Occupational Therapist
Supporting meaningful lives through compassionate, community-based care.
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Occupational Therapist Level 1/2
Remuneration: $73,427 - $104,753 per annum + superannuation
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ617819
Location: Hunter Valley Mental Health Service
Applications Close: Sunday, 9th November 2025
About Us
Hunter Valley Mental Health Service (HVMHS) is a key component of the Hunter New England Local Health District’s Mental Health Network. We are dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care for individuals experiencing complex and severe mental health challenges. Our services encompass a broad range of conditions, including mood disorders, psychosis, eating disorders, personality disorders, and the psychological impact of significant life events.
Integrated Services and Facilities
HVMHS delivers both community-based and inpatient services, including a 24-bed acute psychiatric unit located at Maitland Hospital. Our integrated model of care ensures a seamless continuum of support—from home-based interventions and hospital treatment through to post-discharge care—enabling us to provide coordinated, person-centred mental health services across multiple settings.
Outreach and Community Impact
We proudly serve a broad geographic area encompassing the local government regions of Maitland, Dungog, Cessnock, Singleton, Muswellbrook, and the Upper Hunter. Through our outreach efforts, we work to enhance access to mental health care and promote well-being across diverse communities in the Hunter Valley region.
Our Team
Our multidisciplinary team includes dedicated professionals such as Doctors, Nurses, Social Workers, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, an Aboriginal Counsellor, a Peer Worker, a Dietitian, and administrative staff. Together, we deliver holistic, recovery-oriented care focused on assessment, treatment, care planning, and ongoing review—supporting individuals to achieve their mental health and wellness goals.
Our Approach
At HVMHS, we believe in a collaborative, person-centred approach to mental health care. By working together and engaging individuals in their recovery journey, we strive to empower every person to improve their mental well-being and live a fulfilling, meaningful life.
What you'll be doing
This position offers a dynamic and rewarding opportunity to work as an Occupational Therapist within the community-based rehabilitation team at Hunter Valley Mental Health Service (HVMHS).
A typical week combines client-focused assessment and intervention, multidisciplinary collaboration, and participation in service improvement initiatives. While the Position Description details the clinical and administrative responsibilities, what truly defines this role is the depth of relationship-building with clients over time and the adaptive, recovery-oriented approach that underpins community mental health practice.
This is not a desk-based role — you will be actively engaging with clients in their homes and communities, tailoring interventions that promote real-world functioning, recovery, and re-engagement in meaningful life roles.
Support and Professional Development
You will be supported by an experienced Team Manager and Professional Seniors (CNC, Social Work, Occupational Therapy), as well as Level 3 clinicians (CNS2, OT, SW) across the wider team and other discipline-specific colleagues.
Regular clinical supervision is a core component of the role, providing ongoing professional reflection and development. In addition, a range of training and development opportunities are available through discussion with your Team Manager, aligned with your personal and professional growth goals.
About you
We’re looking for an Occupational Therapist who is clinically competent, compassionate, and adaptable—someone who can balance client autonomy with clinical risk, and who thrives in a collaborative, person-centred environment.
Essential qualities include strong communication and time management skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, and a genuine commitment to recovery-oriented, client-centred practice.
While prior experience in mental health is highly regarded, we recognise that many core clinical skills—such as navigating complex systems, applying evidence-based interventions, and engaging with diverse clients—can be developed with the right attitude, curiosity, and support. Above all, we value your readiness to learn, engage with clients and colleagues, and contribute meaningfully to both the team and the people we serve.
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:
- 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
- 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, 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 effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively manage time and set priorities.
- Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team
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:
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.
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 to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.
Salary Packaging: is beneficial to most Hunter New England Health employees and may increase your take-home pay! Salary package a range of personal expenses including novated motor vehicle leases, relocation expenses, and HECS/HELP debt. Find out more by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS! via nswhealth@salarypackagingplus.com.au or 1300 40 25 23.
Hunter New England Health employees may be eligible for a range of benefits such as allocated days off (ADO) for full time employees, long service leave, paid maternity leave, and salary packaging options including meal expenses.
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