Occupational Therapist (Ot) - In-Home Care

Role Overview:

This is an exciting opportunity to join UnitingSA’s Community Aged Care team as the Occupational Therapist (OT) on a full-time basis. Reporting to the Program Manager, The Occupational Therapist works as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team in engaging with clients in a community aged care setting (usually the consumers’ home) to develop, implement and evaluate individualised occupational therapy assessments and plans. The role will provide direction and guidance to the members of the team in the safe and effective delivery of recommendations based on assessed needs of consumers.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake OT assessments, develop treatment plans and evaluate effectiveness of interventions.
• Consult with the client/family, multidisciplinary team and other key stake holders.
• Develop treatment plans and formulate a succinct range of recommendations.
• Educate consumers and their families regarding preventive and control measures, in a way that meets their communication style, needs and level of understanding.
• Deliver evidence based clinical interventions when undertaking complex and thorough assessments with diverse consumer groups.
• Assess for community home modifications and complete diagrams to scale for modifications i.e. ramps, rails, bathroom modification and specifications.
• Utilise a consumer focussed approach to care and service delivery.
• Keep client up to date with progress of delivery of equipment / installation of modifications.
• Practice excellent time and resource management.
• Identify, report and escalate incidents and risks immediately.
• Develop, document and maintain registers, case notes and multidisciplinary clinical handover documents.
• Develop relevant clinical reports.
• Undertake personal care safety assessments and assist with developing care plans, alongside Coordinators and Multidisciplinary Team.
• Complete referrals to other health care professionals in a timely manner.

Skills & Experience:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience working in a community aged care setting.
• Experience in conducting various community specific assessments: shower assessment, kitchen assessment, car and seating transfers, community equipment assessment i.e. sit to stand recliner, 4WW, wheelchair etc.
• Extensive experience undertaking complex and thorough assessments with diverse consumer groups.
• Experience identifying and successfully addressing individual, structural and environmental risks.
• Prior experience developing individualised treatment plans and succinct recommendations, providing a range of options (from gold standard to basic safety).
• Ability to deliver complex, evidenced based, OT interventions in community setting.
• Knowledge of Aged Care Quality Standards.
• Ability to communicate sensitively, openly and effectively with consumers, their families/carers, key stakeholders, and other staff.
• Able to prioritise work according to urgency and identified risks.
• Knowledge of the Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics.

What we offer:

• Salary packaging (which can add up to $15,900 in tax-free pay per year)
• A competitive salary in accordance with experience
• A strong commitment to your professional and personal development
• A comprehensive Employee Assistance Program
• Other perks, including discounted health insurance

For a confidential discussion, please contact Mel Fowler, Senior Manager Community Aged Care on 08 8448 6***.

At UnitingSA, we’re all about respect, compassion and justice, and empowering South Australians to overcome life’s challenges. Established in 1919, today our team of more than 1,000 employees and volunteers deliver critical housing, aged care and community services to more than 12,000 South Australians in need every year.

Every aspect of what we do is unified by determination, a respect for everyone’s unique worth and a passion for empowering people. Explore our vision and values: https://unitingsa.com.au/about-us/

We aim to increase the diversity of our workforce to better meet the differing needs of our clients and to improve equal employment opportunity for our employees. We encourage applications from all members of the community, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and mature aged people. To view our Reconciliation Action Plan please visit: https://unitingsa.com.au/rap/.

If you are inspired to make a positive difference and would like to be considered for this opportunity please apply now.  Applications close Monday 19th February 2024.

UnitingSA reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

Our application process is mobile friendly.