Occupational Therapy Ed Level 4 locum
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time until July 2027
Position Classification: Occupational Therapist Level 4
Remuneration: $131,585 - $134,775 Per Annum + Super + Salary Packaging
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ706350
Location: Tamworth Hospital
Closing Date: Wednesday 18 November 2026
🌿Join our team as an Occupational Therapist and make a meaningful difference by empowering people to live more independently, confidently and to their fullest potential
Where you'll be working
Tamworth Hospital, a major Rural Referral Hospital on Kamilaroi Gamilaraay Country, is home to a busy emergency department team of doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals serving the New England region. Within this team environment, you will work closely with physiotherapists, social workers, and pharmacists to deliver holistic care. Our close-knit acute Occupational Therapy team values inclusivity, shared learning, and mutual support. You will play a key role in providing expert guidance on complex cases, mentoring colleagues, and contributing to weekend acute service coverage. This is a great opportunity to join a team that loves teamwork, knowledge-sharing, and making a real impact together.
The Opportunity
As the Level 4 Occupational Therapist, you’ll be at the heart of Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital’s fast-paced emergency department, working with patients of all ages, to keep care moving and prevent unnecessary admissions. You will help patients get home safely and sooner by facilitating timely discharges, efficiently completing assessments for those who need admission, and reducing repeat Emergency Department visits through comprehensive evaluations. This may include completing home visits and using assistive technology where needed. You’ll play a key role in improving bed flow and easing pressure on acute services, while also stepping up on weekends to keep things running smoothly.
Beyond patient care, you’ll be a trusted mentor supporting acute OT colleagues with complex cases and sharing strategies to tackle bed block. Education is an important part of the role too - you’ll regularly upskill ED staff, supervise other staff and coordinate equipment for ED. This is a unique role for someone who loves problem-solving, teamwork, and making a real impact on patient journeys.
You’ll receive a comprehensive orientation to HNELHD and the Tamworth facility, ensuring you feel confident and connected from day one. We know that continuing professional development (CPD) is essential for maintaining AHPRA registration, so this is very much supported! Our OT department has a strong, well-established culture of learning, collaboration, and professional growth, with regular opportunities for education, skill-building, and knowledge-sharing.
About You
We are looking for an Occupational Therapist that can display the below qualities.
✨ The ability to identify and triage potential clients and not have to wait for referral to commence interventions.
✨ The ability to recognise and assist in other clinical areas when required to facilitate discharge and reduce bed block.
✨ Strong communication skills and a great team player.
If this sounds like you, look no further and press apply today!
Essential Requirements
- Occupational Therapist with current Authority to Practice with AHPRA
Why join Hunter New England Health?
- Be part of one of the largest and most diverse Local Health Districts in NSW
- Influence digital solutions that directly support patient care and clinical outcomes
- Salary packaging options
- Work collaboratively with passionate clinicians and digital health professionals
- Enjoy career development opportunities within NSW Health
- Make a real difference across a large, complex health service
- Fitness Passport for you and your family
How to apply:
Click apply online, submit your information and resume, and address the criteria listed below providing examples that demonstrate your ability.
Extensive experience and demonstrated ability to build and maintain co-operative professional and therapeutic relationships
Demonstrated extensive clinical experience in their field, and ability to develop clinical care plans for complex clinical situations
Extensive experience with meeting the supervision needs of other staff and students.
Demonstrated ability to provide clinical leadership to individuals and teams
What you'll be doing
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 Trudy Wheeldon on Trudy.Wheeldon@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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.
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