Occupational Therapist - UQ Neurodevelopmental Assessment Clinic
BACKGROUND
Our Vision
Thriving People living healthy lives
Our Purpose
To care for people and shape the future of primary health care
We believe great healthcare:
* Focuses on lifelong health and wellbeing
* Support the 'whole person'
* Is accessible
* Uses evidence-based care
UQ HealthCare Ltd (UQHC) is a not-for-profit company owned by the University of Queensland. UQHC operates multidisciplinary primary health care centres with teams of experienced GPs, nurses, allied health practitioners and specialists dedicated to providing compassionate care and service, and the highest quality, integrated, multi-disciplinary healthcare.
UQ Health Care is establishing a new Neurodevelopmental Assessment Clinic to improve access to high-quality, trauma-informed assessment services for children, young people, and their families in partnership with the Qld Government's Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a service grounded in evidence-based practice, cultural safety, and the new National Child Safe Standards. The new UQHC Neurodevelopmental Clinic is the successful translation of a clinical research project & service jointly delivered by the University Queensland's Health, Medicine and Behavioural Science Faculty and Children's Health Queensland.
DUTY STATEMENT
The Neurodevelopmental Assessment Clinic is a holistic interprofessional service model led by allied health clinicians and integrated with specialist care and cultural engagement. It will deliver comprehensive assessments, across a 5 year period (Nov 2025 – Oct 2030), and support plans for young people aged 10 – 17 interacting with the Youth Justice System, suspected of living with an undiagnosed neurodevelopmental condition, across the Brisbane, Moreton Bay & South East Regions.
This Fixed Term Part Time Occupational Therapist position (0.4 FTE) will provide high‑quality, child‑centred occupational therapy assessment under trauma‑informed and child‑safe principles for children and young people in a family centred approach as part of an Interprofessional Team, referred for neurodevelopmental assessment through the NDAC. Upholding the Child Safety Standards including the Universal Principle, child‑centred practice, safe environment creation, transparent communication and mandatory reporting obligations are inherent to the role.
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
* Deliver comprehensive Occupational Therapy assessments aligned with neurodevelopmental and occupation-focused frameworks.
* Apply trauma‑informed principles during interactions.
* Work collaboratively with the interprofessional assessment team of psychology, speech pathology, pediatrician and cultural lead.
* Contribute to case formulation, child and family directed goal setting and recommendations, that align with youth justice support structures./programs
* Implement child‑safe communication, consent and safety planning.
* Actively participate in, and at times lead, the completion of complex assessment reports to support young people to access relevant services and supports
* Support young people & families to understand reports and recommendations.
* Assist in service development, quality improvement and clinical governance.
* Participate in capacity building training sessions for local service providers to effectively interact with the NDAC and/or complete screening of young people who may require a neurodevelopmental assessment
* Participate, if requested, in research projects related to clinical practice and evaluation of the neurodevelopmental assessment clinic
* Provide appropriate interprofessional clinical education and supervision to individual students and groups of students, in particular leading clinical education for Occupational Therapy students on clinical block placements;
* Assist in the development and implementation of appropriate IPE student education processes and models of clinical supervision to support students' learning as appropriate for their existing knowledge and skill level;
* Foster the development of inter-professional and profession specific education.
* Always ensure a safe training/working environment for all young people, families, staff and students.
* Other duties as required or directed by the Clinical Manager consistent with Occupational Therapy skills and qualifications.
ABOUT YOU
Essential:
* Current AHPRA Registration as an Occupational Therapist
* As part of our commitment to the Child Safe Standards, all staff must hold a current Queensland Blue Card (Working with Children Check) or be eligible to obtain one prior to commencement
* Current Qld Driver's License
* 4 years relevant experience in paediatric or neurodevelopmental practice
* Demonstrated trauma‑informed and culturally respectful practice
* Knowledge of Child Safety Standards and mandatory reporting
* Excellent teamwork and communication skills
Desired:
* Experience working with neurodivergent children
* Experience in multidisciplinary assessment services
* Experience supporting families from culturally diverse backgrounds
* Experience working with young persons and other stakeholders in the youth justice context.
Reporting Relationships
This position reports to the Clinical & Operations Manager – NDAC.
Why Join UQ Health Care?
* Be part of a respected, university-affiliated health organisation.
* Excellent not for profit salary sacrificing benefits
* Work in a purpose-built, innovative model of care with strong leadership support.
* Access professional development, clinical supervision and research-practice integration opportunities.
* Make a meaningful impact on the lives of children, families and the community.
In your application, please provide:
* A covering letter that details your skills and experience (no more than two pages)
* Your Resume
Please apply by clicking APPLY NOW or alternatively email your resume and cover letter to Special Project Manager – NDAC Denny Giguere at and Maree Maloney