Position overview

Occupational Therapists in Canberra Health services work collaboratively with individuals, families, carers and internal and external service providers to maximise the health, wellbeing and occupational engagement of Canberrans.

CHS Occupational Therapists provide exceptional care through the delivery of high quality Occupational Therapy assessment and a range of therapeutic interventions including harm prevention and minimisation strategies, therapy to promote recovery, rehabilitation and reablement, supporting safe and sustainable discharge to the community, and long-term occupational engagement and the maintenance of wellbeing.  Areas of work include The Canberra Hospital, University or Canberra Hospital, Duhlwa Mental Health Unit, consumers’ homes and a variety of community health centres and community mental health, justice health and alcohol and drugs services located at various sites within the ACT.

Our staff are committed to the delivery of health services that reflect CHS values.

Exciting opportunities exist for Occupational Therapist(s) to join Acute Occupational Therapy services in the Acute Allied Health Services team. The successful applicant(s) will be employed as a Health Professional Level 3. These positions are senior roles and are based within specific caseloads in acute ward areas to focus and enhance learning and experience and professional development They provide high levels of clinical supervision and support to occupational therapy staff.  They contribute to the knowledge of an experienced team of supervisors, clinical educators and occupational therapy leaders.

Key Responsibilities

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

1. Provide a high level of appropriate skilled clinical assessment and interventions across a number of clinical areas, including completing clinical and administrative data collection and evaluation to standard.
2. Exercise independent professional judgment in problem solving and managing cases where principles, procedures and techniques require expansion, adaptation or modification.  While implementing and be guided by evidence-based practice principles.
3. Establish strong relationships with carers and other service providers to facilitate effective service provision.
4. Promote a patient focus in the planning, development and evaluation of client programs and services as they relate to the department.
5. Monitor the development, evaluation and analysis of policies and procedures applicable to professional practice under the guidance of the department.
6. Identify opportunities for professional supervision and/or training to other staff and students and assist with the direction of the department in relation to its professional development requirements.
7. Create opportunities to liaise with external community agencies/groups to develop partnerships for service delivery activities identified in the business plan.
8. 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 clinical, communication and interpersonal skills
• Adaptability and flexibility to accommodate change and provide responsiveness to meet clients' needs.
• The ability to work respectfully in partnership with staff and stakeholders.

Qualifications

Essential

• Tertiary qualifications (or equivalent) in Occupational Therapy
• Be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
• Hold a current driver’s licence.

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
• Prior experience working in an acute hospital

Desirable

• Prior experience in the delivery of acute health services to adults and /or children, young people and families will be highly desirable.
• 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.
• 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.
• Be available for weekend, Public Holiday and/or after-hours work

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. Proven competence and evidence of skilled application of knowledge of a range of assessments and interventions for clients with medical and surgical conditions, with a focus on the acute clinical setting.
2. Ability to effectively manage, prioritise and coordinate caseloads in line with departmental goals in a time pressured multidisciplinary environment.  This will include leading and maintaining the establishment of effective dialogue and working relationships with staff, clients, carers and service providers.
3. Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate with influence.  The capacity to utilise a range of information technology applications and to set expectations for others in maintaining documentation and data collection to the standards of the Health Directorate.
4. Demonstrated experience in the provision of high-quality professional supervision to occupational therapists, other staff and students and a well-developed understanding of the need for professional development and student placements in the clinical environment.
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.