Hunter New England Local Health District
Job ID: REQ662471
Help people rebuild confidence, independence and meaningful lives in a supportive mental health rehabilitation team.
Employment Type: Temporary Part Time until June 2027
Position Classification: Occupational Therapist Level 1/2
Remuneration: $38.51 - $54.94 per hour + super
Location: James Fletcher Hospital, Newcastle
Hours Per Week: 16
Requisition ID: REQ662471
Applications Close: Monday, 8th June 2026
Where you'll be working
The Intermediate Stay Mental Health Unit (ISMHU) is a 20 bed non-acute mental health rehabilitation unit located on the grounds of James Fletcher Hospital, Newcastle. The unit is staffed by a multidisciplinary team who collaborate to provide recovery-oriented care for people with enduring mental health problems and psychosocial disability. People stay for 6 to 12 weeks to develop skills, confidence, self-awareness, habits, and relationships that will contribute to a more meaningful and enjoyable life. The ISMHU team collaborates to provide high quality, person centred and value-based rehabilitation care.
About the role
The position is a 12 month contract working 16 hrs per week Saturday and Sunday, 7:00 – 3:30 Saturday and 8:00 – 4:30 Sunday as part of an Occupational Therapy Department and larger multidisciplinary team. You will be working alongside an Occupational Therapy Assistant in delivering group and individual programs over the weekend. The role presents an opportunity to provide recovery-oriented practice as part of a collaborative care team. The role includes contributing to multidisciplinary care coordination; working with individuals and groups around enhancing mental health recovery and psychosocial rehabilitation; conducting and documenting appropriate functional and psychosocial assessments and promoting a positive and person-centred workplace culture.
The role is supervised by the Department Head of Occupational Therapy and will receive orientation to the role and service from the Level 3 Occupational Therapist onsite. They will have access to essential mandatory training and ongoing professional development opportunities as identified through the Performance Development and Review process as well as regular clinical supervision. The position also sits under the broader profession framework with access to a Head of Discipline and Occupational Therapy network for connection with profession through inservices and development days.
About you
We are looking for someone who works well as part of a team and broader service. Someone who is looking for opportunities to develop as a clinician and can adapt to an evolving workplace. The position requires someone with good organisational and time management skills who can engage with multiple stakeholders and who gains satisfaction from working in a rehabilitation model.
Requirements
* Occupational Therapist with current Authority to Practice with AHPRA. Please upload a copy of your qualification/s with your CV.
What we can offer you
* 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
* Fitness Passport for health and well‐being - discounted gym options for you and your family
* Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
Additional information
* An eligibility list will be created for future temporary part time vacancies.
* To be eligible for employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.
* We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
How to apply
Click apply online, submit your information and resume, and address the criteria listed below providing examples that demonstrate your ability.
* Please comment on your familiarity with the use and interpretation of functional and psychosocial assessments.
* Please comment on your experience in program design and the development, facilitation and evaluation of group interventions based on consumer need.
* Please comment on your experience and/or knowledge of contemporary principles and practices in psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery oriented service delivery.
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.
Hunter New England Health is dedicated to fostering a child‐safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health's commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well‐being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.
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 for confidential support.
NSW Health acknowledges the people of the many traditional countries and language groups of New South Wales. It acknowledges the wisdom of Elders past and present, and pays respect to all Aboriginal communities of today.
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