Jessica Green

Occupational Therapist - The Independent Living Centre

Graduated in:

2010

Course completed:

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Currently working for:

The Independent Living Centre (Tasmania)

What year did you start working for this organisation?

2011

Position title and short job description:

Occupational Therapist.

The Independent Living Centre provides information and advice on equipment and assistive technology to assist with activities of daily living. We don’t sell equipment. Equipment is everything from a powered wheelchair to a jar opener. I provide advice to people who drop into the centre, telephone and email. We also run a mobile outreach program where we take equipment to demonstrate to communities all around Tasmania including King and Flinders Islands.

What made you stand out when you applied for this role?

The recruitment process was a written application followed by a phone interview. What made me stand out was the fact I had completed a placement in Tasmania during my course. I was keen to learn and experience a new area of Occupational Therapy. The job was in an area of Occupational Therapy which I wasn't able to get a university placement in prior to finishing the course.

Working highlight so far:

Getting to travel around Tasmania with my work. I especially loved my trip over to Flinders Island it is one of the most remote and beautiful places in Australia.

What are the things you enjoy most about your job?

Helping people gaining or improving their independence. I enjoy problem solving a client's difficulties with them. It is very satisfying to see a client so thankful because now they can do an activity they want to do.

An area in which you have needed assistance:

Writing letters and emails to the level of understanding of the client group. Some clients have had limited formal education or are from a non-English speaking background. It has been a big learning curve to go from writing 2000 word essays to easy to understand letters to clients!

What do you intend to do in the future?

Occupational Therapy is such a broad field to work in. I’d like to experience and learn about different areas of Occupational Therapy in the future.

#1 tip for current students studying your course:

If an interstate or remote placement comes up give it a go - it is something very unique to have on your resume.