JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATIONS
Repatriation General Hospital
Title of Position:
Senior Occupational Therapist
Position No:
RG0326
Position Created:
Classification Code:
PO2
Type of Appointment:
Permanent  Temporary  Casual 
Administrative Unit:
Repatriation General Hospital
Division:
Mental Health
Department:
SMHSfOP
Section:
Community Team
Period of Appointment
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Job and Person Specification Approval
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Manager
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Human Resources Manager or Delegate
Occupant
Signature: …………………………..… Name: ……………………………
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JOB SPECIFICATION
1
Summary of the broad purpose of the position, its responsibilities and expected
outcomes
As a senior practitioner of Repatriation General Hospital Mental Health Services for Older People
will represent Occupational Therapy on the regional management team and clinical practice group
as required of the occupational therapy discipline, and will support the Manager and other senior
staff in the development and implementation of multidisciplinary programs which achieve positive
outcomes for consumers and carers. This will be achieved by:
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Providing and, where appropriate, overseeing the delivery of comprehensive individualised
occupational therapy services which address the complex needs of clients (lifestyle, living and
social skills) and through fostering the development and delivery of services that are
multidisciplinary.
Responsible for the design, implementation and review of Occupational Therapy group
programs.
Providing occupational therapy services which are accessible, inclusive and equitable,
responsive to individual needs and delivered in a manner which is accountable to the clients of
the service.
Responsible for professional standards and supervision of occupational therapy staff and
managing their deployment and programs in a cost effective and efficient manner in line with
Human Resource principles and practices and within the budgets specified in the region.
Providing focused leadership which promotes the improvement of services to consumers and
carers using strategies such as staff development and appraisal, quality improvement,
research and policy initiatives.
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Managing a case load as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
Complying with the Principles of the Code of Fair Information Practice, adopted by the
Department of Human Services, which regulate the collection, use disclosure, storage and
transfer of all patient, staff and/or hospital operations information within the Repatriation
General Hospital.
Reporting / Working Relationships (to whom the person reports, staff for whom the person
is responsible and other significant connections and working relationships within the organisation)
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3
Functionally accountable to the Director, Repatriation General Hospital Mental Health Service
for Older People through the Team Manager via an agreed structure for the management of
the regional occupational therapy service and for the achievement of the above responsibilities
as part of the multidisciplinary team.
The Senior Occupational Therapist will be expected to operate as an independent practitioner.
Opportunities for peer support will exist within other programs managed under the host
organisation structures or within the region.
Will work in a collaborative manner with other discipline seniors as a member of the
management team and the regional clinical practice group as required by the discipline.
Will work closely with other relevant organisations and health professionals.
Special Conditions (such as non-metropolitan location, travel requirements, frequent overtime
etc)
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This position is expected to fulfil a proportion of their duties in the provision of a clinical service
(including case management). It is understood that this would vary from time to time,
depending on the needs of the organisation.
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Current drivers licence is essential.
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Intrastate travel may be required.
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Will be required to travel between locations and work within the client’s own environment in the
region.
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May be required to work in other parts of the Service.
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May be required to provide contract services to other agencies by special arrangement upon
agreement between the organisations and individuals concerned.
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Must be prepared to attend relevant meetings and staff development / education activities as
required.
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A formal performance review will be conducted annually.
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Some out of hours work may be required.
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Appointment may be subject to a satisfactory Health Assessment.
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Must be prepared to provide a Criminal History Check or National Police Clearance. (if a
prescribed position, see procedure for definition of prescribed position)
4
Statement of Key Responsibilities / Duties (group into major areas of responsibility /
activity and list in descending order of importance. For senior positions, statements should be made
in outcome terms).
Responsible for the contribution of occupational therapy to the provision of a high
quality multidisciplinary clinical service to consumers and carers through:
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Managing a clinical caseload of clients with the most complex support needs.
Contributing to the development of individualised multidisciplinary care plans for consumers
through the provision of occupational therapy consultancy and requesting the assistance of
other disciplines when required.
Supervising and supporting occupational therapy staff contribution to effective and efficient
clinical activities, particularly assessment, care coordination and treatment.
Providing occupational therapy consultancy services to staff within and across disciplines and
services and to consumers, carers and community agency staff.
Ensuring appropriate participating and representation of Occupational Therapy staff in clinical
activities within the region.
Contributing as required to the development and implementation of an intake, assessment and
emergency response system during normal hours within the Assessment, Care Coordination
and Treatment Service.
Undertaking research pertinent to the improvement in standards of clinical service delivery and
on issues relevant to mental health and older people as required.
Ensuring consumer centred services and community support networks are promoted by:
Facilitating consumer participation in service delivery and policy development
Liaising and consulting with other human service agencies where appropriate
Providing educative and resource development services.
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Promoting consumers’ and carers’ understanding of their rights and access to advocacy
systems where appropriate.
Undertaking liaison and public relation activities with consumer and carer groups and service
provision agencies.
Participate within the Team in regard to implementation of the Mental Health Reform.
Responsible for the effective management of discipline specific staff and programs by:
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Initiating and supporting staff in the development of innovative Occupational Therapy
programs and outcome measurement.
Implementing appropriate recruitment and orientation strategies for occupational therapy
support staff.
Providing supervision and support to occupational therapy and support staff and occupational
therapy students.
Developing, implementing and reviewing effective Occupational Therapy staff appraisal
systems which are consistent with service strategies.
Facilitating and ensuring occupational therapy program development consistent with the
objectives and directions of the Regional Mental Health Service of Older People and review of
these programs in designated work areas.
Managing the allocated resources of the Occupational Therapy service to maximise the
benefits to consumers and carers by allocating staff, coordinating and prioritising overall work
loads.
Contributing to the achievement of policies on Occupational Health and Safety by:
Participating in training programs
Participating in the development and implementation of strategies designed to provide a safe
and health working environment.
Provide leadership in improving services to consumers and carers through strategies such
as staff development, education, quality improvement, research, policy development and
other initiatives:
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Ensuring Occupational Therapy staff have detailed and current knowledge of Occupation
Therapy assessment and intervention procedures and practices related to Mental Health
Services for Older People by active participation in teaching and educational opportunities to
enhance multidisciplinary staff development and discipline specific development.
Contributing appropriate expertise to multidisciplinary staff development strategies within the
service.
Initiating educational activities within the community which raise awareness of the needs,
intervention options and issues confronting older people who have a mental illness and their
carers.
Initiating training to meet the needs of consumers and carers as appropriate.
Contributing to the academic and practice training of undergraduate and post graduate
occupational therapy students.
Assisting to establish and implement quality improvement measures and programs designed
to maintain and improve services and programs and participate appropriately in all quality
improvement processes including accreditation.
Initiating and encouraging research and assisting in developing research processes and
proposals in collaboration with staff from other disciplines.
Seeking grant monies and/or external funding to further enhance services, programs,
research, training, quality improvement and other relevant areas to benefit consumers and
carers.
Initiating and contributing to policy development within the service.
Contribute to the effective planning, development, organisation and relocation of the
Regional Mental Health Service for Older People as outlined in the Concept Plan by:
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Assisting in the development, implementation and review of an operational plan for the service.
Contributing as appropriate to the development of a strategic plan for the host agency for the
regionalisation and relocation of services.
Assisting in the establishment and successful operation of the regional management group,
the clinical services group and other organisational developments and participate in these
structures as required.
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Assist the Director and other Senior staff in ensuring that resources are used in a cost
effective and efficient manner within the budgets specified for the region by:
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Participating in the development and implementation of appropriate statistical systems that
monitor activity and identify gaps in services, as well as outcomes and assess these against
costs.
Demonstrating the efficient, effective and equitable distribution and use of staff resources
relevant to consumer and carer need.
Demonstrating an individual and collaborative approach within and between disciplines in
managing resources within the budget available.
Contribute to the promotion and implementation of the General Public Sector
Management Aims, personnel management standards and employee conduct
standards and in particular Equal Opportunity and Occupational Health Safety and
Welfare by adhering to the provisions of relevant legislative requirements such as:
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Delegations of Authority
Disability Discrimination Act
Privacy Act 1988
Freedom of Information Act
SA Information Privacy Principles
Code of Conduct for Public Sector Employees
Code of Fair Information Practice
Occupational Health Safety and Welfare Act
Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act
AS/NZS 4360:2004 Risk Management Standard (included in all managers and supervisor
positions)
Equal Opportunity Act
Health Care Act 2008
Contribute to the well being of people in South Australia through participation in
Counter Disaster activities, including attendance as required at training programs
and exercises to develop the necessary skills required to participate in responses in
the event of a disaster and / or major disaster.
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Minimum Requirements
necessary)
(Include characteristics considered absolutely
Educational / Vocational Qualifications (include only those essential qualifications listed
in Part 4-4 of the SAHC Act and IMVS Act Human Resources Manual for the classification
group.)
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Degree in Occupational Therapy or recognised equivalent. Registered to practice occupational
therapy under the SA Occupational Therapy Practices Act 1973
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills (related to the Job Specification and expressed in a
way which allows objective assessment)
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Ability to provide a high quality Occupational Therapy consultancy and case management
service to clients with complex needs.
Comprehensive assessment skills including the ability to undertake lifestyle, functional and
mental state assessments.
Demonstrated competence in the application of a wide range of Occupational Therapy
assessment and therapeutic interventions to clients with complex needs in the community and
inpatient settings.
Ability to clinically supervise and motivate staff and students.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, cohesively and cooperatively within
multidisciplinary teams, with staff of other agencies and community services, other disciplines
and management members.
Experience (including community experience)
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Relevant experience in a multidisciplinary team environment in health, mental health or an
aged care setting.
Relevant experience in service delivery area(s) working with clients with complex needs
including collaborative development, implementation and monitoring of planned interventions.
Experience in a leadership role in a multidisciplinary team.
Experience in the assessment, development and review of Occupational Therapy programs for
clients.
Knowledge
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Knowledge of the comprehensive individual needs of clients within community and clinical
settings, particularly the inter-relationships between mental health and aged care.
Knowledge of strategies to enhance consumer focused service delivery.
Knowledge of community resources available to support older people and their carers.
Knowledge of aged care and mental health issues and services.
Knowledge and understanding of ethical principles and practices, relevant acts and legislation
pertaining to won profession.
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Desirable Characteristics (to distinguish between applicants who have met all essential requirements)
Educational / Vocational Qualifications
responsibilities of the position)
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(considered to be useful in carrying out the
Other post graduate training or education relevant to the client group and/or senior
responsibilities.
Participation in the OT Accredited Occupational Therapist Program.
Post graduate Occupational Therapy driving assessment.
AMPS
Personal Abilities / Aptitudes/Skills
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Ability to provide clinical services via a language other than English.
Expertise in Quality Assurance, research and evaluation.
Experience
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Experience in a range of health and related settings.
Experience in developing staff development programs.
Knowledge
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Knowledge of contemporary trends in the care and treatment of older people with mental
illness.
Familiarity with current psychiatric diagnostic and classification system and assessment.
Knowledge of management theory, practices and processes in managing change.
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