Australia Occupational Therapist Jobs

Purpose and Mission

Occupational therapists are healthcare professionals who help individuals with physical or mental health issues in their working and social lives. These healthcare professionals help people by assessing their physical, emotional and social needs, and then help them learn these skills as well as the everyday skills they need to participate in the community.

In many cases, occupational therapists make arrangements for assistive and/or adaptive technologies, and even modify the home and work environments of clients to help adjust. OPs also consult closely with doctors, nurses and other members of the healthcare team, as well as with family members and caregivers, maintaining a focus on holistic health and client quality of life.

Reports To

Occupational therapists are typically employed by hospitals, clinics, schools or government agencies, and usually report to a mid-level administrator at the institution.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Highly experienced occupational therapists might have significant supervisory responsibilities, including evaluating junior colleagues, assistants and other members of the healthcare team. Inexperienced occupational therapists tend to have more responsibilities related to direct client care, and less responsibility for oversight.

Qualifications

The basic qualification for an occupational therapists is an undergraduate or masters-level degree in occupational therapy. Degrees in occupational therapy are offered at a number of colleges and universities throughout Australia. Practicing occupational therapists must be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia.

Responsibilities of an Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists have numerous responsibilities relating to helping clients improve their quality of life, including:

• Assisting children in achieving important developmental milestones such as fine motor skills or physical coordination.
• Educating parents, caregivers and others to improve the development and learning of children.
• Assisting aged clients enhance their daily lives after health setbacks such as hip replacement or a stroke.
• Assessing and modifying home and community environments to increase client safety and independence.
• Educating clients and caregivers about how to use adaptive equipment to assist function and improve quality of life.
• Arrange for specialized care for health conditions including surgery, burns, and serious mental health problems.
• Determining the cognitive, functional and psychosocial needs of clients.
• Keeping track of client function and progress, and prescribing adaptive equipment as required after discharge from healthcare facilities.
• Assessing the functional requirements of jobs, and the ability of a client to return to that job.
• Designing graded return to work programs for clients.
• Taking steps to modify the work environment for individuals prevent injuries and maximize efficiency.
• Designing individual and group activities to help improve independence in day to day activities.
• Helping clients develop coping strategies to deal with their mental health issues.
• Working with clients to help them improve their confidence and self-esteem in various social situations.