Michelle Taylor
11 Plough Drive, Curlewis,VIC
Summary
Empathetic, professional and client-focussed Occupational Therapist. Dedicated to achieving positive outcomes for all clients. Strong capacity to assess clients, plan evidence based interventions, conduct research and manage complex caseloads. Creative with the ability to provide innovative solutions to client issues and concerns. Excellent communication skills and ability to build positive relationships quickly with a diverse range of people and personalities. Enjoy working in a friendly and productive team. Demonstrated ability to work to schedules and time frames. Willing to undertake further professional development and training. Caring Occupational Therapist with versatility in adapting to diverse needs of clients, developing targeted treatment plans to support individual needs. Well-trained occupational therapist with 11 years of experience building personal confidence among clients suffering from varying disorders and social impairments. Systematic rehabilitation specialist with deliberate planning and thoughtful organization, developing benchmarks for individuals in occupational therapeutic environments.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Occupational Therapist
Forbes Clinical Services
04.2024 - Current
- Provide goal setting, assessment, education and development of interventions with the client to work towards achieving their NDIS goals for clients with chronic conditions by addressing physical, cognitive, psychosocial, risk of harm/injury and sensory impairments.
- Completed Functional Capacity Assessments, Supported Independent Living Assessments, Home modification and equipment assessments and reports, for paediatric clients (primarily Autism Spectrum Disorders) and adult clients with mental health/intellectual disabilities.
- Improved functional outcomes for paediatric patients by integrating play-based therapy techniques into treatment plans.
- Documented patient progress accurately and efficiently, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Provided interventions and treatments to improve patient abilities to perform daily activities, manage symptoms and prevent injury.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members for comprehensive patient care and optimal results.
- Consulted with direct-care staff to implement best methods to achieve therapy goals.
- Recommended equipment to use in-home to maximize opportunities for wellness.
- Advocated for patients' needs, securing necessary resources and support services to aid in their rehabilitation.
- Advocated for occupational therapy services within healthcare system, highlighting value of occupational therapy in patient care.
- Determined best treatment plans to meet objectives for school, work, and home life.
Occupational Therapist
Plena Healthcare
09.2019 - 03.2024
- Residential Aged Care Restorative program, Active Aging program (groups), Pain Management Program, completing referrals from care staff for falls, injury management, pressure care, splinting, falls reviews, equipment including reviewing hoist sizes and requirements, compression stocking measurement and provision, education to residents, staff and families regarding optimal requirements and interventions, motorised aid (power wheelchair/scooter assessment) and recommendations and care staff manual handling training.
- Working with multidisciplinary team including General Practitioners, Facility Manager, Clinical Care Coordinators, Nursing, Allied Health and Care staff to achieve optimal outcomes for the residents.
- Care team meeting attendance.
- Resident advocacy and referral to outside services if required.
- Established compassionate and caring relationships with patients and their families.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing individualized treatment plans and monitoring progress.
- Evaluated patient conditions, histories, and goals.
- Developed customized home exercise programs, enabling patients to maintain progress outside of therapy sessions.
- Utilized assistive technology devices when necessary while working closely with vendors/providers on device selection and customization process.
- Enhanced patient functionality through evidence-based therapeutic interventions and exercises.
Occupational Therapist
Pain Matrix
01.2017 - 03.2024
- Multidisciplinary chronic pain management clinic (private)
- Provided assessment, education and intervention to empower patients and families to understand conditions, treatments and treatment options for understanding and managing various types of chronic pain.
- Established rapport with diverse populations including adolescents, adults, geriatric, and mental health clients with chronic pain conditions (including with co-morbid conditions) to ensure effective communication and collaboration throughout treatment process.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members for comprehensive patient care and optimal results.
- Participated in weekly interdisciplinary case team meetings.
- Provided pain education and developed strategies regarding managing chronic pain throughout the day.
- Promoted independence in activities of daily living through task analysis, environmental adaptations, and compensatory techniques.
- Developed customized exercise and intervention programs, enabling patients to maintain progress outside of therapy sessions.
- Developed and conducted a small group program to assist clients better manage their sleep using cognitive/behavioural techniques.
- Provided interventions and treatments to improve patient abilities to perform daily activities, manage symptoms and prevent injury.
- Trialled and recommended assistive technology devices when necessary while working closely with vendors/providers on device selection and customization process.
- Enhanced overall quality of life for patients with chronic conditions by addressing physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and sensory impairments.
- Developed work-hardening programs to prepare patients for safe return to work.
- Liasied with case managers, support coordinators, insurers (NDIS, Worksafe, TAC, Comcare, and Veterans Affairs.
- Participated in multidisciplinary and return to work case conferences.
- Attended and presented at monthly educational sessions held in conjunction with the Pain Management Unit at Barwon Health.
- Liaise with client's treating practitioners outside of Pain Matrix, including general practitioners, psychologists, physiotherapists, hand therapists, occupational rehabilitation providers.
Occupational Therapist/Team Leader
Remedy Healthcare
09.2015 - 09.2019
- Residential Aged Care Pain Management Program involving assessment and appropriate interventions to manage chronic pain for residents in residential aged care facilities. Aged Care and approximately four months working in the community NDIS/CHSP/Aged Care Package clients.
- Worked across seven sites operated by Ballarat Health Services.
- Established clear communication channels that ensured timely exchange of information between team members and stakeholders.
- Mentored junior staff members, assisting to develop their leadership potential and advance their careers.
- Supervised team members to confirm compliance with set procedures and quality requirements.
- Attended and made recommendations in monthly falls prevention meetings attended by facility managers and care coordinators across all sites.
- Completed community assessments for funded clients for equipment, improving activities of daily living and minor home modifications (ramps) for a small amount of clients.
Education
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) -
Deakin University
12-2012
Certificate IV in Health (Nursing) -
Gordon TAFE
12-2008
Associate Diploma in Banking - Business & Finance -
Gordon TAFE
01.1996
Skills
- Assessment and Intervention skills
- Ability to collect data and write accurate reports
- Use of standardised and non-standardised tools to assess client function including: physical, pain, balance/falls risk, pressure care, cognitive and sensory functional capacity
- Utilise assessment, communication, education goal setting and evidence-based interventions to deliver optimal client outcomes for participants to achieve desired outcomes
- Demonstrated ability to assess client capacity and barriers to achieving goals
- Capacity to utilise clinical judgement in meeting clients' needs
- Excellent understanding of intrinsic and extrinsic strengths based and family-centred approach to meeting client's needs
- Ability to work with clients to set realistic goals and successfully implement appropriate interventions to facilitate best possible outcomes for clients
- Devise and implement inventions in conjuctions with the client including individual and group programs to improve physical, mental, and cognitive health
Professional Highlights
- Working with a client injured in a motor vehicle accident to return them to activity including taking 10-year-old to school and to return to full time work within a 12-month period. Client had been in bed for six months unable to get out of bed to shower for six months prior to appointment due to injury and comorbid mental health. This client's return to work program was predominately led by myself (including completing Certificate of Capacity), working with the psychologist to return the client to work full time along with returning to full participation in social and family life.
- Team Leader – Remedy Healthcare – contracted to Ballarat Health Services (BHS) – Team Leader of five AHP team members spread over seven sites. Assisted regional manager to manage team across sites including regular liaising with BHS Ballarat Aged Care Area Manager and facility managers and staff across seven sites. Small amount of community work – NDIS/Aged care packages included.
- Attending the 2019 Australian Pain Society 39th Annual Scientific Meeting on the Gold Coast
- Working as part of the multidisciplinary team to significantly improve client outcomes in pain levels and functional capacity including working with a client diagnosed with Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome to both of his hands. Improved functional outcomes from client not participating in any activity at all, to having client return to his hobby of painting cartoons, taking his children to play and looking after his animals.
- Enabled a resident post CVA with neurological symptoms to recommence walking distances and reduced her pain score down five points according to the Verbal Rating Scale.
Teamwork - Skills
Compassionate and dedicated multidisciplinary team member who is focussed on positive outcomes for clientsEffective team member who values opportunities to collaborate and work with peers, carers and health professionalsCapacity to develop and maintain effective relationships with Allied Health Professional and AdministratorsParticipates and contributes to professional and personal development activities
Employment Snapshot
- 04/24 - current, Forbes Clinical Services, Occupational Therapist - Community NDIS clients - Mental Health and Paediatric.
- 2017 – 03/2024, Pain Matrix, Occupational Therapist – Multidisciplinary chronic pain management clinic (private)
- 2019 - 03/2024, Zenitas Healthcare, Occupational Therapist, Pain Management Program – Residential Aged Care, Geelong
- 2015 - 2019, Remedy Healthcare, Team Leader - Pain Management Program – Residential Aged Care and Community Occupational Therapist – NDIS/CHSP, Ballarat and Melbourne
- 2012 - 2015, IPAR Rehabilitation, Occupational Rehabilitation Consultant/Occupational Therapist, Geelong
- 2011 – 2012, Transport Accident Commission, Rehabilitation Coordinator
- 2009 – 2012, Drysdale Grove Aged Care, Enrolled Nurse – Afternoon shift supervisor
- 1988 – 2002, National Australia Bank, various roles
Memberships
- Member of Australian Pain Society (APS)
- Member of International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP)
Work Ethic
Outstanding work ethic and a demonstrated commitment to continual improvement of clinical practice
Rapport Building
Takes pride in capacity to quickly build a rapport with clients
Communication Skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills gained through case management work, nursing, and previous customer service roles including:Ability to communicate easily and effectively with a wide variety of people including clients in chronic pain and families in a number of different environmentsAbility to communicate effectively with allied health professionalsAdvanced conflict resolution skills developed during ‘Return to Work' negotiations between insurance companies, employers, employees and treating practitionersProficiency in the use of MS Office and software packages typically used in reporting and documenting client information
Interpersonal Skills
Strong interpersonal skills with capacity to work independently or as directed
Time Management
Experienced in working to tight schedules and meeting deadlines
Community Service
- 2011, Advisor, Deakin University Department of Occupational Science & Therapy and the School of Architecture and Building
- 2010 - 2011, Student Advisor, Deakin University
- 2006 - 2007, Fees Treasurer / General Committee member, Clifton Springs Pre-School
Hobbies and Interests
I have a special interest in working in chronic pain, mental health and older adults.
I enjoy spending time with my two cats, my two adult sons and friends and family. I also enjoy reading, eating out, exploring galleries, museums and places I haven't been before.
References
Available on request
Timeline
Occupational Therapist
Forbes Clinical Services
04.2024 - Current
Occupational Therapist
Plena Healthcare
09.2019 - 03.2024
Occupational Therapist
Pain Matrix
01.2017 - 03.2024
Occupational Therapist/Team Leader
Remedy Healthcare
09.2015 - 09.2019
Associate Diploma in Banking - Business & Finance -
Gordon TAFE
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) -
Deakin University
Certificate IV in Health (Nursing) -
Gordon TAFE
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