Occupational Therapy Ed Level 4 locum - Incentives

NSW Health; Tamworth; On-site; AUD 132,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Rural incentive payments

Fitness Passport

Career development

Job summary

Hunter New England Health is seeking an experienced Occupational Therapist (Level 4) for a fixed-term locum position at Tamworth Hospital. You will work in a fast-paced ED environment, mentoring acute OT colleagues, aiding bed flow, and supporting discharge planning while participating in CPD and education to ED staff.

The role includes supervision, education, and collaboration with a wide health-team to improve patient journeys. Australian resident status is required.

Qualifications

• Must hold Authority to Practice with AHPRA.
• Experience in acute or ED settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high quality specialist service for patients and families.
• Provide professional/clinical expertise for staff and students within HNE Health.

Skills

Triage skills

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Authority to Practice with AHPRA

Job description

Occupational Therapy Ed Level 4 locum - Incentives

Employment Type:TemporaryFull 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.

• Occupational Therapist with current Authority to Practice with AHPRA

Why join Hunter New England Health?

• 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.*
• 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 packagingoptions
• 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 Passportfor you and your family

What you'll be doing

Deliver high quality specialist service for patients and their families/carers. Provide professional/clinical expertise for staff and students within HNE Health within the identified clinical speciality.

Need more information?

For role related queries or questions contact Trudy Wheeldon on **************@health.nsw.gov.au

Information for Applicants

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. Please note: if your contract ends before the agreed completion date, you may be required to repay a portion of the incentive. To check your eligibility, visit the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme. For further information or to discuss your circumstances, please contact ***************@health.nsw.gov.au.

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 contactingSalaryPackagingPLUS!via*********@salarypackagingplus.com.auor 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***************@health.nsw.gov.aufor confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.

Hunter New England Health employees may be eligible for a range ofbenefitssuch 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.