The MJD Foundation (MJDF) provides flexible and culturally responsive care based on a strong foundation of enduring relationships. We are currently recruiting for a passionate Occupational Therapist to join our team in Darwin and provide urban and on-country therapy services to our clients. This is an exciting opportunity to join our supportive team on a flexible part-time or full-time basis.

The Position

The MJD Foundation is committed to a dedicated Therapy Program to support people living with MJD in the NT to access specialist multidisciplinary allied health care and provide advice and occasional support to people living with MJD and SCA7 in Far North Queensland through annual clinics.

A central part of the vision of the program is working in partnership with MJDF clients and Aboriginal Community Worker staff to explore opportunities to learn from each other, integrating biomedical knowledge of rehabilitation with traditional therapies, knowledge and values to work towards clients’ goals.

As the occupational therapist, you will work as a member of the multidisciplinary team to design, deliver and evaluate strengths based, evidence informed and holistic therapeutic programs and assessments and support NDIS plan development and delivery. You will also support the delivery of education and research programs to family and professional care workers to help improve the quality of care that people living with MJD and SCA7 receive.

Who you are

Do you want to make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal families living with MJD and SCA7? Do you enjoy working autonomously within a supportive multifaceted team environment?

It is important that you demonstrate that you are self-motivated, that you have a relationship-based approach to your work and that you are passionate about working in partnership with our clients and families. You will have strong interpersonal skills and work well in a cross-cultural environment and will build close relationships with inspiring clients, colleagues and stakeholders. The expertise that you bring to the role may be varied, including skills that you have developed through education and in previous employment, or your life experience as a member of the community and a user of the service system.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply!

What we offer: 

• A supportive and inclusive work environment; 
• Tax free fringe benefit up to $15,900 p.a., plus meal entertainment benefit up to $2,650 p.a.; 
• A retention fee of $2500 after completion of 12 months employment;
• 6 weeks annual leave;
• Work-life balance (part-time, full-time, 4-day-week)- flexible options to suit you!
• One day paid wellbeing day and gift; 
• A holistic workplace that offers flexibility (hours/where you work); 
• Professional development (paid study leave up to half a day/week and financial support towards continuous professional development);
• Access to free confidential supports via our Employee Assistance Program (EAP);
• Free on-site car parking;
• Relocation package for the right candidate. 

Selection Criteria:

• Tertiary qualifications in Occupational Therapy and current registration with AHPRA.
• Minimum of three years of experience working as a qualified therapist.
• Experience in prescription of assistive technology (ideally including wheelchairs).
• Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities and cultures from an historical and contemporary perspective.
• A commitment to person, family centred and cross cultural practice, working within the MJD Foundation ‘Our Way’ approach.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Highly developed ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Desirable criteria:

• Understanding of the mechanisms and processes of Machado Joseph Disease and other spinocerebellar ataxias.
• Clinical experience in a neurological and/or rehabilitation setting
• Knowledge of and/or experience working with the NDIS.
• Working knowledge of NT Government and/or NGO services and facilities.
• Demonstrated experience with a range of computer software and good computer skills.

Please have a look at the position description on our website www.mjd.org.au.For more information you can contact Libby Massey, Director Research, Education & Clinical Services, [email protected] using the subject line: Occupational Therapist enquiry via EthicalJobs or 0417 279 120.

A position description is attached.

If you have the knowledge and experience we are looking for and are excited to join our team, please submit your resume and a cover the selection criteria by the closing date. Applications that don’t address the selection criteria will not be considered. We will consider and review candidates as they apply.

The MJD Foundation values diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We welcome unique contributions and perspectives of all people to ensure our workforce is representative of the communities we work with and live in.