Dedication, compassion and impact: OT Max Jessop’s story

For occupational therapist Max Jessop, connection is everything.

“At its core, occupational therapy is about problem solving,” Max says. “Every day, I get to work with clients and design creative solutions that support them to enjoy the things they love.”

Max’s journey as an OT has been shaped by the unique approach at IUIH, one that means you walk alongside clients and respect the strength of families and culture.

“At university, you’re taught that you’re the expert and that clients should listen to you. At IUIH, it’s about yarning with clients and meeting them where they’re at. Especially when I’m working with kids – I can’t be an expert in someone else’s family.”

That philosophy came to life when Max worked with a young jarjum who was only attending school for a few hours a week. The child felt isolated, and his teacher was struggling to support him.

“He didn’t know how to advocate for himself, and that’s a big part of our job as OTs,” Max explains. “We worked with the school to create a plan that accommodated his needs and supported him and his family to build his capacity to stay in school longer.”

The result? He now attends school full-time and feels connected to his classmates. His teacher understands him better, and he’s thriving.

“He just needed to feel seen and heard and have someone advocate for him. At the end of the day, that’s what a lot of jarjum need.”

At IUIH, OTs like Max deliver culturally safe, person-centred care that empowers individuals to live life their way. And it’s not just the clients who benefit – clinicians are supported to think creatively and act on ideas.

“’No’ isn’t a word you hear at IUIH,” Max says. “There’s an open dialogue between clinicians and management. If I have an idea, the response is always ‘write up a plan and bring it to me.’”

Whether it’s helping children build skills for school, supporting adults to return to work, or enabling Elders to stay strong and independent, OTs are making a real difference for our Mob day in, day out.