Occupational Therapist - Catholic Education Services, Cairns

Catholic Education Cairns; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 101,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer superannuation 12.75%

Annual Leave with 17.5% loading

Salary packaging options

Long service leave after 7 years

Parental leave (14 weeks)

Employee Assistance Program

Fitness Passport

Job summary

Catholic Education Cairns is seeking an Occupational Therapist to deliver school-based therapy services and build capability across our campuses. You will work within a collaborative framework including students, families, teachers, and external agencies to support diverse learner needs.

The role focuses on strengthening student access to curriculum, training staff in program delivery, and maintaining regular on-site visits to monitor progress and outcomes.

Qualifications

• Formal qualifications in Occupational Therapy.
• Current registration with Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (AHPRA).
• Experience working within a disability setting; including with children, young people and their families.
• Demonstrated ability to apply evidence-based practice in educational OT services.
• Ability to plan and deliver staff professional learning.

Responsibilities

• Provide therapy services to students in schools.
• Develop capacity within schools to meet diverse learning needs.
• Operate within a consultative framework with students, parents, teachers, learning support staff and external agencies.
• Strengthen students' access to the curriculum and support program implementation by teaching staff.
• Frequent and regular school visits to monitor progress and adjust programs.

Skills

AHPRA registration

Disability experience

Team collaboration

Evidence-based practice

Child safety compliance

Job description

Occupational Therapist

Commencement Date: As soon as possible, with flexibility for the successful candidate

Employment Type: Full-time, fixed term until 31 December 2027 (part-time arrangements may be considered)

Salary Range:$100,600to $159,917 FTE Gross per annum pending experience (pro-rata for part-time)

Closing Date for Applications: Closing 11pm, Sunday 8 November 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, so please apply as soon as possible.

Catholic Education, Cairns

Our schools are nestled amongst ancient rainforests, pristine waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes and the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. And you can forget spending hours in the car or on a packed train. The hustle and bustle of the capital cities does not compare to our laidback commute.

About the Role

The role and responsibilities of the Occupational Therapist is to provide therapy services to students in schools and develop capacity within schools in meeting the needs of diverse learners. This involves working within a consultative framework including students, parents, teachers, learning support teachers, therapists, administration and external agencies.

This role is aimed at strengthening the individual skills of students to access the curriculum as well as support and train teaching staff in program implementation and management. The Occupational Therapist will work cooperatively with the Engagement Wellbeing and Learning Directorate, Principals and school staff to facilitate a holistic approach to learning for all students in our schools.

Frequent and regular school visits are a key component of this role.

Work Requirements

• Formal qualifications in Occupational Therapy.
• Current registration with Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (AHPRA).
• Experience working within a disability setting; including with children, young people and their families.
• Demonstrated ability to select and apply evidence-based practice in the provision of occupational therapy services in an educational setting, particularly for students with disabilities.
• Proven capacity to develop and implement programs and associated strategies and services to support the needs of students.
• Demonstrated skills in the implementation of programs and training of support personnel.
• Ability to operate in teams and develop professional networks with persons from various agencies including regional and outreach therapy services.
• An understanding of inclusive practices in educational settings.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate at all levels of the school community.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within teams.
• Capacity to plan and deliver timely professional learning opportunities for staff development that improve teaching and learning experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.
• Current drivers licence.
• A strong demonstrated commitment to the objectives, vision and ethos of Catholic Education.
• Promote child safety at all times.

What we offer

• Competitive Salary range: per annum pending experience
• 12.75% employer superannuation contribution
• Annual Leave with 17.5% leave loading
• Access to salary packaging options to maximise your salary
• Access to long service leave after 7 years of continuous service (portability of Long Service Leave may also be applicable)
• 14 Weeks' paid parental leave
• Access to Employee Assistance Program
• Access to Fitness Passport Membership

For further information about the role, please download the Position DescriptionPosition Description Occupational Therapist

For enquiries: Please call [phone]

Intending applicants must be fully committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation.

Catholic Education is an equal opportunity employer.