School Readiness Funding Program - Speech Pathologist or Occupational Therapist

Speech Pathologist or Occupational Therapist – School Readiness Program

Fixed Term Part Time – 32 hours per fortnight

Commencing ASAP until 20^th December 2026

Classification: Speech Pathologist or Occupational Therapist Grade 3 - Dependent on Experience

Award: Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Health Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2021 – 2026 

We are an innovative early childhood program seeking an experienced speech pathologist or occupational therapist to join our team in a capacity building role. This role is designed to work in our child-focussed, multi-disciplinary team as part of the School Readiness Funding initiative.

This is an exciting new initiative that will provide kindergartens with access to quality programs and supports to help children get the most out of their early learning. Kindergartens within the community will receive School Readiness Funding from 2021 through until 2026, with access to allied health being one of a number of supports available to kindergartens. Through the funding kindergartens with large numbers of educationally disadvantaged children enrolled will receive more allied health support. Support networks available within the program. 

The ideal candidate will:

• Have 5+ years experience working as a speech pathologist or occupational therapist in early childhood settings
• Knowledge of child development and evidence-based practices to support learning and growth
• Ability to coach and mentor early childhood educators on developmentally appropriate strategies
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to partner with families and team members
• Passion for making a difference in the lives of young children
• Embrace and promote the values of MDHS – Genuine, Respect, Excellence, Accountability & Togetherness

In this role you will:

• You will work closely with our early childhood educators and families to support child development.
• Train and empower educators and families through modeling and coaching
• Track progress and modify plans to ensure continued development

What’s in it for you?

• Great Working Environment – Join a group of motivated health care professionals with a Fixed Term contract. Opportunity to join the Social Club, offering a wide range of social events and local retail discounts.
• Fantastic Earning Potential – Generous Base Salary under the Allied Health Professionals EBA with Salary Packaging available.
• Supportive Culture with Continuous Improvement Opportunities – Culture that promotes and embraces the organisational values of GREAT (Genuine, Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Togetherness) and encourages and supports employees to engage in professional development with access to the Centre of Inspired Learning and Simulation Lab.

Qualifications / Experience

Essential

1. Bachelor of Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy or equivalent
2. Eligibility for practising membership with relevant governing body
3. Experience working in a capability building and coaching role with educators and families to promote skills and knowledge in child development
4. Experience working in paediatric Speech Pathology or Occupational Therapy, with experience working in a kindergarten setting is an advantage

Technical/Professional Knowledge and skills

1. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team to develop and implement evidence based programs that meet the goals and desired outcomes for children, families and educators.
2. Highly developed communication, networking and interpersonal skills to liaise with a range of people in the education and community health community, and beyond.
3. Understanding of the impact that the priority areas of communication (language development) wellbeing (social and emotional) and access/inclusion have on children’s achievement, wellbeing and engagement and how to measure impact of service.
4. Ability and interest to work within the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF). The VEYLDF can be found here: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/childhood/providers/edcare/veyldframework.pdf. Training on the VEYLDF will be provided to successful applicants.
5. Speech pathologists will preferably have an awareness of/experience with leading child communication development initiatives in early years settings, such as Every Toddler Talking and Hanen programs including It Takes Two to Talk.

We offer a collaborative environment, ability to make an impact, and flexible working hours. If you are an experienced speech or occupational therapist looking to share your expertise to help young minds thrive, we encourage you to apply.

Applications are to include:

• Covering Letter
• Resume
• Written response to the Key Selection Criteria, available in the Position Description on the position advertisement.

For further information about this role, please contact Meagan O'Halloran on 03 5461 0407 or via email meagan.ohalloran@mdhs.vic.gov.au or Lauren Dowling on 03 5461 0463 or lscott@mdhs.vic.gov.au.

MDHS is an equal opportunity employer. Appointments are subject to a satisfactory National Police Check and a Working with Children Check. NDIS Workers Screening will be required for workers identified as working within a risk assessed role.