Overview
Help young people rebuild routine, confidence and connection - join Nexus and deliver meaningful, recovery-focused care in a dynamic adolescent mental health inpatient setting.
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Occupational Therapist Level 1/2
Remuneration: $76,364 - $108,943 per annum + super + salary packaging
Hours Per Week: 38
Location: John Hunter Hospital
Requisition ID: REQ649879
Applications Close: Sunday, 10th May 2026
About Us
Nexus is a specialised Child and Adolescent Mental Health inpatient unit based at John Hunter Hospital in New Lambton Heights, Newcastle. The unit provides acute care to young people with complex mental health needs from across the Hunter New England region.
Care is delivered through a multidisciplinary team including nursing, medical, allied health and education staff, with strong links to community CAMHS teams and external partners to support continuity of care. The service operates within a recovery-oriented, trauma-informed framework and sits within a large tertiary health precinct alongside John Hunter Children's Hospital.
The current facility provides a structured inpatient environment, with plans for a future move into a newly refurbished space aligned with contemporary models of care. The team culture is supportive and collaborative, with a strong focus on communication, shared decision-making and providing high-quality, person-centred care.
About The Role
The Occupational Therapist at Nexus supports young people to engage in meaningful, age-appropriate activities during their admission, with a focus on building skills across daily living, routine, education, leisure and social participation.
The role includes completing functional and psychosocial assessments, contributing to multidisciplinary care planning, and delivering interventions that support independence across ADLs and IADLs. You will also play a key role in the ward-based group program, including facilitating and developing therapeutic groups.
This is a dynamic inpatient environment, so flexibility and responsiveness are important. You'll work closely with young people and their families, and contribute to discharge planning through liaison with community teams, schools, private providers and NDIS supports.
You will be well supported within a multidisciplinary team that values connection, communication, and shared learning. Regular supervision, informal check-ins, and opportunities for debriefing are embedded in the team culture. The team values connection and celebrates milestones, with a strong focus on continuous improvement and staff wellbeing.
A structured orientation will be provided, along with a comprehensive handover from the current Occupational Therapist to support a smooth transition into the role. You'll also be connected to the wider HNE Mental Health and CAMHS OT networks, with access to professional support and development opportunities.
About You
We are looking for an Occupational Therapist who is client-centred, emotionally intelligent, and passionate about working with young people and their families.
You will bring strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport in a sensitive and often complex clinical environment. You will be a collaborative team member who communicates effectively across disciplines and contributes positively to team culture.
Experience in mental health is desirable but not essential. We value clinicians who demonstrate transferable skills, sound clinical reasoning, and a proactive approach to learning. Curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to develop in the role are highly regarded.
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)
* Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true Worklife balance
* 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
Additional Information
* An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.
* This position is full time; however, job share and/or part time arrangements will be considered.
* To be eligible for permanent 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.
* Experience and/or knowledge in applying OT practice to an inpatient mental health setting and/or child and adolescent mental health setting.
* Familiar with the use and interpretation of functional and psychosocial assessments in a mental health context.
* Experience in program design and the development, facilitation and evaluation of group interventions based on consumer need.
Need more information?
* Click here for the Position Description
* Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact James Sneesby on James.Sneesby@health.nsw.gov.au
Information For Applicants
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
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 HNELHD-Diversity@health.nsw.gov.au for confidential support.
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