Hunter New England Local Health District
Reference number
REQ644486
Occupation
Occupational Therapy
Work type
Full-Time
Location
Tamworth & North West NSW
Salary Information
$ $120680
Closing date
08 March 2026 at 11:59pm
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Occupational Therapist Level 1/2/3
Remuneration: $76,364 - $120,680 per annum + superannuation + salary packaging + rural incentives
Requisition ID: REQ644486
Location: Gunnedah Community Health Service
Applications Close: Sunday 8th March 2026
This is a Level 3 position. However, if there are no appropriate Level 3 applicants, applications from Level 1 and 2 will be considered. The selection criteria reflects the requirements for a Level 3 applicant. Responses from Level 1 or 2 applicants need to demonstrate their level of competence with regard to the same criteria and their ability to work towards Level 3. The expected performance of the incumbent will be commensurate with his/her years of experience and current level at commencement of appointment. The incumbent will work towards meeting the criteria for Level 3.
Where you'll be working
A mid-sized country town, Gunnedah is situated on a ridge overlooking the Namoi and Mooki Rivers. Renowned for its rich agricultural land, the region is one of Australia's key rural service centres. Just a 30-minute drive from town, Lake Keepit is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and gliding. It is also home to the family-friendly Lake Keepit Water Park.
Gunnedah is conveniently located less than four hours from Newcastle and just over an hour from Tamworth, with daily flights operating between Sydney and Tamworth. As the successful candidate, you will join the broader multidisciplinary Community Health team and work as a valued member of the Allied Health sub-team.
What you'll be doing
In this rewarding role, you will deliver high-quality Occupational Therapy services to a diverse caseload, including both inpatient and community clients across paediatric and adult populations. You will have the opportunity to work collaboratively within a supportive multidisciplinary team to provide assessment, intervention, and education that promote independence, wellbeing, and improved quality of life for clients.
Your work will span a variety of settings, offering valuable clinical experience and professional growth. You'll contribute to discharge planning, functional assessments, and rehabilitation programs, as well as participate in health promotion and community engagement activities.
This position offers flexibility, with the potential for a job share arrangement to support work–life balance.
About you
To be successful in this role, you will bring strong time management skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. You will demonstrate a high level of verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the flexibility to adapt your communication style to suit a range of clients and professional audiences.
You will be confident working autonomously as a sole therapist when required and capable of managing a mixed caseload across paediatric and adult clients. Your sound clinical knowledge will enable you to assess and address the occupational therapy needs of inpatients, contributing to their recovery and overall wellbeing.
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. Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day:
* Be rewarded with up to $10,000 in the first 12 months PLUS up to $5,000 each year thereafter in fortnightly payments under the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme.*
* Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
* 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
* Based on a minimum 18-month commitment to the position or the agreed duration of your contract. All payments to part-time and contract employees will be made on a pro-rata basis in accordance with the terms of your contract, including any approved extensions. If your contract ends before the agreed completion date, you may be required to repay a portion of the incentive. Please note: the increased RHWIS allowance is approved until 30th June 2026. Commencement after this date may be subject to change, including the allowance amount for which the candidate may be eligible. To check your eligibility, visit the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme. For further information or to discuss your circumstances, please contact HNELHD-
* An eligibility list will be created for future permanent part time and temporary part time vacancies.
* This position is full time; however, part time/job share arrangements may also 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.
* 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.
How to apply:
Click apply online, submit your information and resume, and address the criteria listed below providing examples that demonstrate your ability.
* Demonstrated high-level verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences.
* Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and within a multidisciplinary team to manage complex situations
Need more information?
about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Symone Fuller on
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:
Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit:
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.
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