About the role

Working as part of our NDIS project team, you will have the unique opportunity to deliver therapeutic occupational therapy services to people with a disability who are experiencing, or at risk, of homelessness. In this distinct and challenging role. You will focus on meeting the immediate unmet disability needs of people that are homeless who often experience disproportionate barriers to accessing the NDIS and other related supports and services.

In addition, you will work with clients whose disability impacts their ability to achieve their independent living goals, access services and/or be included in their communities. Whilst facilitating clients to meet their short term therapeutic goals, you will seek to connect clients with long term disability supports to assist them to continue to build their individual capacities beyond their experience of homelessness.

This position is a full time position (however we can consider part time at 0.8FTE) and is a fixed term contract until 30 June 2022.

What you’ll be doing

• Deliver flexible, responsive, and person-centred OT services to support clients to meet their independent living goals, connect to supports and services, and be included within their communities.
• Complete a range of assessments and therapeutic interventions with clients who have may have diverse or complex needs and support them to live safely and independently in the community.
• Provide holistic therapy services to clients in their home and community environments, and/or in group settings on-site at Hutt St Centre or surrounding community as required
• Work collaborative with other Hutt Street Centre programs and staff, Government agencies, and community organisations that deliver health and social services, to ensure therapy plans and service outcomes effectively meet client needs.­­
• Advocate for the rights of people with disabilities and people experiencing homelessness using an occupational lens.
• Work under reduced clinical supervision, and proactively draw on the support of experienced peers of diverse professional backgrounds and managers when required. The Project Officer will support the OT to access appropriate clinical/Occupational Therapy supervision to support personal and professional development.
• Take responsibility for developing skills and knowledge about disability and homelessness for a vulnerable and diverse client group; and the application of occupational therapy within the homelessness sector.

About You

You will have demonstrated experience working within a multidisciplinary team, and can show your previous experience successfully collaborating with external stakeholders to advocate for the best outcome for clients, for example with community mental health, hospital inpatient, NDIS providers etc.

Your ability to adapt practice to meet the diverse/fluctuating needs of clients, and to provide culturally responsive and client-centred care to vulnerable adults, including those from Aboriginal and CALD backgrounds, is essential. You must be willing to contribute to our welcoming and caring team environment, and will enjoy working autonomously to meet deadlines. You initiative and flexibility in response to changing priorities will make you a success in this role!

Communication skills are paramount as you will communicate a diverse range of stakeholders (both verbally and written) and will need to understand how to adapt your communication style to accommodate the needs of the audience.

Tertiary qualifications in Occupational Therapy, along with full, unrestricted registration with AHPRA are essential.

You will need to have, or be willing to undertake a satisfactory National Police Clearance, a DHS Working with Children Clearance and a DHS Disability clearance. You will also require a current driver’s license.

What we can offer

• Passionate caring team who are united in our purpose to end homelessness

• A Ferris Bueller Day Off! (Additional leave day)
• A focus on employee and volunteer wellbeing
• Access to full salary packaging options which can increase your take home pay

For further information please contact Paige Flavel, HR Coordinator or Nadia Di Girolamo, Project Officer, NDIS Project on 8418 2500. To apply click the ‘apply now button”.

A position description is attached.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply.