Occupational Therapist - Special School

SC1. Ability to deliver assessment, intervention, and education as an Occupational Therapist in a special developmental school, using evidence-based strategies to support regulation, play, transport, fine motor skills, manual handling, use of adaptive technology, executive function, and personal, domestic and community daily living skills. 

SC2. Understanding of and commitment to supporting students with intellectual disabilities and co-occurring diagnoses to engage in school activities.

SC3. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with students, families, staff, and external professionals.

SC4. Ability to work within a trans-disciplinary team and deliver professional learning and resources to build staff capacity in Occupational Therapy practices.

SC5. Knowledge of adaptive and transport equipment and strategies to support participation, with a commitment to ongoing professional development and reflective practice. 

SC6. Demonstrated ability to complete high-quality Occupational Therapy reports and assessments that inform goal setting and intervention planning.

• Design and implement programs in collaboration with teachers, parents / carers, according to students' individual needs and based on developmental level and age appropriateness. 

• Document, record, and accurately report on student involvement, evaluate progress and make recommendations for future programming. 

• Provide information about assistive technology and physical barriers within the school environment as required by staff, parents / carers. 

• Attend meetings e.g. staff, therapy and case conferences. 

• Manage and maintain Occupational Therapy resources

• Supporting student safe access to the contract and school buses through assessment, reports and plans.

1. Effective assessment monitoring and reporting of students' individual needs 

2. Implement therapeutic programs through individual, small group or whole class settings. 

3. Provide support to students' families or carers through direct and indirect means eg. meetings and developing / providing resources. 

4. Effective organisation management and promotion of teamwork 

5. Effective communication skills. Evidence of professionally sensitive communication with parents / carers and students

6. Supervision of Allied Health Assistants and Occupational Therapy students.

The Occupational Therapy role at Hamlyn Views School will include responsibility and accountability for the delivery of professional support services aligned with providing advice and support to staff in relation to sensory needs awareness and enhanced fine and gross motor skill development. The individual in the role will seek to gain cooperation of other staff members or members of the school community to achieve specific objectives, operations and/or educational programs in order to improve student outcomes.  In liaison with the leadership team, the person in the position will have some degree of latitude in determining how specific targets and goals are achieved. This latitude will generally be limited by standard procedures and school policy.  Deviation from standard procedures and school policy will require guidance and direction from senior management.

Professional learning and advice to staff, in order to achieve the expected outcomes, is a key responsibility.  Senior management will be provided with timely advice, although this will generally be confined to matters relating to the immediate work area, service provision or educational program and is unlikely to impact substantially on whole of school operations.  Professional support and guidance will be close at hand and deviation from standard procedures and school policy will require guidance and direction from senior management. The individual will be supported within an Allied Health team and by Leadership.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor or postgraduate qualification in Occupational Therapy.

• Current AHPRA registration.

• Current Working With Children Check (Employee).

Demonstrated counselling experience within a youth, education or wellbeing context.

The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, 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 safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines).

Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via *******@education.vic.gov.au

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.

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. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the department's exemplar available at:

 https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy

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. Information on the department values is available at:

 https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview

• Responses to Selection Criteria should be limited to no more than one page per criteria.

• The name and contact details, including mobile phone numbers and email addresses, of three referees should be included with the application.

• Candidates will be informed if other referees other than those nominated are to be contacted as per DET policy.

• A school tour can be arranged.  Further information about the role is available by contacting the Principal

This vacancy is to replace an employee on parental absence and is for a period of seven years or until the employee absent on leave returns to duty at the school.

Hamlyn Views School is a Special Developmental School for students from Foundation to Year 12, located in Hamlyn Heights, Geelong. Our students have a diagnosed moderate to severe intellectual disability, with many also presenting with additional needs, including a significant proportion on the autism spectrum.

At Hamlyn Views, students are at the centre of everything we do. We provide a safe, inclusive and flexible learning environment that recognises each student¿s strengths, abilities and individuality, and supports them to engage, grow and succeed.

Our teachers, education support staff and allied health professionals work collaboratively to deliver high-quality, evidence-informed teaching and learning programs that promote independence, wellbeing and meaningful life skills. We hold high expectations for all learners and design learning experiences that enable students to reach their full potential and participate actively in their community.

Our vision is to be an outstanding provider of inclusive education that promotes individuality, fosters innovation and sets high expectations for all. Our core values of Learning, Safety and Respect underpin everything we do and align with our School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support approach.

Hamlyn Views School is committed to Respectful Relationships, Safe Schools and maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse, racism and discrimination. We actively foster a culture of inclusion, diversity, gender equality and safety for students, staff and families.