Occupational Therapy Assistant

Join a welcoming multidisciplinary team where you'll support therapeutic programs, promote recovery and grow your skills every day.

Remuneration: $33.13 - $37.46 per hour (dependent on qualifications) + superannuation + salary packaging
Location: The Maitland Hospital
Employment Type: Permanent Part Time
Position Classification: Allied Health Assistants
Hours Per Week: 12
Requisition ID: REQ677652
Applications Close: Sunday 2nd August 2026

Where you’ll be working:

The Maitland Mental Health Inpatient Unit is a contemporary 24-bed acute adult mental health inpatient unit located within the new Maitland Hospital. We provide assessment, treatment and recovery-focused care for adults experiencing acute mental illness across the Hunter Valley Lower Mid North Coast Mental Health Service.

Our multidisciplinary team includes Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Psychologists, Dietitians, Nurses, Medical Officers and Peer Workers who work collaboratively to deliver person-centred, evidence-based care. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive, inclusive, and recovery-oriented environment for both consumers and staff.

About the role:

As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, you will work under the supervision of Allied Health Professionals to support the delivery of therapeutic programs and interventions that enhance consumer recovery and wellbeing.

No two days are the same. Your role may include assisting with therapeutic groups, supporting individual patient activities, preparing resources and equipment, documenting delegated interventions, assisting consumers to participate in meaningful activities, and contributing to a safe and engaging therapeutic environment.

You will work closely with the multidisciplinary team and report directly to the Nurse Unit Manager Level 2, while receiving clinical supervision and delegated direction from Allied Health clinicians. This is an excellent opportunity for someone wanting to build experience within mental health and become part of a highly collaborative and supportive team.

You will become part of a welcoming team committed to continuous learning, collaboration and delivering exceptional care to consumers and their families.

About you:

We are looking for someone who is compassionate, enthusiastic, and committed to recovery-oriented mental health care.

The successful applicant will demonstrate:
 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• A genuine interest in supporting people experiencing mental illness. 
• The ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. 
• Strong organisational and time management skills. 
• Flexibility and resilience within a dynamic inpatient environment. 
• A willingness to learn and accept delegated clinical tasks within their scope of practice. 
• A positive attitude and commitment to delivering high-quality consumer-centred care. 
• Experience within mental health or healthcare is desirable but not essential. We value applicants with a willingness to learn, strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to supporting consumers through their recovery journey.

Requirements:

• Eligibility to drive in NSW and the ability and willingness to travel for work purposes which may involve driving long distances.
• If applicant has completed a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance they will be classified as an Allied Health Assistant Level 3.
• To meet the requirements for Level 2: demonstrated experience working as an Allied Health Assistant Level 1 for a period of 12 months or more and / or Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (or equivalent qualification). If applicant is unable to demonstrate these requirements, applicant will commence service at Level 1.

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:

• Salary packaging options
• Fitness Passport
• 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:

• 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.
• An eligibility list will be created for future permanent part time and temporary 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 prioritise workload, meet deadlines and complete activities (including to work within scope of practice and seek assistance when required) as delegated by supervising Allied Health Professional.
2. Experience planning and implementing suitable self-care, productivity, and leisure activities for the identified patient group.
3. Ability to communicate with and motivate patients presenting with mental health concerns.

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 Neil Mawson on neil.mawson@health.nsw.gov.au