Occupational Therapist

As an Occupational Therapist at Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), your primary responsibilities include assessing the individual needs of participants on the autism spectrum, developing personalized therapy plans, and implementing strategies that promote independence in daily life. You'll collaborate closely with families and support networks to identify strengths and areas for growth, making a meaningful impact on each participant's life.

To qualify for the Occupational Therapist role at Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), you must hold tertiary qualifications in occupational therapy and be fully registered with AHPRA. Additionally, a current driver's license is required, as you'll be traveling across the community to meet participants. A clear NDIS Worker Screening Check clearance and a NSW Working with Children Check for paid employment are also necessary.

The salary for an Occupational Therapist at Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) ranges from $81K to $120K per annum, inclusive of superannuation. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll receive benefits such as reimbursement for daily work travel expenses, access to salary packaging options, and other perks like a phone and laptop for business use.

At Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), we believe in the continuous professional development of our Occupational Therapists. We offer comprehensive internal and external training opportunities, including workshops, specialized training in Positive Behaviour Support, and access to a yearly National Conference. These initiatives ensure you remain at the forefront of best practices in therapy and support.

The work environment for an Occupational Therapist at Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) is supportive and empowering. You'll be part of a dedicated team of therapy professionals who share a passion for making a difference. With a strong individual support structure and a versatile workday, where you’ll assist three to four participants daily, you’ll find strategic collaboration and communication are at the heart of our approach.

Building rapport with clients on the autism spectrum is crucial, as it fosters trust and engagement. Share specific examples of how you've taken the time to understand a client's unique needs, interests, and communication styles. Discuss techniques you've used, such as active listening, demonstrating patience, and adapting your communication to meet the client where they are.

When discussing your experience with personalized therapy plans, highlight your process of conducting thorough assessments and collaborating with clients and families. Provide examples of specific goals you've set, the methods you've implemented, and how you've tracked progress to ensure that the plan continues to meet the needs of the individual.

In situations where a client is not engaging, it's important to assess any potential barriers. Share strategies you've implemented in the past, such as modifying therapy activities to align with the client's interests or encouraging family involvement to enhance motivation. Emphasize the significance of flexibility and creativity in designing engaging sessions.

Working within a multi-disciplinary team requires open communication and collaboration. Discuss how you prioritize regular team meetings, value diverse perspectives, and share insights to provide holistic support for clients. Highlight specific instances where teamwork led to improved outcomes, illustrating your commitment to a collaborative approach.

When addressing your experience with the NDIS framework, focus on your knowledge of its principles and how it affects service delivery. Discuss any personal experience you have navigating it for clients, including advocating for their needs and ensuring compliance with documentation requirements. This showcases your readiness to work within the NDIS environment at Aspect.

Staying updated on best practices is vital in occupational therapy. Mention how you engage in continuous learning through professional development opportunities, relevant literature, and networking with peers. Provide examples of specific trainings, workshops, or online resources that have enriched your practice and kept you informed of recent advancements.

When asked to share a successful outcome, choose a specific case that demonstrates your skills. Outline the client's initial challenges, the therapeutic approaches you utilized, and the measurable improvements observed. Use this example to highlight your ability to adapt strategies and celebrate successes, no matter how small, in your clients' progress.

Your philosophy on working with families should encompass collaboration, empathy, and support. Discuss how you value family involvement in the therapeutic process and how it enhances outcomes for clients. Provide examples of how you've engaged families, educated them, and equipped them with strategies to reinforce learning at home.

Approaching goal setting involves collaboration and understanding each client's unique needs. Discuss how you involve clients and their families in the goal-setting process, ensuring that goals are not only functional but also meaningful. Provide examples of SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals you've developed to track progress effectively.

When discussing your desire to work with Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), emphasize your alignment with their mission of empowering individuals on the autism spectrum. Share your passion for making a positive impact in the lives of clients and how you resonate with the organization's commitment to person-centered, evidence-informed practice. This will show your genuine enthusiasm for the role.