Occupational Therapist vacant role remains unfilled

Tamworth AboriginalMedical Service - Aboriginal Corporation (TAMS-AC) has been on the lookout foran Occupational Therapist (OT) for months, but the position remains vacantdespite extensive efforts.

TAMS-AC, which hasgrown from 30 to over 70 staff members in the past two years, has facedsignificant challenges in filling this crucial role. CEO Damion Brown said hebelieved the difficulty in recruiting allied health professionals in regionalareas is a problem that is becoming increasingly common.

“You hear all the timeabout the trouble with finding GPs in regional areas, which don’t get me wrong,we also struggle to find, but increasingly it is allied health that is provingthe tricky roles to fill,” Mr. Brown said.

“We are a greatcommunity in Tamworth, and we don’t want our patients to miss out on the carethey need, or to have to spend money travelling for that care when they don’tneed to.”

The organisation hasinvested thousands of dollars in advertising the position, sent it out to dozensof OT contacts and is offering a competitive salary range of $100,000 to$130,000, which is above the regional NSW average. However, there have been noapplications to date.

HR Manager Adam Fermorbelieves the unique opportunity the role offers would be perfect for any OTlooking for something rewarding.

“This is a 12-monthfull-time role that would be perfect for someone looking to expand theirexperience in indigenous health and wellbeing while making a huge impact on thelives on people in our community,” Mr. Fermor said.

“You will developperson-centred goals with children and their families to enhance life skillsand promote independence, and with our entire centre being fully bulk-billedfor our patients, it is a perfect opportunity to build a holistic approach tocare.”

TAMS-AC, located onPeel Street in North Tamworth, has been promoting Aboriginal healthcare as anot-for-profit, board-run organisation for over 25 years. TAMS-AC is nowreaching out to recruitment agencies specialising in allied health roles inhopes of finding a suitable candidate.

“If you are anOccupational Therapist looking to make a difference in the lives of Aboriginalchildren and youth, or a recruitment agency that could help us fill it, pleasereach out,” Mr. Brown said.

“You will be welcomedwith open arms by both the centre staff and our patients.”

For more information,contact Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Services - Aboriginal Corporation at (02)6760 2500 or email Human Resources at adamf@tams.org.au.

END
Image: OT needed to enhance life skills of Tamworth Aboriginal youth
Media: Brooke Maisey, (02) 6760 2500, brookem@tams.org.au