Occupational Therapist

Connect Children and Families (Connect) is a not-for-profit organisation serving communities in the Blue Mountains, Lithgow, Hawkesbury and Western Sydney.

Together we support children's and families' learning, safety and wellbeing.

We do this through supporting families to access services that respond to their needs, creating pathways both across our services, and to other community agencies that can support them.

Our services are available to children and families in their home, in early childhood education centres and pre-schools, in community spaces and schools and other family-centred services.

We understand the importance of a child's developmental journey, transitions to school, home routines, and community participation. That's why we work closely with families to provide the support they need. As an NDIS provider, we offer a range of services, including allied health support, family programs, and early childhood education.

Our people are integral to our success in unlocking innovative pathways to other community agencies and supporting families in accessing services tailored to their needs. Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of children, families, and the community we serve.

Your next opportunity

We are looking for a motivated and self-driven Occupational Therapist to join our supportive multidisciplinary team in the Penrith Lower Mountains area, to liaise with children and families, conducting up to 4 client visits daily. You will often travel and commute to various schools, childcare centres and preschools in your car, with travel reimbursed.

As you develop tailored support treatment plans, you will enhance children’s quality of life, social interactions, academic performance, and overall well-being. Working collaboratively with families, you will help children reach their full potential and achieve their goals.

Take control of your work-life balance by managing a roster of valued clients, allowing you to craft your schedule and work when it suits you. You can work from home when you are not out and about in the community or at one of our offices in Glenbrook and Hazelbrook, New South Wales.

Responsibilities include:

• Conduct 1-hour goal-focused client visits and communicate with clients aged 0 to 16 years old, as well as their parents

• Attend fortnightly staff meetings and perform administrative duties, including emails and phone calls

• Participate in planning and evaluation workshops and carry out NDIS work and integrated work within the organisation's programs.

Why you’ll be great in this role

With your Bachelor's Degree in Applied Science and registration with AHPRA, you will be well-equipped to make a real difference in the lives of children and families. We encourage all recent graduates passionate and committed to partnering with children and families.

With a passion for assisting others, you will have a profound comprehension of the physical, emotional, and social difficulties of those with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. You will demonstrate your ability to employ capacity-building methods to improve parents' and family members' skills to support a child's effective learning and development.

Furthermore, you will possess the following attributes:

• Motivated: wanting to make a difference in the lives of children and their families

• Confident and assertive: able to effectively diagnose and treat speech and language disorders, build trust with clients, and advocate for their needs.

• Proactive: able to anticipate challenges, address issues, continually improve, and provide effective and efficient care to clients.

• Autonomous: strong in independent decision-making and effective client care.

This role requires cleared NDIS Worker Screening, Working with Children Check and Police Check

Benefits of working with Connect

Our values and philosophy are at the heart of everything we do. We tune in, connect and are kind. We strive for social justice, walk together and celebrate every child. We're looking to build a team of professionals who are committed to a world where children and families thrive in safe and connected communities.

As a well-established community organisation, we have a strong commitment to providing the best possible care and service to children and families and this is reflected in organisation’s culture. You will be welcomed as part of a strong and collaborative team of people who are working together to make real positive change in the local community.

You will enjoy an attractive salary package in line with your experience level, starting from $83,000 up to $120,000 (FTE, inclusive of Super). Other benefits include:

• Flexible work options can be negotiated

• Extra wellbeing leave days each year

• Reduced tax on up to $15,900 of your salary with salary-packaging options to pay your everyday expenses, plus $2,650 on entertainment benefits

• Professional learning and development opportunities

• Employee Assistance Program

Connect is a ChildSafe organisation.

Connect is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.