Brianna Clark
Collaroy Plateau,NSW
Summary
I am a personable and hardworking mental health occupational therapist with a passion for helping clients reach their highest potential. My therapeutic approach is evidence based, trauma informed and client centred, involving careful assessment, collaborative goal setting, constructive problem solving and a versatility in therapeutic techniques. I have strengths in interpersonal and organisational skills and a strong team commitment. My philosophy is to pursue life long learning and development.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Occupational Therapist
Ramsay Northside Group
Cremorne, St Leonard’s, and Wentworthville
02.2018 - Current
- Developing and leading inpatient and outpatient psychoeducation/therapy groups
- Facilitating CBT based discussion groups, DBT skills group, cooking skills groups, behavioural activation groups, art groups, leather skills group and horticulture groups
- Providing individual psychological therapy to inpatients as needed throughout their admission
- Administering and scoring formal and informal assessments such as MMSE, HoNOS & MHQ-14
- Collaborative work with patients to set and review care plan goals, plan discharge and provide resources for community supports
- Documenting patient progress accurately and efficiently, focusing mainly on participation, mental state, and any safety concerns.
- Collaborating in both verbal and written form with interdisciplinary team members including nurses, psychiatrists and other therapists for comprehensive patient care and optimal results
- Participating in continuing education opportunities to stay current with best practices in occupational therapy and psychological therapy
- Providing in-house education to employees
- Inducting new employees
- Supporting patients with discharge planning to ensure seamless transitions and staying well upon leaving facility
- Establishing compassionate and caring relationships with patients
Senior Occupational Therapist
Rebound Health
02.2020 - 05.2023
- Worked with a diverse population of all ages above 16 years, with a range of presentations, predominantly mental health issues
- Conducted thorough functional assessments to determine client needs, functional limitations, and to recommend best treatment
- Wrote summary reports predominantly for the purpose of NDIS access and NDIS reviews
- Provided of psychological therapies (CBT, DBT, ACT), capacity building interventions (Cooking, shopping, establishing employment and education, social skills training), and education to clients and families on coping strategies, adaptive equipment and safety modifications
- Enhanced overall quality of life for clients with chronic conditions by addressing psychosocial, cognitive, and physical difficulties
- Developed and facilitated PEERS Autism social skills groups targeting young adults
- Established compassionate and caring relationships with patients
- Mentored occupational therapy students, fostering professional growth and development
- Nurtured referrer relationships through continual communication and updates on clients
- Prioritised workload and time management
- Documented patient progress accurately and efficiently
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members online and in person for comprehensive patient care and optimal results
- Participated in continuing education opportunities to stay current with best practices in occupational therapy and psychological therapies
Research Assistant
Assistance Dog’s Australia (ADA)
04.2018 - 07.2018
- Collected research data through surveys and participated in data collection
- Utilized statistical software for data analysis
- Produced reports of results
- Monitored project timelines, ensuring timely completion of tasks while maintaining high-quality output.
- Lead and managed research volunteers
- Ran a workshop with two other researchers at Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) Conference in July 2019 to present project findings and encourage learning and discussion amongst the research community
- Organised and participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers and Academics at University of Sydney to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
Casual Occupational Therapist
Encara Aged Care
03.2018 - 05.2018
- Provided massage therapy intervention to clients for pain management
- Provided passive/active range of motion, strength and mobility exercises for pain management and to promote optimal mobility and function
- Conducted mobility and pain assessments
- Practiced safe manual handling working with clients to conduct transfers and assist with mobilising.
- Assessed for pressure sores, skin integrity, and correct body positioning and provided recommendations.
280 Hours Placement
Early Links
Carringbah
11.2017 - 12.2017
- Conducted formal and informal assessments on paediatric clients focusing on fine motor skills, gross motor skills, sensory processing and cognitive skills to inform treatment plans
- Scored and interpreted sensory profile 2
- Provided evidence based and predominantly play-based intervention for paediatric clients
- Collaborated with a team of occupational therapists, families and school staff to ensure optimal client outcomes
- Developed a strong rapport with clients and their families
Tutor
Tutor Doctor Chatswood
10.2014 - 12.2017
- Provided one-on-one homework assistance and study skill support using specific curriculum and materials to children and teenagers in primary and high school education
- Assessed of academic level, strengths and weaknesses
- Provided written and verbal reports of tutoring sessions to parents
- Motivated students towards learning and studying to build self-confidence and reduce fear of failure
- Applied therapeutic techniques to address visual and auditory integration issues
- I received the award "Tutor of the month" in the monthly newsletter in 2017
Masters OT University Experience
University of Sydney
02.2017 - 11.2017
- Conducted an honours research project, initiated by Assistance Dogs Australia, on the outcomes of dog-assisted therapy for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Completed an ethics application and research proposal
- Completed a 5,000-word literature review, a manuscript, and a 10-minute presentation
- Used excel and SPSS for data collection and analysis
- Managed three student volunteers to assist with data collection
250 hours placement
Concord Hospital, Centre for Mental Health
07.2017 - 09.2017
- Prepared and lead inpatient therapy groups (meal preparation groups, leisure outings, discussion groups) and individual therapy (meal preparation and shopping skill building)
- Lead activities as part of a camp at Rivendell School in Concord for Children of Parents with a Mental Illness (COPMI), including sports games and support groups
- Applied clinical observations during cooking, shopping, and financial assessments
- Documented progress notes, functional reports and financial reports
- Reported on patients and discussed treatment and discharge plans with colleagues in inter-disciplinary meetings and case reviews
Clinician
Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes
Chatswood
03.2016 - 02.2017
- Provided one-on-one tuition to students with difficulties in the areas of comprehension and reading using an instructional style which facilitates sensory-cognitive development in children with learning difficulties
- Used behaviour management techniques for children with attention/behavioural disorders or ASD
- Scored tests and entered results into company databases
Internship Student in Research and Development
Regeneus Pty Ltd
12.2013 - 02.2014
- Implemented cell culture process and techniques
- Recorded, integrated and interpreted data from research experiments
- Provided support and guidance to new interns on laboratory processes
- Efficiently managed assigned tasks and met deadlines
- Demonstrated adaptability by quickly learning new concepts and techniques as required for different assignments within the program.
Education
Master of Occupational Therapy (Distinction average) with Honours -
University of Sydney
12.2017
Bachelor of Science (Credit Average), Majors in Neuroscience and Physiology -
University of Sydney
Camperdown, NSW12.2013
Higher School Certificate -
Loreto Kirribilli Convent
12.2010
Certification
- 2022 Certificate of completion of PEERS for Young Adults training
- 2022 First Aid Certificate
- 2019 Presented research at OTA conference
- 2015 Working with Children Check
- 2013 Certificate of completion of Key Word Sign Basic Workshop
- 2010 Higher School Certificate
- 2008 Peer Support Leader
- 2007 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award
Volunteer Experience
- 2018, Beyondblue, Volunteer at events
- 2016, Giant Steps, Gladesville
- 2016, St John Ambulance NSW, First Aider
- 2014, Sir Eric Woodward School, Hydrotherapy (school for children with a disability)
References
- Andrew Daubney, Exercise Physiologist, Director at Rebound Health, andrew@reboundhealth.com.au
- Jo Roome, Clinical Psychologist, Ramsay Northside Group colleague and co-facilitator of DBT skills outpatient group, roomej@ramsayhealth.com.au
- Stacey Argent, Supervisor at Concord hospital, +61 403 971 019, Stacey.Argent@sswahs.nsw.gov.au
Further contact details available on request.
Hobbies and Interests
- Surfing
- Soccer
- Snowboarding
- Yoga/pilates
- Photography
- French language
Timeline
Senior Occupational Therapist
Rebound Health
02.2020 - 05.2023
Research Assistant
Assistance Dog’s Australia (ADA)
04.2018 - 07.2018
Casual Occupational Therapist
Encara Aged Care
03.2018 - 05.2018
Occupational Therapist
Ramsay Northside Group
02.2018 - Current
280 Hours Placement
Early Links
11.2017 - 12.2017
250 hours placement
Concord Hospital, Centre for Mental Health
07.2017 - 09.2017
Masters OT University Experience
University of Sydney
02.2017 - 11.2017
Clinician
Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes
03.2016 - 02.2017
Tutor
Tutor Doctor Chatswood
10.2014 - 12.2017
Internship Student in Research and Development
Regeneus Pty Ltd
12.2013 - 02.2014
Master of Occupational Therapy (Distinction average) with Honours -
University of Sydney
Bachelor of Science (Credit Average), Majors in Neuroscience and Physiology -
University of Sydney
Higher School Certificate -
Loreto Kirribilli Convent