Occupational Therapist, Inclusive Practice

Government of South Australia, Department for Education; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 112,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Therapy Coalition seeks an Occupational Therapist to support Autism Inclusion in South Australian public schools. The role provides expertise to enhance sensory processing, emotional regulation and social skills within a multidisciplinary team, delivering professional learning and resources across 420+ Autism Inclusion Teachers.

Essential registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia is required; prior experience in education and with autistic students/families is desirable.

Qualifications

• Essential: Current and full registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia.
• Desirable: Experience with students in the education setting.
• Desirable: Experience in working with families who have children with autism.

Responsibilities

• Support sensory processing, emotional regulation, social skills and movement needs.
• Contribute to development and delivery of evidence‑informed professional learning, resources and consultation.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to build capability and strengthen inclusive teaching practices across schools.

Skills

Experience with autism in education

Experience with families of autistic/2

Education

Registration with Occupational Therapy Board of Australia

Job description

Why work with us

Every child and young person deserves a great education.

We have a strategy that aims to unlock every child's potential now and into the future, one that in partnership with learners, students, parents and the wider South Australian community will build a world‑leading public education system. One that is equitable and prioritises learning and wellbeing.

Together we will make our education system the best it can be.

When our children and young people thrive, so do our communities and our state.

About the role

The South Australian government has invested in the Autism Inclusion Teacher Initiative which supports Autism Inclusion Teachers (AITs) in all public schools with a primary enrolment across the state. The Autism Inclusion Multidisciplinary (AIM) Team works collaboratively to build the capability of AITs to lead and influence inclusive, neuro‑affirming practices within their school communities. This strengthens educator capability and improves educational outcomes for Autistic and neurodivergent learners.

The Occupational Therapist provides expertise and guidance to support sensory processing, emotional regulation, social skills and movement responsive needs. The role contributes to the development and delivery of evidence‑informed professional learning, resources and consultation to more than 420 Autism Inclusion Teachers across South Australia.

The role supports AITs to implement strategies that promote communication, participation, learner agency and access to learning for Autistic and neurodivergent students.

Working within a multidisciplinary team, the Occupational Therapist contributes to a capability building service model that supports sustainable change across schools. The role also works with SIES staff, the wider Inclusive Teaching and Learning Directorate, Student Support Services, Local Education Teams and other stakeholders to strengthen inclusive, neuro‑affirming practice and support the Department's commitment to improve outcomes for Autistic and neurodivergent learners.

The role also contributes to the broader work of SIES and Inclusive Teaching and Learning through service delivery, team and service‑wide activities, and project work that strengthens inclusive education and builds system‑wide capability.

Qualifications

Essential: Current and full registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia

Desirable: Experience with students in the education setting. Experience in working with families who have child/ren with autism.

Special conditions

The successful applicant is required to gain a Department for Human Services (DHS) working with children check (WWCC) prior to being employed which is required to be renewed every five years before expiry.

The incumbent will be required to undertake RRHAN -EC (Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect - Education Care) Facilitator Lead (Masterclass) extended course or the online (Fundamentals) course which will be required to be updated every three years.

For all other Special Conditions please refer to the attached Position Description.

Remuneration

AHP3 $112,139 - $120,284 per annum (1.0 FTE) + superannuation (12%)

Enquiries

Enquiries can be directed to Deanne Stephanos, Project Lead Autism Inclusion, via tel: [phone] or email: [e-mail]

Additional note

This is a full‑time (1.0FTE) 2‑year term contract role commencing 01 January 2027.

Applicants seeking part‑time arrangements are encouraged to apply, with working hours negotiable.

People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and/or those who have a disability are strongly encouraged to apply.