a positive and sustainable work environment.

A position description is attached.