Are you a passionate Occupational Therapy student looking to gain valuable hands-on experience in paediatric practice?

Are you currently studying Occupational Therapy and looking for flexible work that fits around your university schedule? Do you love working with children and want to build your practical skills in a supportive, fun allied health environment?

Willows Speech and Occupational Therapy is looking for a friendly and enthusiastic Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) to join our team in Fairfield.

This is a great opportunity for a 2nd-year Occupational Therapy student or above to gain experience working with children and families while being supported by experienced Occupational Therapists.

What We Offer

- Flexible hours that can be tailored around your university timetable
- Casual or part time employment opportunities
- Competitive hourly rate
- Valuable hands-on experience in a paediatric private practice
- Regular supervision and guidance from experienced Occupational Therapists
- Opportunity to develop practical therapy and communication skills
- Access to therapy resources and learning opportunities
- Supportive, friendly and fun team environment
- Team bonding events and regular debriefing
- Opportunity to gain experience working with neurodivergent children
- Experience across clinic, home, school and preschool environments
- Potential for ongoing employment throughout your university degree and beyond

About the Role As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, you will work under the direction and supervision of our Occupational Therapists to support children to participate in therapy and develop their functional skills.

Your responsibilities may include

- Supporting Occupational Therapists during individual and group therapy sessions
- Implementing therapy activities as directed by the Occupational Therapist
- Supporting children to develop fine motor, gross motor, sensory, play, self-care and functional skills
- Helping children participate in structured and play-based therapy activities
- Preparing and setting up therapy resources and activities
- Assisting with social groups and group therapy programs
- Supporting children to participate in activities that promote independence and confidence
- Helping to create therapy resources and visual supports




- Assisting with maintaining and organising therapy equipment and resources
- Providing feedback to the supervising Occupational Therapist regarding a child's participation and progress
- Supporting therapy sessions in the clinic and, where appropriate, schools, preschools or homes
- Building positive and professional relationships with children and their families
- Participating in team meetings, training and professional development opportunities

Please note: This is an Occupational Therapy Assistant position. The successful applicant will not be required to independently assess, diagnose or provide Occupational Therapy services and will work under the supervision and direction of a qualified Occupational Therapist. We Are Looking For Someone Who Is:

- Currently studying a Bachelor or Master of Occupational Therapy
- Minimum 2nd-year university student
- Passionate about working with children
- Interested in paediatric Occupational Therapy
- Interested in working with neurodivergent children and developmental differences
- Warm, friendly, patient and approachable
- Reliable, responsible and willing to learn
- Comfortable engaging with children through play and structured activities
- A good communicator who works well as part of a team
- Able to follow instructions and implement therapy activities as directed
- Motivated to develop their practical clinical skills

Requirements
- Currently enrolled in an Occupational Therapy university degree
- Minimum 2nd year of study
- Working with Children Check (WWCC)
- National Police Check
- Current First Aid/CPR certificate or willingness to obtain one
- Reliable transport and driver's licence desirable, particularly for community-based work
- Availability to work at least one or more regular weekday/s, depending on your university timetable

Previous paediatric experience is desirable but not essential.



We are particularly interested in students who are enthusiastic, eager to learn and passionate about working with children.

About Us

Willows Speech and Occupational Therapy is a young, friendly and supportive allied health practice based in Fairfield, NSW.

We provide services to children aged 18 months to 17 years, with a particular interest in supporting children with autism and other neurodevelopmental differences.

Our team includes Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists and Therapy Assistants, and we strongly value a family-centred and holistic approach to therapy.

We believe that therapy should be engaging, meaningful and individualised to each child. Our team enjoys working collaboratively, sharing ideas, debriefing between sessions and celebrating our clients' progress together.

Why Join Willows?

This role is more than just a student job. It is an opportunity to gain real-world experience in paediatric Occupational Therapy while completing your university degree.

You will have the opportunity to observe experienced clinicians, develop your understanding of therapy in practice, learn how to engage children and families, and build skills that will be valuable throughout your future OT career.

There may also be opportunities for ongoing employment as you progress through your degree and potentially transition into an Occupational Therapist position after graduation.

How to Apply

If you are a 2nd-year or above Occupational Therapy student who is passionate about working with children and would love to gain practical experience in a supportive paediatric private practice, we would love to hear from you!

Please submit your resume and a short cover letter outlining your university year, availability and why you are interested in paediatric Occupational Therapy.

[email protected]

9098 2393

We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming a new student member to the Willows team!

Pay: $28.00 – $35.00 per hour

Experience

- Occupational therapy: 1 year (Required)

Licence/Certification:
- Working with Children Check (Preferred)
- AHPRA registration (Preferred)
- Driver Licence (Preferred)

Work Authorisation:
- Australia (Required)

Work Location: In person

📌 Occupational Therapy Assistant (AHA) - Fairfield
🏢 Little Willows Therapy
📍 Fairfield