Want to know why it’s an exciting time to join Windermere? Firstly, there is no other organisation quite like us. Why do you ask? We are an independent community service organisation working across the Southeast of Victoria to help those who need it most. Our unique range of services include; Communities for Children, Family Health & Wellbeing, Childhood Development, Education & Support, Early Intervention Therapy Services, NDIS Support Coordination and Plan Management, Homelessness Support, Counselling Services, assistance to support victims of trauma, assault and violent crimes and Recovery Support Services.

Are you a Paediatric Occupational Therapist looking for the next exciting step in your career? Are you ready to lead and inspire a small team of Allied Health Professionals? Do you enjoy working with consumers to build their capacity and reach set goals?

If you are looking to move away from the hustle and bustle of a busy healthcare environment and really dedicate quality time to working with consumers to reach their goals and supporting others to continually learn and upskill, then read on as this is the perfect opportunity for you!

In line with Windermere Strategic Plan ‘Doing It Better Together’, we are entering a period of growth and transformation. We are seeking a Senior Paediatric Occupational Therapist/Key Worker to provide quality Early Intervention & Therapy services and display exemplary people leadership skills to be a positive and encouraging advocate for change.

Why work at Windermere?

We are committed to outcome-focused care for children, families and individuals and to making a positive difference in the community. As well as tailored support services for individuals and families, Windermere provides a varied scope of services to support disadvantaged and vulnerable people. Windermere offers a culture of flexibility, support and wellbeing.

Staff Benefits 

This is where we stand out from the crowd! Windermere offers staff a wide range of unique benefits beyond the salary.

• Flexible Ways of Working - home, in the office or combination of both
• Above Award Personal Leave and 17.5% annual leave loading
• Gifted days off (between Christmas and New Year)
• Employee Referral Program - $500 per referral
• Flexible Leave Scheme (50/52, 51/52)
• Salary packaging (up to $15,900 per year + additional $2,650 meals and entertainment)
• Structured performance and 1-on-1 development check-ins
• Secondment and career growth opportunities
• Staff discount program for everyday items
• Opportunities for professional development
• Study Leave provisions
• Rostered Days Off
• 9 Day Fortnight

Windermere care about staff and strive for continuous improvement, which is why we regularly ask our staff and consumers about what we can do better. n our staff survey from May 2024, 90% of respondents said they were "proud to work at Windermere" and 89.7% feel "we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion".

Now, let’s talk about this exciting opportunity!

Reporting to the Team Leader of EITS (Early Intervention & Therapy Services), you will join an enthusiastic and highly skilled team of Allied Health Professionals who provide a range of tailored services to children and youth aged 0-12 years. You will play a pivotal role in supporting the Team Leader through coaching and mentoring of other Allied Health Practitioners. As a Senior Practitioner, you will have the opportunity to improve the knowledge, skills and capabilities of colleagues and families. You will have variety in your role with a mixture of staff supervision and consumer caseload to:

• liaise and collaborate with a team of different discipline areas (occupational therapists, speech pathologists, early childhood education specialists, physiotherapists, psychologists, dietitians) to design and deliver comprehensive support for consumers;
• actively model processes to improve others’ skills by providing knowledge, constructive feedback, coaching and learning opportunities;
• deliver a broad range of evidence informed intervention strategies, standardised assessments and parent education to increase communication and active participation in social and educational settings for children;
• undertake face to face consultation and relationship building in natural environments, schools and kindergartens as well as our modern office facilities and therapy spaces; and provide key worker support and advice to families and children across different areas, including social skills, basic gross and fine motor skills, routine implementation and emotional regulation.

This is a full-time position working 38 hours per week, however as we are a family friendly and flexible workplace environment, we would be open to considering part-time (0.8 – 30.4 hours per week). We also offer a hybrid model of working remotely from home and meeting with consumers in their natural surroundings or within our offices in Narre Warren, Berwick, Cranbourne and / or Pakenham.

Key Selection Criteria:

• Tertiary qualifications in Occupational Therapy and current registration with AHPRA
• Minimum 3 years’ experience managing, supervising and leading staff
• Minimum 5 years’ discipline specific clinical experience, with sound theoretical knowledge in paediatric practice 0-12

• Demonstrated knowledge of typical development and common conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy and developmental delay
• Knowledge and skills in the assessment, implementation and evaluation of plans and services for children & families
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team as well as work independently, including office based or remote off-site locations
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage use of time to meet service KPIs and provide a consumer-focused, high-quality and responsive service
• Demonstrated knowledge in the prescription of assistive technology
• Competence in the use of ICT to support with service delivery, such as telehealth.
• Willingness to promote and support practices that are inclusive, culturally responsive, safe and accessible.

• Willingness to undertake pre-employment screening - Working with Children, Police check and medical assessment.
• Current Victorian Drivers’ Licence.
• Right to Work in Australia e.g. Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident.

If this job excites you, then click the “Apply Now” button and submit your application. Please also ensure you address the Key Selection Criteria in your application letter.

Please view the detailed Position Description attached. 

If you require any specific access adjustments or support within the Windermere recruitment, interview or onboarding process please contact our Talent Acquisition Specialist via phone +613 8794 1311 or email [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Occupational Therapist / Key Worker enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Windermere is committed to creating equitable environments for consumers and employees.  We do this by building diverse and inclusive services and workspaces, where all peoples from Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander, CALD, LGBTIQ+ Communities and those living with disability will know and feel accepted, affirmed, safe and celebrated. Windermere is delivering this through the continued development and implementation of our Welcoming and Inclusion Strategy as we seek to provide a diverse workforce at all levels.