Position overview

Key Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Under limited direction from the Occupational Therapy Manager and supervision from the occupational therapists within the team, the Allied Health Assistant contributes to positive client outcomes by delivering high‑quality, evidence‑based occupational therapy services in community settings as part of an interdisciplinary team.

1. Deliver and monitor treatment programs for individuals and groups under indirect or remote supervision, providing timely verbal feedback to treating therapists and maintaining accurate, legally compliant clinical documentation.
2. Provide safe and effective client assistance for moderately complex tasks, applying problem‑solving skills, recognising situations requiring escalation to an Allied Health Professional, and recommending appropriate interventions or referrals.
3. Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, demonstrating the full scope of the Allied Health Assistant role at an advanced level, with sound application of Occupational Therapy principles and practices.
4. Effectively prioritise and manage workload in line with delegated priorities, proactively manage identified risks, and seek guidance when new or complex issues arise before proceeding.
5. Prepare, supply, and screen equipment and appliances for client use under direction from Allied Health Professionals, ensuring suitability and safety.
6. Maintain accurate health records in accordance with CHS policies, procedures, and the Territory Records Act 2002.
7. Support workforce development by assisting with supervision of students, trainees, and AHA staff; contributing to orientation and training; and promoting understanding of the AHA role within the team.
8. Contribute to indirect clinical and service activities, including:
   • Development of client resources
   • Cleaning and maintenance of equipment
   • Monitoring stock and equipment inventories
   • Participation in quality improvement and service development
   • Completion of departmental administrative tasks
9. Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.

Competencies

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the following.

• Strong organisational skills with a drive for excellence.
• Friendly, warm, and caring.
• Adaptable and flexible to adjust to change and provide responsive services to meet patients’ needs.
• Ability to work with others in a team.
• Confidence with using computers and telephones.

Qualifications

Essential

• Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Occupational Therapy) or recognised equivalent,
• Current unrestricted driver’s license
• Current Working with Vulnerable People Registration (ACT)

Desirable

• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.

Experience

Essential

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience working professionally in a related/relevant organisation/service

Desirable

• Experience working as an AHA within a community setting.
• Experience working with older, frail and vulnerable populations an advantage.
• Experience or knowledge of the CHS Exceptional Care Framework, and all other related frameworks.

Prior to commencement

Appointment to this position is conditional on being granted and retaining appropriate clearances:

• Pre-employment National Police Check.
• Current registration issued under the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 is required.
• Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.
• Comply with CHS credentialing and scope of clinical practice requirements for allied health professionals.

Important information

All employees are required to:

• Adhere to the Canberra Health Services Values and the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct.
• Act in accordance and comply with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures.
• Comply with all relevant clinical and/or competency standards.

CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates, and contingencies.

What you Require (Key Selection Criteria)

These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé and experience and must be addressed in your application:

1. Demonstrated knowledge of the Occupational Therapy Assistant role and scope of practice within community care settings, including an understanding of professional boundaries, delegation, risk management, and person‑centred care principles.
2. Proven ability to support Occupational Therapists in the delivery of treatment programs, and to independently implement delegated interventions under supervision, applying clinical judgement, problem‑solving skills, and adherence to care plans in a community context.
3. Highly developed verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively and respectfully with patients, carers, families, and multidisciplinary team members, including the provision of accurate clinical feedback and documentation.
4. Demonstrated administrative and organisational capability, including effective management of therapy equipment and stores, accurate record‑keeping, and competent use of computer systems and databases to support clinical services.
5. Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, work, health and safety (WH&S) and the positive patient experience. Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful and kind.

Work environment description

The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.