Speech Pathologist Or Occupational Therapist - School Readiness Program

MDHS services the Central Goldfields and Pyrenees Shire with campuses in Avoca, Dunolly and Maryborough. The strong clinical and social links between the three campuses ensure that the community is cared for by qualified staff who are committed to high standards of person-centred care. MDHS is one of the largest employers in the region, providing the perfect setting to become part of our team and community.

Speech Pathologist or Occupational Therapist – School Readiness Program

Part Time – 32 hours per fortnight

Fixed Term - February 2024 until 20th December 2026

Classification: Speech Pathologist or Occupational Therapist Grade 3

Award: Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Health Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2021 – 2026

An exciting opportunity exists for a suitably qualified & experienced Speech Pathologist or Occupational Therapist to join our team at Maryborough District Health Service working with local kindergartens to build capacity of staff and families to support School Readiness.

This role is designed to work in our child-focussed, multi-disciplinary team as part of the School Readiness Funding initiative. This is an exciting new initiative that will provide kindergartens with access to quality programs and supports to help children get the most out of their early learning. Kindergartens within the community will receive School Readiness Funding from 2021 through until 2026, with access to allied health being one of a number of supports available to kindergartens. Through the funding kindergartens with large numbers of educationally disadvantaged children enrolled will receive more allied health support. Support networks available within the program. Additional clinical hours may be negotiated. Government grants of up to $15,000 availiable for new graduates applying for the position.Apply now!

We are looking for someone with the following qualities:

• Embrace and promote the values of MDHS – Genuine, Respect, Excellence, Accountability & Togetherness
• Recognised degree in Speech Pathology or Occupational Therapy
• Paediatric allied health experience essential
• Eligibility for practicing membership with relevant governing body
• Ability to cooperate well with others in pursuit of team goals
• Strong level of verbal and written communication skills
• Basic Life Support Certificate

What's in it for you?

• Great Working Environment – Join a group of motivated health care professionals with a Fixed Term contract. Opportunity to join the Social Club, offering a wide range of social events and local retail discounts.
• Fantastic Earning Potential – Generous Base Salary under the Allied Health Professionals EBA with Salary Packaging available.
• Supportive Culture with Continuous Improvement Opportunities – Culture that promotes and embraces the organisational values of GREAT (Genuine, Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Togetherness) and encourages and supports employees to engage in professional development with access to the Centre of Inspired Learning and Simulation Lab.

Qualifications / Experience

Essential

• Bachelor of Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy or equivalent
• Eligibility for practising membership with relevant governing body
• Experience working in a capability building and coaching role with educators and families to promote skills and knowledge in child development
• Experience working in paediatric Speech Pathology or Occupational Therapy, with experience working in a kindergarten setting is an advantage

Technical/Professional Knowledge and skills

• 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.
• Highly developed communication, networking and interpersonal skills to liaise with a range of people in the education and community health community, and beyond.
• 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.
• Ability and interest to work within the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF). The VEYLDF can be found here: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/childhood/providers/edcare/veyldframework.pdf. Training on the VEYLDF will be provided to successful applicants.
• Speech pathologists will preferably have an awareness of/experience with leading child communication development initiatives in early years settings, such as Every Toddler Talking and Hanen programs including It Takes Two to Talk.

For further information, please contact Meagan O'Halloran via meagan.ohalloran@mdhs.vic.gov.au or on 5461 0407.

Applications for this position close on Sunday, 14th April, 2024.

Applications are to include:

- Covering Letter

- Resume

- Written response to the Key Selection Criteria, available in the Position Description on the position advertisement.

Applications are to be submitted by selecting the "Apply Now" button below.

MDHS is an equal opportunity employer. Appointments are subject to a satisfactory National Police Check and a Working with Children Check. NDIS Workers Screening will be required for workers identified as working within a risk assessed role.