AddressAn ideal position for an experienced therapist who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. New graduates will be considered with mentoring support offered. This role is suited to someone who is passionate about contributing to the lives of others and making a difference. YSDS provides unique opportunities to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and learn from one another. The Allied Health and Wellbeing team at YSDS consists of professionals including Speech Pathology, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Behaviour Analyst, Mental Health Practitioners and an Allied Health Assistant.
Yarraville SDS is a small school that caters for students aged from 5 to 18 years old with a diagnosis of moderate to severe intellectual disability and associated differences. It has a current enrolment of 95 students. Keeping the students in the centre, our dedicated staff members support our students to learn in ways that provide a basis for continued learning as they grow into safe, respectable and responsible citizens. At Yarraville SDS we are committed to providing a learning environment that values the ability and individuality of each student, ensuring all of our students have the opportunity to flourish and have every success in their learning. Our school provides a safe, stimulating and flexible learning environment promoting our school vision ‘Excellence in Learning’.
This position involves working with children who have moderate to severe intellectual disabilities and / or multiple disabilities and who require an intensive level of care in a therapy team environment.
The Occupational Therapy position at Yarraville SDS will be one of assessing students:implementing and evaluating programs related to Occupational Therapy.
• Conduct assessments and observations of students in areas such as; sensory integration and regulation, play, life skills and fine motor skills
• Increase students’ daily independence with life skills and support with meal time and personal care, equipment set-up and skill development
• Design and implement programmes according to students’ individual needs (in consultation with other staff, parents/carers, as appropriate)
• Document, record and accurately report on student involvement, evaluate progress and make recommendations for future programming.
• Liaise with professionals, families, carers and private therapists.
• Provide professional development/information sessions (e.g. Sensory Integration) for parents and staff.
• Attend meetings e.g. Staff, Education and Therapy Team meetings.
• Assist with management of the Occupational Therapy resources.
Applications should address the Selection Criteria
1. Demonstrated knowledge of appropriate evidence-based assessment tools and intervention options relevant to students with a moderate to severe intellectual disability, autism and/or physical disabilities.
2. Demonstrated exemplary communication and interpersonal skills when working with students, families, colleagues and other professionals.
3. Demonstrated capacity and willingness to work in an educational framework as part of a transdisciplinary team.
4. Demonstrated ability to assist students with their awareness of their sensory needs and development of skills for self regulation.
