Occupational Therapist - Grade 1

As a Grade 1 Occupational Therapist at Epworth HealthCare, your primary responsibilities include collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to provide clinical care for patients with various conditions such as neurological, orthopedic, and respiratory issues. You'll also be expected to demonstrate strong organizational skills in a fast-paced hospital setting and to deliver best-practice care based on the latest evidence. You’ll create meaningful, tailored treatment plans to enhance patient recovery while fostering a supportive environment.

To apply for the Grade 1 Occupational Therapist role at Epworth HealthCare, candidates should hold relevant qualifications in Occupational Therapy. Previous hospital experience is desirable but not essential, as new graduates are encouraged to apply. A valid Victorian driver’s license is also required, along with excellent computer literacy including proficiency in MS Office applications. Most importantly, candidates should be compassionate and possess a genuine eagerness to learn.

Grade 1 Occupational Therapists at Epworth HealthCare enjoy a range of benefits that support their professional and personal growth. This includes salary packaging options of up to $15,900 pre-tax annually, access to Australia's largest educational scholarship program for health professionals, the ability to purchase additional leave, and significant discounts on health services for you and your family. We truly believe in looking after our team members, enriching their work experience while balancing personal well-being.

New graduates stepping into the Grade 1 Occupational Therapist role at Epworth HealthCare can expect to receive comprehensive support from a dedicated supervisor who will guide them through their initial phase. Additionally, the organization offers plenty of professional development opportunities to ensure that new therapists build confidence and competence in their practice, further enriching their learning experience.

Epworth HealthCare is committed to promoting a healthy work-life balance for its Occupational Therapists. The organization recognizes that personal well-being drastically impacts professional performance. By ensuring manageable workloads, along with a supportive work environment where employees can leave work at work, Epworth allows its therapists the space to recharge and work effectively, fostering both personal and professional fulfillment.

When discussing your experience with treatment plans, focus on specific examples where you've assessed individual needs and crafted personalized plans that addressed those needs effectively. Highlight your ability to integrate evidence-based practices and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care.

Share your strategies for prioritizing tasks, such as creating to-do lists or using patient charts to assess urgent needs. Emphasize your organizational skills and ability to remain calm under pressure, ensuring that critical tasks are completed timely while maintaining high-quality care.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to explain a challenging case. Detail the specific situation, what your objectives were, the actions you took to overcome the challenges, and the positive outcomes for your patient, showcasing your problem-solving skills and resilience.

Discuss your belief in the value of teamwork in healthcare and provide examples of how you've effectively collaborated with other professionals. Highlight your communication skills and ability to respect and integrate different perspectives for improved patient outcomes.

Express your commitment to continuous learning through attending workshops, participating in professional communities, or engaging in online courses. Mention any recent courses or workshops you've attended that directly enhanced your skills and knowledge in the field.

Talk about various motivational strategies you employ, such as setting achievable goals with patients or using positive reinforcement. Provide specific examples of how you kept patients engaged and maintained their morale during challenging rehabilitation processes.

Illustrate your adaptability by recounting an experience where you observed a patient’s struggle and modified your therapy approach accordingly. Discuss how you assessed their needs and the positive results of your adaptability, emphasizing your patient-centered mindset.

Share your approaches to ensuring compliance, such as involving patients in setting their goals, educating them about the benefits of their exercises, and using reminders or follow-ups to encourage them. Effective communication plays a critical role in this strategy.

Convey your alignment with Epworth HealthCare’s values, emphasizing your commitment to patient-centered care and contribution to the community. Mention specific aspects of their mission that resonate with you and how you believe they can contribute to your professional growth while making a positive impact.

Highlight attributes essential for effective Occupational Therapists, such as compassion, excellent communication skills, and a strong sense of responsibility toward patient care. Talk about your belief in the importance of continuous education and adapting practices based on evidence and patient feedback.