Allied health assistant
Nicole McLeod Occupational and Hand Therapy

A great Structured Workplace Learning Opportunity (SWL Opportunity) is available at Nicole McLeod Occupational and Hand Therapy as an Allied Health Assistant in Occupational Therapy.

Occupational therapy is beneficial for a wide range of people, including: Those recovering from injuries or illnesses, Individuals with developmental delays, people with mental health conditions, children with learning difficulties, and the elderly facing the challenges of aging.

The WE Opportunity is ideally suited to a Year 10 student or a VCE student.

Students will learn and assist qualified experienced staff in a Occupational Therapy and Hand Therapy Health environment .Students will experience a broad range of clients and varying aspects of occupational therapy.

If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please share this opportunity with your Careers Transition Pathway Officer or Careers Coordinator.

Skills You Might Learn

The student may have the opportunity to attain a broad range of skills while on work placement. These may include valuable employability skills such as;
• Communication.
• Teamwork.
• Attention to detail.
• Punctuality.
• Presentation.
• Hygiene.
• Problem solving.
• Planning.
• Initiative.
• Follow instructions.
• Work under supervision.
• Industry specific OH&S.

The student may also attain vital industry specific skills which will relate to their secondary school studies they include:
• Hands-on practical experience.
• Observing and learning from industry qualified and experienced professionals.
• Working in real-life scenarios.
• Working with equipment necessary to the occupation.
• Liaising and working with supervisors, colleagues, industry personnel, customers/clients and suppliers.

Typical Tasks & Duties

As an Allied Health Assistant in Occupational Therapy the student will observe and spend time under the direct supervision of experienced and qualified professional staff assisting in a broad range of Occupational Therapy services as part of a friendly and efficient team. The student may communicate with patients and health professionals whilst working in a Health Environment. The student may support Occupational Therapists and other allied health professionals by assisting with patient care, equipment preparation, and administrative tasks. The student may assist in the smooth flow of patients, maintain a clean and organised environment, and provide essential support for Occupational Therapist professionals.

The student may observe the following tasks and duties.
Evaluation: Evaluate a person's abilities and challenges in the context of their daily life, considering their work, school, home, leisure, and social activities.
Treatment: Develop individualised treatment plans to address specific needs and goals, often involving exercises, activities, or assistive devices.
Consultation: Collaborate with individuals, family members, and other professionals to ensure a holistic approach to care.
Education: Provide guidance and support to individuals and their families on managing challenges and improving daily living skills.

The student may observe and assist with the following tasks and duties;
- Communicate and work in Health Services
- Work with diverse people
- Apply basic principles and practices of infection control
- Participate in workplace health and safety
- Assist with movement
- Respond effectively to behaviours of concern
- Recognise healthy body systems
- Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
- Engage with health professionals and the health care system
- General cleaning and housekeeping as required

Student Requirements

Students with a positive attitude towards Allied Health Industry and Occupational Therapy who are self-motivated, willing to listen and follow instruction are encouraged to consider a future WE placement to develop skills learned from their school subjects relating to Allied Health Assistance.

Whilst the student is attending the work placement they are expected to:
• Students must be interested in the Allied Health Assistance in Occupational Therapy and possess good communication skills.
• Students must be willing to spend periods of time observing and to undertake necessary tasks as requested.
• Dress appropriately.
• Maintain interest and participate in tasks and work duties.
• Be well mannered and behave in a respectful and responsible manner.
• Be punctual.
• Follow management instructions.
• Act in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements.
• Work within the team.
• Listen and take advice from fellow workers.
• Respect other people’s belongings.
• Keep a note pad and pen handy to take notes for their own reference.
• Demonstrate the skills they have developed through their course.
• Take their Logbook to the work placement every day.

Dress Requirements

The student must be well presented, clean and hygienic at all times.
• Flat, non-slip, enclosed black work shoes.
• Neat professional work attire, confirm with employer representative.
• Long hair must be tied back, nails must be kept short and clean.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate to the tasks and duties carried out by the student, will be supplied by the Host Employer.

Special Transport Requirements

Public Transport is limited, students to check bus transport availability and or speak to parents/carer to organise transport prior to contacting employer.

CDC Victoria - Mildura: Ph: 5023 0274, Website: https://cdcvictoria.com.au/travel-information/timetables-and-maps/mildura/.