The Spastic Centre attracts talented allied health professionals
For allied health graduates considering a career in paediatric disability, The Spastic Centre offers the opportunity for a rewarding and dynamic career.
The Spastic Centre is one of the largest, non-government disability service providers in NSW. It provides services and support to people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, and their families through 70 sites across NSW and the ACT.
The Centre currently employs 175 allied health professionals including occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech pathologists, social workers,
psychologists and early childhood educators.
The Spastic Centre has developed some creative strategies to attract and retain the best staff. In 2007, our efforts were awarded with a citation as ‘Employer of Choice for Women’ from the Federal Government’s Equal Opportunity for Women Agency.
The Centre is regarded as a ‘learning organisation’. Staff education, mentoring and career development make up a comprehensive learning program, which
ensures that staff build a solid, contemporary skill base in general and specialist areas.
Brianna, an occupational therapist, has gained an allied health scholarship from The Spastic Centre in her final year of study at Charles Sturt University and completed a memorable student placement with them.
"Two years of excellent support and training throughout the New Graduate Program has been a great way to start my career," Brianna says.
The Centre’s high employee retention rate means that new graduates are supported by experienced colleagues. The staff-support structure also involves mentoring and leadership development.
Alicia also started her career at The Spastic Centre as an occupational therapist graduate but soon developed an interest in management.
"The Spastic Centre encouraged me to pursue my interest in management and supported me through mentoring and training," Alicia says. "Now I’ve just been appointed team leader in the rural team."
The Spastic Centre also provides opportunities for employees to fast-track their careers by offering professional development in specialist areas.
"Working at The Spastic Centre has been great," speech pathology consultant, Alana, says. "I’ve had lots of opportunities for professional development and there is a fantastic clinical support network.
"The skills that I have gained by working with children with disabilities have allowed me to pursue my interest in communication technology. Now I’m working as a speech pathology consultant on The Spastic Centre’s TASC (Technology solutions for computer Access, Seating and Communication) team."
The Rural Graduate Program offers staff additional financial and educational incentives, including a $2,000 bonus when they complete two years’ service. New employees relocating to a rural area are eligible for $1,000 towards relocation costs and two weeks’ paid accommodation. The scheme has resulted in an unusually high retention rate.
Tambi, a physiotherapist who recently moved to Wagga, has found working for The Spastic Centre a great adventure. "It’s been a terrific experience," she
says. "Living and working in a rural environment is exciting and rewarding and it makes you think outside the normal physio role."
Other staff incentives include financial support for study and conference attendance, attractive salary package options, flexible working hours and paid maternity leave. There are also opportunities for secondment in the Asia Pacific region for those interested in international community development.
In annual independent surveys over the past five years, employees consistently indicate that their work gave them a feeling of personal accomplishment and contributed to the organisation’s overall success. Importantly, employees say they are able to maintain a good balance between work and other aspects of their lives.
So, if you are seeking a rewarding career in an organisation with a culture of learning and a supportive network, consider The Spastic Centre - it ticks all the boxes!
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