Early Career Occupational Therapist (Community)

Join a welcoming community OT team and develop broad clinical skills while helping older people live safely and independently.

Remuneration: $76,364 - $108,943 per annum + superannuation + salary packaging
Location: Eastlakes Community Health Service
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time – Until September 2028
Position Classification: Occupational Therapist Level 1/2
Requisition ID: REQ675475
Applications Close: Sunday 26th July 2026

About the role:

As an early Career Community Occupational Therapist, you will provide assessment, intervention and support to clients living across Greater Newcastle and Port Stephens, with a primary focus on older people aged 65 years and over.

As a community OT you'll develop a broad range of skills while working directly with clients in their homes and community settings. In this role, you will complete OT assessments, recommend equipment and assistive solutions, and support clients through minor and major home mods processes. You will work closely with clients, carers and families to help people maintain their independence, safety and participation in everyday activities.

You'll work as part of a great team, gaining valuable insights from experiences clinicians. With plenty of supervision and professional development opportunities, this would be a fantastic role to start your community OT career.

The successful applicant will undertake a comprehensive onboarding process, and will work closely with a large team of skilled clinicians. Regular supervision is provided, as well as opportunities to participate in professional development activities.

Where you’ll be working:

The Community Occupational Therapy (Integrated Care, Networks and Partnerships) is known for its welcoming and supportive culture.

This role will be based at Wallsend, and will service a diverse population across metropolitan, regional and coastal communities.

The team has lots of experience in aged care, equipment prescription, home mods, chronic disease management and palliative care. There are dedicated AHAs who plays an important role in improving service delivery.

As part of the broader Hunter New England Allied Health network, you'll benefit from:
 

• Regular clinical supervision and mentoring.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
• A culture that encourages knowledge sharing and peer support.
• Strong multidisciplinary partnerships across community, hospital and specialist services.
• Flexible community-based practice that allows you to work directly with clients in their own environments.

The Community OT team takes pride in delivering patient-centred care that supports people to live independently in their homes and communities.

About you:

We're looking for a motivated Occupational Therapist who is keen to grow their skills in community health.

You will bring:

• A passion for helping people live safely and independently at home.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• A flexible, organised and patient-focused approach.
• Good problem-solving abilities and an eagerness to learn
• Has graduated from university within the last 3 years

This role is well suited to an early career Occupational Therapist looking to build experience in community practice within a supportive team.

Requirements:

• Occupational Therapist with current Authority to Practice with AHPRA

What we offer

At Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), 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
• Proximity to shopping and other services
• ADO's each month (for full time employees)

• 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
• Opportunity to work and collaborate with a range of non-clinical and clinical professionals

Additional Information:

• You may also be eligible for the Tertiary Health Study Subsidy Program, apply now at Tertiary Health Study Subsidies 

• To be eligible for employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport, or hold an appropriate visa that allows you to live and work in Australia. Employment of a temporary visa holder will only be offered in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa. 
• An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.  
• 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.

1. Ability to adapt clinical practice to meet the diverse cultural, social, and health literacy needs of patients, ensuring equitable and inclusive care.
2. Demonstrated understanding of delivering healthcare services via virtual platforms, including telehealth or remote consultations, with a focus on maintaining patient engagement and safety.
3. Demonstrated experience in community-based assessment, treatment and evaluation an rehabilitation/generalist position.

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 Lisa-Dawn McGavern on Lisa.McGavern@health.nsw.gov.au