The Vital Role of Allied Health Assistants in Expanding Access to Therapy

At Shoalhaven Occupational Therapy, Shoalhaven Allied Health, and Shellharbour Occupational Therapy, we believe that quality care should be accessible, timely, and goal-driven. One of the ways we've been able to make this a reality for our clients is through the ongoing success of our Allied Health Assistant (AHA) program.

Over the past few years, our AHA program has grown significantly – and so have the results. By integrating highly trained allied health assistants into our therapy teams, we've been able to expand our capacity, reduce wait times for services, and lower the overall cost of therapy programs for our clients. Most importantly, this model keeps the focus right where it belongs: on meaningful progress toward each client's unique goals.

What Does an Allied Health Assistant Do?

An allied health assistant works under the supervision and direction of our qualified occupational therapists and speech pathologists to support the delivery of therapy services. This might include:

• Running structured therapy programs developed by the treating therapist

• Supporting clients with practicing skills between therapy sessions

• Assisting with group programs, home programs, and community-based interventions

• Helping with the preparation of therapy materials and documentation

• Providing valuable feedback and observations to the treating therapist

Our AHAs play a critical role in helping clients build independence and consistency between formal therapy sessions. They are not just assistants – they are essential partners in the therapy journey.

Who Are Our Allied Health Assistants?

Our AHA team is one of the largest in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions, and we’re proud of the diverse range of skills and experiences they bring to our clinics and community programs.

• Many of our AHAs hold a Certificate III or IV in Allied Health Assistance, providing them with a solid foundation in supporting therapy interventions.

• Others are university students currently studying Occupational Therapy or Registered Nursing, bringing up-to-date academic knowledge and a strong passion for health and wellbeing.

• Our AHAs are carefully trained and mentored by our senior clinicians, ensuring high-quality care that is always aligned with client goals.

  
  

Why It Works

This approach isn't just good in theory — we’ve seen the benefits firsthand. The integration of AHAs has allowed us to offer more flexible appointment options, continue therapy programs during quieter periods like school holidays, and provide consistent support in between therapy blocks.

This model also helps reduce the financial burden on families by offering therapy support at a lower hourly rate, without compromising on quality or outcomes.

A Collaborative, Client-Centred Approach

Our AHA program is a shining example of how innovation, teamwork, and client-focused care can work hand-in-hand. Whether supporting a child with fine motor skills, helping a teen practice social communication strategies, or assisting an adult with rehabilitation goals, our AHAs are making a real impact in people’s lives — every single day.

We’re incredibly proud of the contribution our AHA team makes, and we’re excited to keep growing this program to meet the evolving needs of our community.