About Us
Wekare Disability Support Group Pty Ltd is a registered NDIS provider committed to empowering individuals with disabilities to live full, independent, and meaningful lives. Our approach is person-centred, culturally inclusive, and focused on building capacity in the communities we serve – including regional and remote areas.
We are currently seeking passionate and experienced Occupational Therapists to join our growing teams in Alice Springs (NT). International candidates are welcome to apply – Subclass 482 visa sponsorship is available.
Position Summary:
The Occupational Therapist (OT) at WeKare plays a critical role in helping NDIS participants achieve their goals by assessing and addressing functional challenges, promoting independence, and improving quality of life. The OT will deliver services in line with NDIS guidelines, ensuring the development of client-specific goals and interventions while maintaining a focus on dignity, choice, and inclusion.
The OT will work collaboratively with clients, families, and other allied health professionals to develop and implement evidence-based interventions that support the participant's personal goals, and daily functioning. This role also includes the delivery of services that comply with NDIS regulations, standards, and best practice frameworks.
A key requirement of this role is the ability to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities with cultural sensitivity, respect for history, and a strong understanding of local cultural protocols.
Responsibilities and duties:
Assistive Technology (AT) Assessments:
* Complete Assistive Technology (AT) assessments for NDIS participants, identifying their needs for equipment and technology that can support independence and improve daily functioning.
* Select, recommend, and facilitate the use of appropriate AT solutions that are tailored to the participant's disability, functional goals, and lifestyle needs.
* Ensure all AT recommendations comply with NDIS legislation and guidelines and provide justification for funding requests in NDIS plans.
* Collaborate with clients, their families, and other professionals to ensure the AT solutions are appropriate, effective, and integrated into the participant's daily routines.
Therapeutic Intervention and Service Delivery:
* Develop and implement evidence-based occupational therapy interventions to address identified goals and areas of need.
* Provide interventions to improve the participant's independence in daily tasks such as personal care, home management, mobility, communication, and social participation.
* Deliver strategies for adapting the environment or modifying tasks to enable greater independence and safety.
* Recommend and provide assistive devices or technologies that improve functional performance and quality of life.
* Implement therapy plans that focus on physical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects, tailored to each participant's needs.
Collaboration and Multidisciplinary Approach:
* Work closely with other professionals (e.g., speech therapists, psychologists, behaviour support practitioners, physiotherapists) to ensure holistic care for the participant.
* Collaborate with families, carers, and support workers to ensure strategies are being implemented effectively and consistently.
* Attend NDIS planning meetings, reviews, and case conferences as required to ensure the participant's goals and needs are being met.
NDIS Compliance and Documentation:
* Ensure that all therapy plans, goals, and interventions are in line with NDIS guidelines, policies, and funding requirements.
* Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of assessments, therapy plans, progress notes, and reports to comply with NDIS documentation standards.
* Provide detailed reports for NDIS progress reviews and funding applications, clearly articulating the need for continued therapy and support.
Capacity Building and Education:
* Provide education and training to families, carers, and support staff to ensure effective implementation of therapeutic strategies and techniques in the participant's everyday life.
* Empower participants to build their capacity by teaching them new skills and fostering self-reliance.
* Support families and carers in understanding the goals and strategies involved in the therapy process, enhancing their role in supporting the participant's development.
* Ethical Practice and Safeguarding:
* Ensure all services provided align with the NDIS Code of Conduct and adhere to best practice standards.
* Promote the safeguarding of participants, ensuring their rights, dignity, and independence are always respected.
* Work to minimize or eliminate restrictive practices and encourage autonomy, self-determination, and inclusion.
* Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity:
* Demonstrate cultural awareness and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, their history, and their cultural protocols.
* Ensure that all therapy practices are culturally sensitive, acknowledging the unique needs, values, and preferences of participants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
* Build and maintain respectful relationships with Aboriginal communities, families, and carers, ensuring that culturally appropriate practices are integrated into service delivery.
* Participate in ongoing cultural competency training to deepen understanding and respect for the diverse cultural backgrounds of NDIS participants.
* Professional Development and Supervision:
* Participate in ongoing professional development to keep up to date with the latest evidence-based practices in occupational therapy and NDIS standards.
* Engage in supervision and reflective practice to enhance service delivery and professional growth.
* Contribute to the development of policies and procedures within the organisation as needed.
Essential Criteria
Qualifications and Experience:
* A degree in Occupational Therapy and current registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (AHPRA).
* Experience working with individuals with disabilities, particularly within the NDIS framework.
* Knowledge of the NDIS, its operational guidelines, and relevant legislation.
* Experience in the development and delivery of person-centred therapy plans, including the use of assessments and interventions.
* Proven experience in Assistive Technology (AT) assessments, including the ability to recommend and implement AT solutions that align with NDIS guidelines and participant needs.
* Demonstrated ability to work effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants and communities, with a high level of cultural awareness and respect for diverse cultural practices.
Knowledge and Skills:
* In-depth understanding of functional assessment processes and the development of intervention plans for people with disabilities.
* Ability to provide high-quality, evidence-based interventions to support independent living and community participation.
* Strong knowledge of assistive technologies and adaptive equipment, as well as the ability to recommend and implement them appropriately based on the participant's disability and goals.
* Culturally competent, with the ability to understand and respect the cultural needs and preferences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare detailed reports and explain complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner.
* Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and collaborate effectively with clients, families, carers, and multidisciplinary teams.
* Ability to work sensitively and respectfully with diverse populations, particularly those with disabilities and their families, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Ethical and Professional Standards:
* A commitment to ethical practice and maintaining client confidentiality in line with legal and organisational requirements.
* A strong understanding of safeguarding principles and a commitment to promoting the dignity, rights, and autonomy of all participants.
* Ability to manage complex cases, maintain professional boundaries, and make decisions in the best interest of the participant.
Education:
* Bachelor's degree (Preferred)
* Master's degree (Preferred)
What We Offer
● Full-time, secure employment in a values-driven organisation.
● Visa sponsorship (482) and relocation assistance.
● Salary in line with industry awards and visa requirements ($85,000).
● Flexible work options and strong supervision support.
● Opportunity to contribute meaningfully to regional Australia.
● Ongoing training and professional development.
● A culturally inclusive, supportive, and rewarding work environment.
Why Work with WeKare?
WeKare is a trusted provider of therapeutic and support services in remote Australia. We are committed to delivering high-quality care to individuals in need and building a strong, supportive community. By joining our team, you will be part of a dedicated and compassionate group of professionals who make a real difference every day.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your:
● CV / Resume
● Cover Letter addressing the Essential Criteria
● Evidence of qualifications and registrations