Occupational Therapist

Employment Type: Permanent

Employment Category: Full Time

Remuneration: $110,564.61 - $136,145.80 per annum + superannuation + salary sacrifice

Commencement Date: ASAP

About the Opportunity

Are you a passionate Occupational Therapist looking to make a meaningful impact in remote communities? Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS) invites you to become a vital part of the Jiji Program, an innovative initiative enhancing the lives of children and families in the Western Desert region.

About the Jiji Program: The Jiji (Kids) Program is a transformative, community-driven initiative that empowers children and families by blending neuroscience, polyvagal theory, and child development. This program focuses on trauma healing, regulation, and capacity building in collaboration with Martu communities. By working closely with local families and employing culturally informed practices, the program delivers therapy sessions and workshops that foster resilience, healing, and community growth.

As an Occupational Therapist, you will:

• Work collaboratively with a Speech Pathologist to provide individual and group therapy.

• Deliver professional development workshops for educators and families, incorporating culturally tailored approaches.

• Support children with attention, speech, trauma, and fine motor challenges using innovative and holistic methods.

• Travel to remote communities to build relationships and ensure access to high-quality care. 

About You

To be considered you will meet the following criteria:

• Bachelor of Occupational Therapy or equivalent tertiary qualifications and eligible for registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia.
• At least 3 years post graduate experience in Occupational Therapy, demonstrating a sound professional competency in planning, implementing and evaluating occupational therapy services.
• Strong understanding and a commitment to the principles of Community Development.
• Understanding of the principles of the model of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.
• A demonstrated understanding of the unique issues affecting and impacting on the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• An ability to work, reside and travel independently in a remote region.

Desirable: 

• Identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander will be highly regarded.

The position involves working with a multicultural organisation where the majority of staff, clients and stakeholders identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Candidates must be able to demonstrate an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

As per section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) PAMS actively seeks to increase the diversity of our workforce to better meet the differing needs of our clients and stakeholders and to improve equal opportunity outcomes for our employees. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Please note: In addition to the above skills and experience, the successful candidate will require an unrestricted WA “C” Class Driver’s Licence, and be required to submit a National Police Clearance (dated within 3 months) and Working With Children Check (where applicable) prior to appointment, in order to be eligible for the position.

Applicants for this position must be legally entitled to work in Australia and will be required to provide evidence of this entitlement. Acceptable evidence includes an Australian or New Zealand passport, birth certificate, or foreign passport with relevant visa.

About the Organisation

With an administrative hub based in Newman, in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, The Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS) provides holistic primary health care to the individuals and families within the remote communities of Jigalong, Parnngurr, Punmu and Kunawarritji.

PAMS aims to improve the standard of health of the Martu people and all Aboriginal people living in the East Pilbara region of Western Australia through the provision of community based, comprehensive primary health care services. We exist to promote the health and well-being of individual community members and to relieve sickness and the suffering of the indigenous community as a whole. We are passionate about providing the highest standard of patient care whilst incorporating a holistic approach toward diagnosis and management of illness.

 Why Join Us?

• Cultural Immersion: Work in partnership with Martu Elders and community members to ensure culturally appropriate service delivery.
• Professional Growth: Engage in specialised training and development programs.
• Generous Benefits: Enjoy attractive salary packaging, remote area allowances, and subsidised housing.
• Work-Life Balance: Experience the unique landscapes of the Western Desert while maintaining a manageable workload.
• Impactful Work: Be part of a program funded to sustain and grow its operations, backed by significant government investment.

While you will face diverse new challenges in the role, you will also enjoy an attractive remuneration package including a base salary of $110,564.61 - $136,145.80 per annum plus superannuation. You'll also gain access to generous salary packaging options, which will greatly increase your take home pay.

In addition, you will have access to a number of fantastic benefits including:

• 5 weeks annual leave
• Rental assistance/accommodation with power subsidy
• Yearly return airfare subsidy
• Mobile phone allowance
• Support to further invest in your career 
• Employee Assistance Program
• Retention Initiatives in accordance with the PAMS Employee Remuneration Policy

This position offers the opportunity to work closely with remote Aboriginal communities and make a drastic impact to the health and well-being outcomes of these communities.

As this role is based in remote community locations you must be willing and able to travel long distances by 4WD car or in light aircraft.

Please note there is no closing date for this advertisement. Applications will be assessed as received and interviews scheduled accordingly. PAMS reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement without further notice, therefore we encourage interested candidates to submit their application without delay.

For further information about this position please call Aimable Ndayizeye, Director of Community Health on (08) 9177 8307.