Occupation: Health and allied health
Reference: 1527869
Location Profile
Exciting Occupational Therapy position available at Ballarat Specialist School:
* Work in one of the largest specialist schools in Victoria!
* Enjoy working with a supportive team of allied health professionals in a dedicated allied health hub
* Un-rivalled access to provide dedicated therapy without the administrative load or funding limitations of the NDIS
* Relish the opportunity to collaborate with specialist teachers to develop and deliver an adaptive and accessible curriculum
* Access to a wide range of resources and professional development budget, including weekly in-services and team meetings
* Only work during school terms, enjoying 11 weeks of paid holiday leave.
* No experience in special education setting required
* Competitive pay range (Range 4, $93,265 - $109,967 pa)
Location Profile
Ballarat Specialist School provides high¿quality education for students aged 3 to 18 years with diagnosed intellectual disabilities ranging from mild to profound. We are a dual¿campus K¿12 setting structured around four stages of learning: Early Learning (3¿5 years), Primary School (5¿12 years), Middle School (12¿15 years) and Senior School (15¿18 years).
Our Mission and Approach
Teaching and learning at Ballarat Specialist School is grounded in the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, the Victorian Pathways Certificate, a strong focus on Literacy and Numeracy, and Individual Education Plans for every student. Our pedagogy is evidence¿based and supported by a gradual release of responsibility model. Professional Learning Communities drive curriculum, assessment, inquiry and reflection across the school.
Small Class Sizes and Classroom Support
A key strength of our school is our commitment to small class sizes, ensuring students receive targeted, responsive and meaningful instruction. Each classroom is supported by Education Support (ES) staff allocated according to student need, enabling a high level of individualised attention and consistent support throughout the school day.
This structure allows teachers and ES staff to work closely together to implement personalised learning goals, support communication and engagement, respond to sensory and wellbeing needs, and create safe, predictable and inclusive learning environments.
Integrated Services Team
Our comprehensive Integrated Services Team works across all areas of the school to support students in achieving their academic, functional and personalised goals. The team includes Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Physiotherapists, Exercise Physiologists, Allied Health Assistants, Mental Health Practitioners, NDIS¿funded practitioners (in collaboration with families) and Registered Nurses.
This multidisciplinary team partners with teachers, ES staff and families to embed therapeutic, communication, health and wellbeing supports into everyday learning. Their work strengthens student engagement, independence and readiness for future pathways.
Pathways and Real¿World Learning
Ballarat Specialist School is committed to preparing students for meaningful, fulfilling futures. Our pathways model provides students with authentic, hands¿on learning experiences that build independence, confidence and employability skills.
Key pathway opportunities include school¿based enterprises such as the Vintage Soul Op Shop and cafés at both campuses, Mini Woolies at Gillies Street, and accredited vocational pathways including Certificate I in Life Skills and Certificate II courses delivered onsite in partnership with local TAFE providers. Industry¿aligned learning areas include Kitchen Operations, Retail, Horticulture, Visual Arts, Sport and Recreation, Music Industry and Work Skills.
These programs support students to explore interests, develop practical skills and transition confidently into post¿school options including supported employment, open employment, community participation and further training.
Every student has an Individual Education Plan developed through a collaborative Student Support Group involving parents and carers, external agencies, classroom teachers, education assistants and our Integrated Services Team. This ensures each student¿s learning, wellbeing and communication needs are understood and supported.
Selection Criteria
* Demonstrated knowledge, ability and experience in the provision of occupational therapy services, in the area of pediatrics and developmental disorders.
* Demonstrated ability to provide a range of assessments, program planning and implementation of intervention.
* Demonstrated ability to evaluate programs and your professional performance and provide evidence of outcomes.
* Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively with children, parents and carers, teachers and assistants, therapists and other professionals and agencies.
* Demonstrated ability to work independently, to accept supervision as required, and an ability to seek support and implement recommendations.
* Demonstrated experience and willingness to engage in professional development activities, especially related to the range of impairments, intervention and evidenced based practice required to provide a quality service.
* Demonstration of high quality verbal and written communication skills.
Role
The Occupational Therapist at BSS is responsible for assessing, treating, and providing consultative services to students while supporting staff capacity building across the school.
Their role is to enhance student access to and participation in all aspects of the school curriculum.
The Occupational Therapist collaborates with allied health assistants, teachers, education support staff, other professionals, parents, and students to develop and implement support strategies. These strategies are reflected in the Individual Education Plan (IEP) and Disability Inclusion Profile (DIP).
Responsibilities
Independently provide high-quality occupational therapy services, including assessment, treatment, and consultation, with clinical supervision support. Focus on developing students¿ fine and gross motor skills, self-care abilities, play, and regulation.
Apply evidence-based interventions, assess their effectiveness, modify as needed, and report on outcomes.
Maintain accurate documentation, including progress notes, service reports, health support plans, and assessment reports for the Disability Inclusion Profile (DIP).
Collaborate with teachers, professionals, parents, and students to establish Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals and implement support strategies.
Communicate professionally with school staff, families, and external agencies.
Provide training and guidance to school staff within the scope of occupational therapy expertise.
Attend required meetings, including staff, professional learning committee, and team meetings.
Develop a professional growth plan and participate in performance reviews.
Comply with privacy legislation and school policies.
Who May Apply
Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position
Diversity and Inclusion
The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department.The Department recognises that the provision of safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces.It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (seeWorkplace adjustment guidelines ).
Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD)
Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school.
Child Safe Standards
Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the department's exemplar available at:
The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees,including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at:
* Bachelor degree in Occupational Therapy or equivalent
* Eligibility for membership of OT Australia
Registered with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Please provide a minimum of two professional referees.
Hours of work
Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm (negotiable)
Conditions of Employment
* All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.
* Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.
* A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.
* Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at http:///hrweb/Pages/default.aspx
Applications close Monday 1 June #J-18808-Ljbffr