Allied health assistant
Callahan Physiotherapy

Callahan Physiotherapy are offering a Work Experience opportunity (WE Opportunity) as an Allied health assistant.

At Callahan Physiotherapy we know one thing: movement is important. We know that movement is important for life, and that better movement is crucial for better health. We believe that people want to know how to better manage their own health, and that we as health professionals are here to guide you in that process.

We also understand that in order for this to happen, we need to work from the top down. That's why we aim to provide you with the most current, effective and no-nonsense information about how to manage your health and fitness, as well as provide you the best guidance about how to implement that knowledge.

Mixing the best in current pain science with the most appropriate strategies in movement and treatment for you as the individual, we tailor our approach to your unique presentation. We know that every body and every mind is different, so our management should reflect that to provide you with the best outcomes for your health.

If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please share this opportunity with your Careers Transition Pathway Officer, Careers, VET or VCE-VM 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.
Professional Communication Skills
• Learning how health professionals communicate clearly and respectfully with patients and colleagues.
Understanding of Clinical Environments
• Gaining insight into how a physiotherapy clinic operates, including workflows and patient pathways.
Observation Skills
• Watching assessments, treatments, and exercises to understand how clinicians make decisions.
Teamwork & Collaboration
• Seeing how different staff members coordinate care and work together as a team.
Time Management & Organisation
• Understanding appointment scheduling, patient flow, and how clinics stay organised.
Empathy & Patient-Centred Care
• Observing how staff support patients emotionally and physically during rehabilitation.
Basic Health Administration Skills
• Learning simple administrative processes such as tidying, preparing spaces, and supporting non-clinical tasks.
Understanding of Health & Safety Practices
• Becoming familiar with infection control, safe equipment use, and maintaining a clean clinical environment.
Problem-Solving Awareness
• Watching how clinicians assess challenges and adapt treatments or plans for different patients.
Professionalism & Workplace Conduct
• Learning appropriate behaviour, confidentiality, presentation, and ethics in a healthcare setting.

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

Typical Tasks & Duties

During this placement, the student will observe, shadow, and learn from physiotherapists and allied health professionals in a clinical setting.

The student may observe:
• Physiotherapists and allied health staff during patient assessments
• Treatment techniques and clinical modalities
• Mobility and gait training sessions
• Individual therapy or rehabilitation programs
• Group exercise sessions or classes
• Patient education and instruction
• How equipment is selected and used
• How staff communicate with patients and monitor progress
• The operation and workflow of a physiotherapy service

Communication & Professional Learning
The student may:
• Observe communication between staff and patients
• Learn how health professionals document and share information
• Spend time with team members to understand their roles
• Learn appropriate professional behaviour in a health environment
The student may assist only with simple, supervised tasks, such as:
• Setting up and packing away non clinical equipment
• Tidying treatment areas
• Observing how stock is ordered or stored
• Basic administration tasks (e.g., organising towels, restocking shelves)
• Learning how health databases or records are maintained (view only access if permitted)
• Supporting health promotion activities (e.g., preparing brochures)
The student may:
• Help maintain a clean, organised environment
• Participate in general housekeeping (e.g., wipe down surfaces, tidy communal areas)
• Observe patient flow and understand how appointments are managed
• Assist with preparing safe spaces for activities
• Support staff with simple tasks such as handing out items or directing patients (if appropriate)

The student may:
• Watch patients completing their treatment activities
• Observe how therapists guide and adjust patient exercises
• Observe patient transfers and mobility assistance
• Observe therapists providing feedback, instructions, and encouragement

Student Requirements

Students with a positive attitude towards the Allied Health Industry as a Allied health assistant are self-motivated, willing to listen and follow instruction are encouraged to consider a future SWL placement to develop skills learned from their VET subject relating to Allied Health Assistance

Whilst the student is attending the work placement they are expected to:
• Students must be interested in the HEALTH as a Allied health assistant 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.
• Neat professional work attire is required.
• Flat, non-slip, enclosed work shoes.
• Please do not wear clothing which others may find offensive.
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/.