Practice Support

Occupational Therapy Australia

Practice Support

OTA provide advice and representation on all matters relating to the occupational therapy profession.

We're responsible for the development and delivery of OTA professional practice advisory services, resources and programs that relate to the current and emerging needs of the profession.

Through this work we promote the role of occupational therapy and facilitate the advancement of the profession to ensure people with health and/or social care needs have access to relevant best practice occupational therapy services. 

We draw on the collective knowledge and experience of our members and key stakeholders to ensure our work is based on the best available evidence, a thorough understanding of health sector context, and the policy directions of commonwealth and state/territory governments.

Scroll down for more information on current projects, ways you can get involved, opportunities to connect with other OT’s, resources, learning and development, advisory services and more.

 

Spotlight On

Capability Frameworks

We are building new capability frameworks in collaboration with the profession following the success of the Mental Health Capability Framework and findings from the OTA Workforce Development Project.

Workforce Development Project Findings

We are excited to share the findings of our Workforce Development Project and our OTA Workforce Development Plan.

Mental Health

We are building new foundational training modules that are aligned to the Mental Health Capability Framework and support the pathway for OT’s seeking Mental Health Endorsement.

Resources

Student Hub Page

Find free member resources to support your transition to practice, including the free OTA Student Webinar Series.

Early Career Launchpad Page

Find free member resources to support you in your early years as an OT, including webinars, online modules, and downloadable tip sheets.

Professional Practice Documents and Publications Page

OTA works with experts in the field to produce formal documents based on the best available evidence to provide guidance on professional practice issues. This includes the OTA Supervision Framework, Scope of Practice Framework, Position Papers, Informed views and more.

AHPRA Registration Page

Find information to gain registration after an extended break from practice or as an overseas qualified OT.

OTA Education Page

To register as an occupational therapist, you need to have completed your studies at a World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) approved program. You also need to make sure your program is approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (OTBA).

OTA Mentoring Page

At Occupational Therapy Australia we recommend practitioners have a range of professional development strategies in place to support their journey as Occupational Therapists. One of these strategies is mentoring.

OTA Professional Supervision Page

Professional supervision offers a tailored approach to learning and support for occupational therapists and is recommended across all career stages.

 

 

 

Need advice?

Practice Queries Service

Practice Queries are responded to by experienced occupational therapists in the Professional Practice & Development Team. They can provide general, in principle opinions on topics related to professional practice. This service is available to General and New Graduate members only. You can also review our FAQ’s.

Looking for legal or HR advice? Our professional practice advisors are unable to provide legal or HR advice. OTA members can access a free consultation with Maurice Blackburn Lawyers and HR consultants WorkplacePLUS. Find more information on our Partners webpage.

Learning and Development

Unpack issues impacting OTs, ask questions and expand your network.  Hot Topics are intended to ignite conversation and provide information that is practical and relevant to OT clinical practice and/or business operating environments.

Practice Spotlights support OTs to translate knowledge into practice through a focus on practical skill development and application. Topics covered in Practice Spotlights include both professional and clinical skills development.

The OTA CPD program is an evidence-based, peer-reviewed program that covers a wide range of practice areas, clinical expertise and career development stages. CPD is delivered through webinars, workshops and online learning resources.

 

 

Connect with your Community

 
 

Early Career Community of Practice

We're launching an Early Career Community of Practice in 2024 for OTA members. It will be a space where OTs in their first five years of practice can collaborate and network in a safe and supportive environment as well as sharing experiences and ideas.

Interested in joining our Early Career Community of Practice?

Hot Topic Event OTA in NT
 

Interest Groups

Interest groups bring together OT’s interested in a particular area of OT practice. These groups engage in peer support, networking and learning opportunities. Free for OTA members.

Opportunities to Contribute

Can your perspective help to inform the future of OT research? OTA’s Research Survey page presents a number surveys seeking responses from researchers and other institutions across Australia.

We are now accepting Expressions of Interest (EOI) to present CPD as part of our 2024/2025 program and have outlined below the process of what information is needed to make an EOI.

Connections magazine is currently seeking members interested in sharing their learnings, knowledge and experiences. In addition to our regular columns and features, we want Connections to provide a platform for members to tell their occupational therapy story.

Professional Practice Projects

We have developed an OTA Occupational Therapy Workforce Plan in collaboration with the profession. The plan focuses on seven key priority areas and three cross cutting themes to support occupational therapists and the broader profession.

OTA Mental Health Strategy is a practical strategy to better support OTs and consumers, and one that will enable to advocate for better awareness and outcomes from government and stakeholders.

OTA Aged Care Approach delivers targeted actions to build advocacy opportunities, increase stakeholder and consumer engagement, foster quality clinical practice and raise our professional profile.

 

 

OT Jobs Board

Explore new employment opportunities or post an advert looking for a qualified occupational therapists on the Occupational Therapy Jobs Board. You can also find resources to support you in your career planning.

OTA Partners

Aon is the preferred insurance broker to OTA, and they have worked with us and insurers to create insurance cover tailored for the risks commonly found in OT practice. OTA members are entitled to insurance discounts through Aon.

Maurice Blackburn is the preferred legal partner to OTA. They offer OTA full-time, part-time and new graduate members free telephone advice and a free first consultation regarding compensation law, public liability, employment law, superannuation claims, wills and estates planning and insurance claims.

WorkplacePLUS is OTA’s workplace relations partner. OTA members can access an initial complimentary phone consultation of up to 30 minutes on a broad range of workplace matters.

Become a Member

Join the peak body representing the profession of occupational therapy in Australia.

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