Selection Criteria

KSC 1 ¿ Occupational Therapy Practice
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of occupational therapy principles and the ability to apply these within a specialist school setting to support students with diverse developmental, physical, sensory and learning needs.

KSC 2 ¿ Student Participation and Independence
Demonstrated ability to assess and support students¿ functional skills, independence and participation across the school environment, including learning, personal care, movement, play and daily routines.

KSC 3 ¿ Assessment and Intervention
Demonstrated ability to undertake appropriate assessment and develop and implement evidence-informed strategies, including sensory, motor, environmental and assistive technology interventions, to support student engagement, regulation and access to learning.

KSC 4 ¿ Collaboration and Communication
Demonstrated highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with teachers, education support staff, families, allied health professionals and external providers to develop and implement coordinated student supports.

KSC 5 ¿ Student-Centred and Inclusive Practice
Demonstrated commitment to student-centred, strengths-based and inclusive practice, with the ability to recognise individual student needs and contribute to a safe, supportive and engaging learning environment for students with disability.

Role

The Occupational Therapist will work as part of the school¿s multidisciplinary team to support students with disability to participate as independently and successfully as possible in their learning, personal care and daily school activities. The role will work closely with teachers, education support staff, families and other professionals to identify student needs and develop practical strategies that can be incorporated into the school environment.

Responsibilities

- Provide occupational therapy expertise to support students with disability to participate as independently and successfully as possible in their learning and school activities.

- Conduct assessments to identify students¿ functional, sensory, motor and participation need and provide practical recommendations.

- Develop and implement individualised strategies and adjustments to support student engagement, regulation, independence and access to learning.

- Contribute to the Disability Inclusion Profile (DIP) process, including providing relevant professional advice, assessment information, documentation and recommendations regarding student adjustments and support needs.

- Work collaboratively with teachers and Education Support staff to identify and implement reasonable adjustments within the classroom and school environment.

- Provide advice regarding sensory needs, motor development, positioning, mobility, personal care, equipment, assistive technology and environmental modifications.

- Work collaboratively with families, teachers, allied health professionals and external providers to ensure a coordinated approach to student support.

- Support staff to understand and implement occupational therapy strategies within students¿ everyday routines and learning programs.

- Participate in student support meetings, case conferences and Disability Inclusion Profile discussions as required.





- Monitor and review strategies and adjustments and provide recommendations based on student progress and changing needs.

- Maintain appropriate professional documentation, student records and reports.

- Contribute to a protected, inclusive and supportive school environment that promotes student participation, wellbeing and independence.

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 (see Workplace 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) via *******@education.vic.gov.au

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:

https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy

DE Values

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:

https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview

Other Information

- 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://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/Pages/default.aspx

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://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/Pages/default.aspx

Location Profile

Diamond Valley Special Developmental School is recognised as an innovative and inclusive specialist school committed to continuous, sustainable improvement. Operating across two campuses in Greensborough and Whittlesea, we proudly support approximately 144 students with a primary diagnosis of intellectual disability, many of whom also have additional needs such as physical disabilities or autism spectrum disorder.

At the heart of our school community are the values of Communication, Respect and Belonging. We are dedicated to enhancing life opportunities for every student and ensuring that each person¿s world becomes a better place. Our vision is to confidently nurture a vibrant learning community that provides an inclusive, supportive and enriching educational experience. We strive to foster a community in which we live, laugh and learn together.

Our school extends beyond our main campuses with several offsite classrooms located at Briar Hill Primary School and Greensborough Secondary College. Student groupings and programs are thoughtfully designed with careful consideration of age, capability and compatibility to best support learning and wellbeing.

Guided by a child-centred approach, we have created a physical environment that celebrates diversity and caters to individual needs. Our facilities include an on-site horse-riding program, hydrotherapy pool and spa, gymnasium, liberty swing, and beautifully maintained outdoor spaces¿all designed to maximise engagement and learning opportunities.

We are proud of our multi-disciplinary team comprising teachers, education support staff, occupational therapists, speech pathologists and physiotherapists. This team works collaboratively with students and families to set meaningful goals and deliver tailored programs that support communication, learning and wellbeing. Groups and staffing are strategically organised to ensure the greatest benefit for every student.

Diamond Valley SDS is deeply committed to student voice and agency. Inspired by Gayle Porter¿s vision of students being able to ¿say whatever they want, to whoever they want,¿ we ensure that every student has an individualised communication system that supports their unique needs. Our staff actively encourage and celebrate communication in all its forms, and we take great pride in leading practice in this important area.

Diamond Valley Special Developmental School is a place where every learner is valued, supported and empowered to thrive.

📌 Occupational Therapist (West Melbourne)
🏢 Government schools
📍 West Melbourne