Occupational Therapist - Rehab Team
Join a passionate multidisciplinary team delivering recovery-focused mental health care that truly makes a difference—right in the heart of the Hunter Valley.
Remuneration: $73,427 - $104,753 per annum + super
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time until September 2026
Position Classification: Occupational Therapist Lvl 1/2
Location: Maitland Hospital
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ571581
Applications Close: Sunday, 1st June 2025
About Us:
Hunter Valley Mental Health Service (HVMHS) is a vital part of the Hunter New England Local Health District’s Mental Health Network. We are committed to delivering high-quality care to individuals experiencing severe mental health challenges. Our services address a wide spectrum of mental health issues, including mood disorders, psychosis, eating disorders, personality disorders, and the impact of significant life events.
Integrated Services and Facilities
HVMHS operates both community-based services and a 24-bed acute psychiatric unit at Maitland Hospital. Our integrated model ensures a seamless continuum of care—from home-based treatment to in-hospital care and post-discharge support—allowing us to provide comprehensive mental health services across various settings.
Out Reach
We serve a wide geographic area, including the local government areas of Maitland, Dungog, Cessnock, Singleton, Muswellbrook, and Upper Hunter, significantly impacting community mental health across the region.
Our Team
Join our multidisciplinary team of dedicated professionals, including Doctors, Nurses, Social Workers, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, an Aboriginal Counsellor, a Peer Worker, a Dietitian, and Administrative staff. Together, we provide holistic care focused on assessment, care planning, treatment, and ongoing review to support mental well-being and recovery.
What We Do
At HVMHS, we believe in a comprehensive, team-based approach to mental health care, ensuring every individual receives the support they need to improve their mental health and thrive in their recovery journey.
About the role:
This role offers a dynamic and rewarding opportunity to work as an Occupational Therapist within the community-based rehab team of Hunter Valley Mental Health Service. A typical week blends client-focused assessment and intervention, multidisciplinary team collaboration, and participation in service improvement initiatives. While the Position Description outlines clinical and administrative responsibilities, what it doesn’t highlight is the depth of relationship-building with clients over time and the adaptive, recovery-oriented approach essential in the community mental health setting. This is not a desk-bound role - you’ll be engaging clients in their homes and communities, tailoring strategies that align with real-world functioning, and actively supporting recovery and re-engagement in meaningful life roles.
Support will be offered by Team Manager and Professional senior (CNC, SW, OT), as well as level 3 positions (CNS2, OT, SW) on the wider team and other discipline specific colleagues. You will also be supported and expected to engage in regular clinical supervision in an ongoing manner as part of this role. Various training opportunities will be available through application and upon discussion with team manager in relation to personal development goals.
About you:
We're seeking someone who is clinically competent, compassionate, and flexible - someone who can balance client autonomy with clinical risk, and who thrives in a collaborative, person-centred environment. Non-negotiable qualities include excellent communication skills, time management, and the ability to work both independently and within a multidisciplinary team. A genuine commitment to recovery-oriented practice and client-centred care is essential. While specific experience in mental health is desirable, we understand that some clinical skills - like navigating complex systems or delivering evidence-based interventions - can be learned on the job with the right attitude and supervision. What matters most is your readiness to learn, engage, and contribute meaningfully to the team and the people we support.
Requirements:
- Occupational Therapist with current Authority to Practice with AHPRA.
What we can offer you:
At Hunter New England Health, enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. You'll contribute to the team enriching health in millions of ways every day. On top of this we also offer:
- Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
- Proximity to shopping and other services
- Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
- 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
- Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
- Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
- Opportunity to work and collaborate with a range of non-clinical and clinical professionals
Additional information:
- An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.
- This position is full time; however, job share and/or part time arrangements will be considered.
- We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
Need more information?
1) Click here for the Position Description
2) Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Ricci Berrie on Ricci.Berrie@health.nsw.gov.au
Information for Applicants:
At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact Rebecca.Caldwell@health.nsw.gov.au for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.
Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2
Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp
This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.
