Position Overview

The appointee will assist in teaching the undergraduate occupational therapy program and under supervision deliver clinical services related to the JCU Interprofessional Clinic.

The Occupational Therapy program, one of the pioneer allied health programs at James Cook University, commenced in 1998. The allied health disciplines in the Division of Tropical Health, and Medicine have been heralding new teaching, research and clinical opportunities in Rehabilitation in Northern Australia over the years. A new occupational therapy curriculum that is based on population health and with an occupation focus commenced in 2012 to meet the unique needs of the population in the rural, remote and tropical regions. The discipline of Occupational Therapy at James Cook University has a mission to serve the needs of regional northern Australia.

Division of Tropical Health and Medicine

The Office of the Division of Tropical Health and Medicine provides collaborative leadership with the Colleges and ensures that the Colleges are able to deliver the core business of learning and teaching, research and engagement and contribute effectively to the strategic agenda. The Division office drives the strategic objectives of the Division and also services a proportion of College administrative operations.

The Colleges of the Division include:

• Medicine and Dentistry
• Healthcare Sciences
• Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences

College of Healthcare Sciences

As part of the Division of Tropical Health and Medicine the College of Healthcare Sciences promotes, fosters, supports and administers quality teaching and research at JCU in the areas of Physiotherapy, Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Midwifery, Nutrition, Psychology, Clinical Exercise Physiology and Sport and Exercise Science. Working in a collaborative leadership model with the Office of the Division, the other Colleges and the Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health, the College of Healthcare Sciences contributes to advancing the strategic agenda and to strengthening partnerships and engagement.

Organisational Charts

James Cook University

Division of Tropical Health and Medicine

College of Healthcare Sciences

Principal Accountabilities

• Conduct lectures tutorials, practical classes, demonstrations, workshops at undergraduate level
• Initiation and development of subject materials
• Subject coordination
• Preparation and delivery of lectures, tutorials and workshops
• Play a role in the education and supervision of undergraduate students within the clinic
• Conduct research within the Discipline, College and University strategic research focus
• Involvement in professional and marketing activities
• Consultation with students
• Broad administrative functions
• Marking, moderation and assessment
• Attendance at the various discipline and college meetings
• Support the University's commitment to the principles of reconciliation, which exemplify respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and the valuing of justice and equity for all Australians.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the University values.
• Support the principles of the TropEco program and engage in commitment to JCU sustainability goals and objectives.

Teaching within Occupational Therapy:

• Under the supervision of senior staff within the Discipline assist with curriculum development;
• Year and subject coordination;
• Program and subject evaluation in keeping with University requirements.

Research within Occupational Therapy:

• Under supervision of senior staff within the Discipline develop a research agenda;
• Apply for grants and establish research programs that attract external funding;
• Collaborate with Disciplines within the College of Healthcare Sciences and with other institutions to maximise research opportunities;
• Publish research findings in high impact journals and in relevant professional journals;
• Present at conference nationally and internationally;

Professional and Community Engagement within Occupational Therapy

• Where appropriate engage in professional or occupational therapy practice, or facilitate the professional engagement of students;
• Maintain a high profile within the relevant professional organisations;
• Exercise leadership in developing relationships with industry, government departments, professional bodies and the wider community.

Generic Accountabilities

There are generic responsibilities that apply to all James Cook University staff.

1. The Associate Lecturer is required to observe the lawful and reasonable directions, policies and decisions of the University Council, understand and comply with the Enterprise Agreement, the Statutes and Rules of the University, the policies and decisions of the University Council and other appropriate University authorities, as in force from time to time.
2. The Associate Lecturer is required to demonstrate a personal commitment to ensure personal safety and the safety of others and contribute to the continuous improvement of our WHS performance. This includes the effective implementation and compliance with James Cook University WHS policies, procedures and safe systems of work, together with all relevant legislation, duties and obligations. Contribute to the continuous improvement of our WHS performance.
3. The Associate Lecturer is required to exercise proper discretion in all matters affecting the wellbeing of the University which involve public writing or speaking in accordance with the University’s Code of Conduct.

Selection Criteria

Selection and appointments will be assessed against selection criteria.

Essential

1. The applicant must possess a degree in Occupational Therapy from a WFOT accredited University.
2. AHPRA registered or eligible for registration.
3. Committed to best practice in the education of occupational therapy students and the provision of occupational therapy clinical services.
4. Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team, including an understanding of the importance of contributing to staff meetings and discipline committees.
5. Demonstrated high level interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with well-developed time management and organisational skills.
6. Evidence of a sound undergraduate academic record including clinical placement.
7. Able to demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development.
8. Demonstrated interest and desire to obtain post-graduate teaching qualifications. 
9. The applicant must be enrolled in, or have an intention in the near future, to enrol in a PhD.

Desirable

1. Ability to forge strong collaborative links with clinicians and contribute to the growth of the profession in the region.
2. Demonstrated interest in at least one area of specialty in occupational therapy practice.
3. Willingness to embrace the knowledge, skills and ideals of practice in rural, remote and tropical regions.