From New Zealand to Vietnam & Australia: OT Jak Dunlay’s Adventures in Workplace Rehabilitation

Jak Dunlay’s career as an occupational therapist (OT) is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and a deep passion for helping others. From education and training in New Zealand (NZ) to an ambitious stint in Vietnam and now thriving in Perth, Australia, Jak’s story is one that any OT considering workplace rehabilitation will be inspired by.

A Solid Start in New Zealand

Jak’s journey began in Auckland, where he graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Health Science in Occupational Therapy. His degree included an intensive 20 weeks of practical placements, split equally between working in hand therapy and a hospital medical ward. These early experiences gave Jak a jump-start in learning injury protocols and rehabilitation management—skills that would prove indispensable.

After graduation, Jak joined Active Plus, where he managed return-to-work cases. Over two years, he honed his expertise in workplace rehabilitation, pain management, and activities of daily living assessments (ADLs). As NZ laws only allow physiotherapists and OTs to work in workplace rehabilitation roles, Jak’s introduction to helping individuals regain independence and return to meaningful work was as part of a small, highly trained team.

Navigating Big Responsibilities

In 2021, Jak took on a new challenge as an Injury Management Coordinator for a large grocery chain in Christchurch. There, he managed injury prevention and management for 5,000 staff across New Zealand’s South Island. From overseeing insurance claims to reviewing the working environment and running injury prevention initiatives, Jak needed to draw on his clinical and organisational skills.

Jak reflects on this time as both demanding and fulfilling: “Being the only person managing injury prevention for such a large workforce was a real challenge.”

A Bold Move to Vietnam

In June 2021, Jak jumped at an unexpected opportunity to relocate to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Tasked with establishing an occupational therapy division for an American-owned international health company, Jak entered uncharted territory.

In addition to paediatric occupational therapy, Jak took on injury management cases, mainly delivered for expatriates working in large American companies – a challenge in a country where workplace health and safety standards were often lacking. Despite the difficulties, he found this period immensely rewarding: “The lack of government support and resources meant we had to be creative and resourceful.”

Finding a New Home at KINNECT

Three years on, Jak and his partner decided it was time for a change and sought a fresh start in Australia. KINNECT’s Talent Acquisition Manager saw Jak’s profile online and reached out. On researching KINNECT, Jak discovered a workplace rehabilitation company whose values resonated deeply with those that he had built his career around. Joining the Perth team in mid-2024, Jak quickly found a supportive environment where he could thrive.

KINNECT’s assistance with transferring Jak’s OT registration from New Zealand to Australia was a pivotal moment. KINNECT’s willingness to provide an OT supervisor and navigate the registration transfer process – even though it ended up being unnecessary – showcased the company’s commitment to its team. “They believed in me and made the transition seamless, even when it meant extra work for them,” Jak shares.

The Thrill of Workplace Rehab

For Jak, workplace rehabilitation offers a unique blend of unpredictability and personal connection. “No day is the same, everything is changing”, he says.

“You have to think on your feet – I love the thrill that it brings me. I’m a people-centred person so I enjoy being able to connect with people during a really hard time for them and give them the assurance that, with our support it will get better. Seeing them recover through the weeks and achieve their goals brings me great satisfaction.”

And no skills have gone to waste – his early work in hand therapy is paying off now: “I learned rehabilitation protocols for bone injury and soft tissue injury during that hand therapy placement. They’re quite transferable to other parts of the body as they’re the same principles, so that gave me an advantage in working predominantly with physical injuries. Being able to educate clients about what their bone pain means also helps them cope throughout their rehab journey.”

What does a typical day for Jak look like?

Each day brings something different for consultants at KINNECT and involves a variety of different tasks. Jak particularly enjoys getting out of the office for site visits, case conferences with treating practitioners and meeting with clients: “I Iove going out to see different workplaces and figure out what people need to keep them safe and healthy. I enjoy helping them manage those adaptations as well.

• Morning team meeting: On Mondays, we’ll discuss updates and plans for the day and what is going on at KINNECT.
• Medical case conferences: I’ll attend doctors’ appointments with clients to ensure their return-to-work plans are on track or perhaps arrange a new capacity certificate to reflect their progress. When I get back to the office, I’ll amend their plan and update all the stakeholders involved in that case.
• Ergonomic assessments: Some weeks, I’ll conduct either standard ergonomic assessments, where I’ll go into a workplace, or virtual assessments, where I’ll receive pictures and make recommendations for adjustments to the workplace.
• Client education: While working with rehabilitation clients, I’ll advise them on pain management and self-care strategies to make their rehabilitation easier.

Lessons from the Journey

During his career, Jak’s learned some valuable lessons that apply to OTs considering workplace rehabilitation:

• Embrace Flexibility: Don’t get stuck on plan A. The unpredictable nature of workplace rehabilitation requires adaptability and an open mind.
• Focus on Connection: Building rapport with clients and stakeholders is key to achieving successful outcomes.
• Build Your Skills: Knowledge in a variety of areas, like hand therapy and pain management, can significantly enhance your effectiveness.

Jak’s advice to OTs is clear: “If you’re looking for a job where you have more flexibility in controlling your day, this is great career to go into.”

Looking Ahead

Now settled in Australia, Jak is enjoying working with a team of multidisciplinary workplace rehabilitation consultants with whom he can share ideas and is focused on building a long-term career with KINNECT. He aims to grow into a management role, contributing to the company’s vision of empowering individuals and organisations through workplace health.

Jak’s story is just one example of how a career in workplace rehabilitation can be fulfilling, challenging, and impactful. If you’re an OT ready to take the next step, explore current opportunities at KINNECT and see how you can make a difference.