* Lead therapeutic programs in a purpose-built mental health emergency unit.
* Work alongside expert ED and Mental Health clinicians in a fast-paced setting.
* Make a direct impact on recovery, engagement and safe patient transitions
Manage and deliver advanced Diversional Therapy for acute mental health care, building meaningful patient engagement within an innovative emergency setting.
Employment Type: Permanent Part Time
Position Classification: Diversional Therapist Level 3
Remuneration: $58.95 - $60.86 per hour
Hours Per Week: 32
Location: Westmead Hospital
Where you'll be working
Join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team within the Psychiatric Emergency Care Centre (PECC) at Westmead - part of Western Sydney Local Health District's Mental Health Service. This newly established 6-bed unit, co-located within the Adult Emergency Department, is designed to provide rapid, short-term care for individuals experiencing acute mental health presentations.
* Work in a modern, purpose-built unit supporting innovative models of care
* Collaborate closely with Emergency Department and community mental health teams
* Be part of a high-performing, supportive and recovery-oriented culture
* Contribute to a service focused on timely intervention and safe discharge
* Engage with a diverse community across Western Sydney
What you'll be doing
As a Senior Diversional Therapist Level 3, you will provide leadership, clinical expertise and service development across PECC and other mental health units as required. You will manage a complex clinical caseload while guiding therapy programs that improve patient wellbeing, engagement and quality of life.
* Lead and deliver evidence-based Diversional Therapy for acute mental health presentations
* Assess individual needs, preferences and functional capacity to design meaningful therapeutic activities
* Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to implement individual and group therapy interventions
* Monitor patient progress and adapt programs to optimise outcomes and recovery
* Contribute to clinical supervision, quality improvement initiatives and service development
Ready to make a difference?
At NSW Health, you will be helped to grow, supported to thrive and empowered to belong. Join a service where your expertise is valued and your work genuinely changes lives every day.
Apply now and be part of a team delivering care when it matters most.
How to Apply
Apply online by submitting your resume and addressing the criteria listed below by providing examples that demonstrate your ability before the closing date.
Essential Requirements:
Qualification: Must hold a health science or applied science Bachelor's degree in leisure, recreation or diversional therapy recognised by the Diversional Therapy Association of Australian National Council, or other qualification deemed equivalent by the employer.
Registration: eligibility for membership with the Diversional Therapy Association of Australia National Council
Selection Criteria:
* Recognised health science or applied science Bachelor's degree in Leisure, Recreation or Diversional Therapy recognised by the Diversional Therapy Association of Australian National Council, or other qualification deemed equivalent by the employer, including a demonstrated understanding of the mental health hospital setting, complex mental health conditions and Diversional Therapy needs.
* Demonstrated advanced clinical skills and ability in the provision of evidence-based group and individual person-centred therapeutic interventions in inpatient Mental Health setting.
* Demonstrated ability in staff supervision and clinical education to students
* Demonstrated ability to work as part of a mental health multidisciplinary team both independently and collaboratively
* Demonstrated ability to design, implement and evaluate therapeutic groups relevant to mental health settings, based on evidence based practices, incorporating the quality improvement process
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with clients, stakeholders and multidisciplinary team members
* Commitment to ongoing professional development. Experience in participation in continuing education and quality improvement initiatives to enhance clinical practice and service delivery
* Current NSW driver's licence and willing to use for work purpose
Requisition ID: REQ653393
Applications Close: 10th May 2026
Need more information ?
* Find out more about applying for this position.
* Review the detailed Position Description for insights into role requirements and criteria.
* Explore the selection process, employment checks, outcomes and notifications.
* For inquiries about the role, contact Samantha Lo on 02 8860 2540 or
People with disabilities who meet the selection criteria are encouraged to apply; and where required, WSLHD will implement reasonable adjustment consistent with industry standard.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. Stepping Up aims to assist Aboriginal job applicants by providing information about applying for roles in NSW Health organisations. For more information, please visit https://www.steppingup.health.nsw.gov.au/ .
Westmead hospital car parking allocation model is changing. There is a waitlist for parking for new staff commencing at Westmead Hospital. This does not apply for staff with disability.
Please note: To be eligible for permanent appointment to a position in NSW Health, you must have an Australian citizenship or permanent Australian residency.