Occupational Therapist

We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic Occupational Therapist to join our dedicated and growing team, joined by a common goal to make a difference in the lives of young autistic children. 

We are deeply committed to enhancing the quality of life of each child and passionate about supporting them to achieve their family centred goals. You will provide specialist and quality early years support to children on the autism spectrum in a group setting, along with providing education and support to early childhood educators and families. A permanent full time (requiring some renumerated travel to other sites) or permanent part time position is available to meet the needs of the right applicant. 

About Ashton’s Place & Autism Connect Early (ACE)

The Autism Connect Early (ACE) Programme offers Early Childhood Support to Autistic children who are experiencing developmental delay. The ACE programme has been developed by Ashton’s Place, a not for profit organisation that aims to provide early childhood support to children within their naturalistic childcare and kindergarten environment. 

The ACE Programme is a transdisciplinary early intervention program within a long daycare centre for autistic children aged 3-6.  Running alongside the Kindergarten Programme, the ACE Programme follows an autism specific curriculum in a 1:2 -1:4 teacher/therapist - student ratio.  The programme aims to promote skill development via social connection and relationships, naturalistic engagement, meaningful participation and individualised support plans.   

The ACE Programme is currently offered at 5 locations, with another site opening soon. The advertised position is for a role based at our newly opened programme at Ashtons Place Immersive Learners, Currumbin Valley.  

To succeed in this role, you will:

• Be a caring, passionate, and empathetic person, focused on developing your practice, expertise and
• experience working with children on the autism spectrum.
• Demonstrate flexibility, creativity, and the ability to work within a team delivering individual and group interventions.
• Comprehensively observe and assess within your discipline and interpret findings to formulate goals, collaborate with key stakeholders regarding strategies to achieve them, and deliver face to face therapy.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with families and educators to ensure their participation in goal setting, planning, decision making and outcome measurement; and to develop their capacity to provide supports.
• Contribute to the assessment and monitoring of skill acquisition, documentation of programme and therapy participation and NDIS reporting as required. 
• Provide direct and indirect therapy interventions.
• Work closely with key stakeholders providing information, education, and support.
• Invest in your ongoing professional development.
• Contribute to research on best practice intervention for children with Autism. 
• Be willing to travel between programme locations if required. 

Essential Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor or Master of Occupational Therapy and registration with AHPRA.
• Blue Card or a willingness to obtain.
• First Aid and CPR training or willingness to obtain.
• The right to live and work in Australia long term with no restrictions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Commitment to the provision of quality services to children with Autism.
• Confidence in building strong relationships and partnerships with children and families.
• Confidence in working independently.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working with children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Experience working with young children.
• Experience working in collaboration with early childhood educators.

How we Support you

• When you join Ashton’s Place, we want you to bring your whole self to work and we value
• your unique contribution.
• Generous salary package with possible loadings, salary packaging, tax incentives, professional development allowance, and reduced childcare fees.
• Flexible working conditions.
• Ongoing professional development and regular support and supervision from senior therapists.
• State of the art facilities and hand-picked resources in beautiful surroundings.
• You will be part of a purpose and values driven team focused on exemplary care of
• our children.

For more information

Please contact ACE Programme Coordinator, Liz Barclay 0427 354 ***.

How to Apply

Click the “Apply Now” button to begin your application or please send your CV and cover letter to ***@ashtonsplace.com.au.