Please note: The deadline for applications has now closed.
The Occupational Therapy Council of New South Wales is currently appointing registered occupational therapists as professional members who may:
- Conduct professional performance assessments for the Council
- Sit on the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal
- Sit on the Impaired Registrants Panel
- Sit on the Performance Review Panel
- Sit on the panel for immediate action (section 150) proceedings
Practitioner Members do not sit on the Council. Rather, they are contacted on an ad hoc basis to assist the Council in the above panels.
If you would like to express your interest as a practitioner member, could you please advise us by COB 4 August 2023 indicating your availability and which area/s you are willing to assist in.
The Council will review applications against the following criteria:
- Integrity, impartiality, open-mindedness, judgement and fairness demonstrated in roles within the Occupational Therapy profession or other health settings
- Sound knowledge and understanding of the relevant legislation, registration standards, codes and guidelines for the profession
Applicants are required to submit a brief statement addressing each of the selection criteria and an up-to-date curriculum vitae (maximum of 5 pages) to HPCA-OccupationalTherapyCouncil@health.nsw.gov.au.
Practitioner members are renumerated for their services in line with NSW Government policy. The NSW Premier and Cabinet, NSW Government Boards and Committees Guidelines, Section 8.3 Payment to Public Sector Employees states: “In line with policy decisions against “double-dipping”, public sector employees appointed to NSW government boards or committees do not receive remuneration.”
Further information
To ensure the health and safety of the public, as well as the equitable treatment of both the complainant and the health practitioner, complaints need to be considered in a timely manner. Undue delay in the management of complaints does not meet the objectives and guiding principles of the Health Practitioner National Law. As such, you should provide a realistic estimate of your availability.
Report writing is an integral part of all hearings and assessments.
Below is a brief outline of the Assessments and hearings conducted:
The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) adjudicates the prosecution of serious complaints following investigation by the HCCC. NCAT also adjudicates appeals by a practitioner against certain decisions by the Council and the National Boards. Finally, NCAT is the appropriate review body for orders cancelling a practitioner’s registration and in many cases for orders imposing conditions on registration.
- Tribunals are conducted in person
- They are usually listed for between one and five consecutive days
An Impaired Registrants Panel consists of health practitioners who have experience in dealing with health and impairment matters. The Panel makes inquiries into the matter and seeks the practitioner’s voluntary agreement to any proposed suspension or conditions. The recommendations of the Panel and any proposed conditions are detailed in a report to the Council.
- May be conducted by video conference
- Usual time commitment of half day per hearing
A Performance Assessment involves two assessors evaluating the practitioner's professional performance. The assessment is usually comprehensive and broad based, looking at a wide range of elements of the practitioner’s performance. Assessments include:
- observing real or simulated patient consultations and clinical work
- reviewing clinical records
- conducting a clinical interview
- interviewing staff and colleagues
- writing a report to the Council
- time commitment is one full day per assessment
- assessments are conducted in person
A Performance Review Panel is a hearing at which the professional performance of a practitioner is reviewed. The principal consideration of the panel is whether it considers the professional performance of the practitioner to be unsatisfactory. At its conclusion, the Panel must provide a written statement of decision to the Council and practitioner.
- May be conducted by video conference
- Usual time commitment of half day per hearing
Urgent Interim action under section 150 of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (NSW) is taken if the Council decide that it is appropriate to protect the health and safety of any person or it is in the public interest. Under section 150 proceedings the Council can suspend or impose conditions on a practitioner’s registration as an interim measure at any time to protect the public. Sitting on a section 150 panel includes:
- considering all information related to the proceedings
- conducting an interview with the practitioner
- writing a statement of decision to the Council and practitioner
- usual time commitment of half day per hearing
- hearing may be conducted by video conference
For further information, please contact Ms Heather Comino, Executive Officer of the Occupational Therapy Council of NSW, by email at HPCA-OccupationalTherapyCouncil@health.nsw.gov.au