Occupational Therapist

• Multiple position available 
• Full time & part time hours 
• Fixed term until 30 December 2026

Bendigo Community Health Services is seeking a suitably experienced Occupational Therapist to work in our child-focused, multi-disciplinary team as part of the School Readiness Funding initiative. 

This is an exciting initiative that provides kindergartens with access to quality programs and supports to help children get the most out of their early learning. Through the School Readiness Funding kindergartens with large numbers of educationally disadvantaged children enrolled receive more allied health support. 

Bendigo Community Health Services has cared for the health and wellbeing of the Bendigo community for 50 years. As an organisation we employ more than 200 people across a broad range of services, you will find working at Bendigo Community Health Services both challenging and rewarding. 

The success of BCHS starts with our staff, who have a high level of professionalism and dedication allowing BCHS to deliver quality services for the community with a particular focus on the vulnerable and disadvantaged. 

Added benefits of working with BCHS include:

• Salary packaging
• Flexible working conditions
• Purchasing leave 
• Study assistance
• Training programs 
• Novated leasing   

This is an exciting opportunity for you to work with kindergarten educators and families in kindergarten communities to build their capacity to support young children’s learning in the key areas of communication (language development) wellbeing (social and emotional) and access and inclusion. You will enhance the professional and parenting practices of educators and families, using evidence-based practices to benefit all children they work with or care for.  

Key Selection Criteria 

Essential

1. A graduate or post-graduate degree in Occupational Therapy. 
2. Current Registration with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). 
3. Experience working in Paediatric Allied Health. 
4. Experience working in a capability building and coaching role with educators and families to promote skills and knowledge in child development. 
5. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team to develop and implement evidence-based programs that meet the goals and desired outcomes for children, families and educators. 
6. Highly developed communication, networking and interpersonal skills to liaise with a range of people in the education and community health community, and beyond.  
7. Understanding of the impact that the priority areas of communication (language development) wellbeing (social and emotional) and access/inclusion have on children’s achievement, wellbeing, and engagement and how to measure impact of service. 
8. Ability and interest to work within the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF). Training on the VEYLDF will be provided to successful applicants.  
9. Sound knowledge of the protective factors and contributors in relation to health inequality and vulnerability. 
10. Sound written and verbal communication skills, as demonstrated by preparation of timely, accurate and well-organised documents and understanding of privacy legislation and confidentiality requirements. 
11. Competent level IT skills and the use of computers for word processing, email and internet. 
12. Demonstrated understanding of diversity and inclusiveness as a human rights issue. 
13. Current Driver’s Licence.  
14. A current Police check, Working with Children Check.  

Desirable

1. Experience working in a kindergarten setting. 
2. Demonstrated experience of practice and experience in working with children with complex developmental needs. 
3. Experience in working with electronic client management systems. 
4. Ability to provide vaccination information that meets the requirements for healthcare workers. 

Probity requirements

• A current Driver’s License. 
• A Police Check (paid for by BCHS)
• Current Working with Children Check 

For further information about the position contact Terrie Killen on 0408 540 *** or for the full Position Description go to Current jobs - Bendigo Community Health Service www.bchs.com.au/careers/current-jobs

Applications addressing the Key Selection Criteria (found in the position description)should be emailed to ***********@bchs.com.au by 4pm Monday, 4 March 2024.

Bendigo Community Health Services encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. 

Applications will be acknowledged upon receipt.  Applicants are requested to contact Human Resources on telephone 5406 1312 if an automatic acknowledgement has not been received.