Grade 2 Occupational Therapist - Early in Life Mental Health

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About ELMHS  

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Grade 2 Occupational Therapist experienced in Neurodivergence and Child and Youth mental health for a part time (0.2 FTE) fixed-term role through to July 2025.

The Early in Life Mental Health Services (ELMHS) provides assessment and treatment for infants, children, adolescents, young people and their families. We work with the 0-18 age in the Southern Region. We provide a comprehensive assessment service and a range of treatment options including inpatient treatment in times of crisis, community (outpatient) treatment, group programs, family therapy, and specialist services.  

About the Endeavour Team  

The Endeavour Neurodevelopmental Psychiatry Team is a specialist assessment and consultation team that completes assessments of ELMHS and youth mental health program clients (i.e., 0-25 years of age) who experience complexities in neurological, developmental, behavioural, and psychiatric domains. What sets the Endeavour Team apart from other assessments conducted across ELMHS is the practice of joint assessment and formulation that allows expert consensus for complex cases. Young people and families referred to Endeavour have often had a range of previous assessments and the referral to Endeavour represents an identified need in referrers for joint clinical assessment and formulation of often very complex issues. Joint assessment refers to assessment completed by two or more clinicians within the Endeavour Team – often of different discipline backgrounds. Joint formulation refers to formulation amongst two or more clinicians within the Endeavour team, as may also refer to formulation amongst Endeavour clinicians and members of the referring team. 

The model is used flexibly and aims to holistically contribute to a broad understanding of a young person’s presentation and needs. For example, the members of the assessing team and the number of sessions required are determined based on the needs of the young person, family, referrer, and others; however, the principle of joint formulation is consistent across all Endeavour assessments. Engaging in a joint formulation process leads to recommendations that support the health and wellbeing of the young person, their family and their relevant community supports.  

Young people referred for assessment with the Endeavour Team typically have an area of neurodivergence as defined broadly: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; emotional and behavioural change due to organic causes (neurological); tic disorders; intellectual disability; learning disorders; motor skill disorders and communication disorders. In addition, many of these clients will have co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. Young people experiencing these difficulties also may have complex psychosocial factors affecting their development and functioning.

Young people and families referred to Endeavour have often had a range of previous assessments and the referral to Endeavour may represent an identified need in referrers for joint clinical assessment and formulation of complex issues. Other referrals are made for targeted, discipline-specific assessments with the aim of identifying particular areas of strengths and challenges or to facilitate access to appropriate supports.

About The Role  

The role is that of an occupational therapist who has experience in a mental health setting and/or extensive experience in a relevant area of practice (e.g., paediatrics, statutory and non-government agencies for this age population). The OT will provide discipline specific assessment and formulation. They may also contribute to specialist autism assessment as part of our Targeted assessment team. They will provide therapeutic assessment and feedback, sometimes in collaboration with other members of the team from different disciplines; provide recommendations; and write reports. As Endeavour also represents the hub of discipline specific work within ELMHS, the OT will hold knowledge of evidence-based practices in the area of neurodiversity and mental health and will share this knowledge across the ELMHS service.  

About You  

You will have:   

• An ability to work independently as part of a multidisciplinary team.  

• Experienced in OT assessment using relevant assessment tools 
• Experience in or willingness to upskill as necessary in assessment of neurodivergence (e.g. ADOS, MIGDAS etc.)

For a confidential discussion and to explore the opportunity further, please call Angie Jackman, Team Manager on (03) 9594 1300.

Position Description can be found here

Role Statement can be found here

Appendix A can be found here

Appendix B can be found here

We recognise the value of equal employment opportunity. We are committed to patient safety, promoting fairness, equity and diversity in the workplace and to Child Safe Standards. At Monash Health we are relentless in our pursuit of excellence and work to our six guiding principles and our five ICare values. To learn more about our organisation visit monashhealth.org

How to Apply

Applications are accepted via the Monash Health online EHub system. For information including how to apply and probity check requirements, please click here for the ‘Application Guide’ 

Applications will be screened upon receipt and selection activity may commence prior to the closing date. Respectfully, applications from Recruitment Agencies will not be accepted.

Applications close: 06 December 2024