Disability Occupational Therapist Volunteer
About this opportunity
About The Role
Occupational Therapist Volunteer is an allied health professional who uses therapeutic techniques to improve, restore, or maintain a person’s ability to engage in day-to-day activities through one-on-one and group coaching. Their duties include identifying and treating a patient’s physical, developmental, and emotional difficulties that impact their ability to carry out everyday tasks and helping them work toward achieving them. Disability Occupational Therapist Volunteers assist volunteers during their time at ASRC & keep them motivated.
Occupational Therapist Education and Training Requirements
Some requirements must be met for someone to be able to practice as an occupational therapist in Australia. An optional foundation is Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Occupational Therapy). Occupational therapists need an accredited undergraduate degree in occupational therapy or a related undergraduate degree followed by a Master’s in Occupational Therapy.
They also need to be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia and pass certain security checks, such as the Working With Children Check and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Worker Check.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct assessments: Perform comprehensive assessments of individuals' functional abilities, taking into consideration their physical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs.
- Treatment planning: Develop individualised treatment plans based on assessment findings to address the specific goals and needs of each volunteer.
- Therapy sessions: Deliver evidence-based occupational therapy interventions to promote independence, enhance functional skills, and improve overall quality of life.
- Adaptation and modification: Collaborate with the volunteer to adapt and modify their environment, tools, and activities to maximise independence and participation in daily life activities.
- Education and training: Provide education and training to staff and volunteers on disability-related issues, including strategies to support individuals with disabilities.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate and timely documentation of assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and other relevant records in compliance with professional standards and ASRC's policies.
- Collaborative approach: Work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, staff, and volunteers to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to care.
- Professional development: Stay updated with current research, best practices, and emerging trends in disability occupational therapy through continuing education and professional development opportunities.
Accountability
This role reports to the Health, Safety, and Wellbeing Lead
What we’re looking for
Essential
- Qualifications: Possess a bachelor's or master's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited institution.
- Licensure: Hold a valid license or registration as an Occupational Therapist.
- Applicants currently studying in disability/career counseling fields are welcome.
- Cultural sensitivity: Demonstrate a strong commitment to cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity.
- Communication skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with clients, staff, and volunteers.
- Flexibility: Ability to adapt and respond to the evolving needs of clients and the organisation.
- Time commitment: Volunteer for a minimum of 1 shift per week, as mutually agreed upon.
- Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to deal with a range of queries (whilst being friendly, patient, professional, and non-judgemental).
- High-quality office system skills and proficiency with computers.
Desirable
- Experience: Previous experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferred, but not mandatory.
About Us
The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is the largest aid, employment, health, and advocacy organisation for people seeking asylum in Australia. The ASRC provides a range of direct services as well as participating in law reform, campaigning, and lobbying. The human rights of people seeking asylum and refugees are at the foundation of all we do and the workforce makes it happen, doing the work to bring the vision and purpose to life.
Our organisational values are: Welcoming, Authentic, Courageous, and Collaborative
For more information email [email protected].
Additional requirements
National Police Certificate *. Working with Children Check *.
All offers of employment, paid or voluntary are subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check and provision of a valid Working with Children Check before commencement.
This role is looking for a commitment of 1 shift per week, ideally for 12 months. Shifts available: Tuesday: 10 am – 4 pm, Thursday: 10 am – 4 pm
Type of work- Disability Support