Temporary New Graduate Occupational Therapist Level 1 / 2

NSW Health; Sydney; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health study subsidies

Professional development

Job summary

NSW Health offers a two-year rotational graduate program for new occupational therapists, spanning inpatient and community mental health with dedicated supervision and professional development. The role supports recovery-focused, person-centred care and contributes to meaningful outcomes for consumers and carers.

Located at Cumberland, this temporary full-time position provides structured clinical supervision and mentoring, with eligibility for AHPRA registration and NSW driving requirements.

Qualifications

• Understanding of mental health conditions and recovery-focused care.
• Experience in mental health occupational therapy or transferable skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong written and verbal communication with documentation skills.
• Current NSW Driver's Licence with willingness to use for work.

Responsibilities

• Conduct OT assessments and deliver individual and group interventions.
• Collaborate with consumers, carers, families and multidisciplinary teams to develop goals and care plans.
• Provide supervision and participate in ongoing professional development.
• Support rotations across inpatient and community mental health settings.
• Facilitate safe transitions of care and recovery-oriented practices.

Skills

Mental health knowledge

Team collaboration

Clinical documentation

Communication skills

Job description

Temporary New Graduate Occupational Therapist Level 1 / 2

Two-year rotational graduate program across inpatient and community mental health
Structured clinical supervision, mentoring and professional development
Make a meaningful difference through recovery-focused, person-centred care

Launch your occupational therapy career, build clinical confidence and empower people on their mental health recovery journey.

Employment Type:Temporary Full Time (up to 2 years)
Position Classification:Occupational Therapist Level 1 / 2
Remuneration: $40.05 - $57.14 per hour
Hours Per Week:38
Location:Cumberland

Where you'll be working
Join Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) at Cumberland Hospital, North Parramatta, and begin your career in one of Australia's most established mental health services.

Cumberland Hospital is NSW's largest and Australia's oldest mental health facility, delivering specialised care to local and broader communities across the continuum of mental health services, from primary to tertiary care.

You'll be part of a progressive and supportive health district committed to innovation, collaboration and professional growth, with exciting opportunities to contribute to the future of mental health care through the major new Integrated Mental Health Complex at Westmead.

What makes this an exciting place to work?

Be part of a respected mental health service with a rich history and a focus on innovative care.

Experience diverse clinical environments across acute inpatient, rehabilitation and community mental health services.

Work alongside experienced clinicians in supportive, multidisciplinary teams.

Grow your career in an organisation guided by CORE Values: Collaboration, Openness, Respect and Empowerment.

Contribute to meaningful outcomes for consumers, carers, families and the Western Sydney community.

What you'll be doing

This two-year rotational graduate program is designed to help you successfully transition from university into professional occupational therapy practice. With dedicated clinical supervision, mentoring and diverse learning opportunities, you'll develop the skills and confidence to deliver safe, evidence-based and recovery-oriented mental health care.

Your rotations will include:

• Year 1 – Acute Mental Health and Inpatient Rehabilitation: Develop your clinical skills at Cumberland Hospital, supporting consumers with complex mental health needs through assessment, therapeutic intervention and recovery-focused care.
• Year 2 – Community Mental Health: Expand your experience across WSLHD community services, building skills in community-based assessment, recovery planning, care coordination and supporting successful community living.

Conduct occupational therapy assessments and deliver individual and group interventions that promote functional independence, meaningful occupation and social participation.

Collaborate with consumers, carers, families and multidisciplinary teams to develop person-centred goals, care plans and safe transitions of care.

Strengthen your clinical reasoning, therapeutic engagement and professional practice through structured supervision, ongoing feedback and professional development.

Ready to launch your career with us?

Take the next step towards a rewarding career where your skills can transform lives and make a lasting difference.

At Western Sydney Local Health District, you'll be supported to grow, encouraged to innovate and empowered to deliver care that matters

New graduates and applicants in the final stages of completing their qualifications are encouraged to apply. Please note that appointment is conditional upon achieving AHPRA registration and meeting all mandatory selection criteria prior to the commencement date.

Qualification: Occupational Therapist
Registration: Eligible for and registered with Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency (AHPRA) registration prior to commencement

Selection Criteria

Demonstrates understanding of mental health conditions and their effects on individuals in inpatient mental health units, and supports recovery through the application of Occupational Therapy

Demonstrates clinical experience in mental health occupational therapy practice, or skills and competencies that are transferrable to a mental health setting

Demonstrated ability to contribute effectively within a multidisciplinary team, working both independently and in collaborative practice

Demonstrates effective written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills with consumers, teams and agencies, with experience in clinical documentation and formal reporting.

Commitment to continuing professional education and participation in quality improvement, evidence based practice, and clinical supervision

Current unrestricted NSW Driver's Licence with a willingness use for work purpose

Requisition ID: REQ701649
Applications Close:17th November 2026

Secure up to $12,000 for your health studies! NSW Health offers Tertiary Health Study Subsidies for 2024-2026. Open to new and graduating students entering NSW Health.

People with disabilities who meet the selection criteria are encouraged to apply; and where required, WSLHD will implement reasonable adjustment consistent with industry standard.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. Stepping Up aims to assist Aboriginal job applicants by providing information about applying for roles in NSW Health organisations. For more information, please visit https://www.steppingup.health.nsw.gov.au/ .

Please note: A person who is not an Australian citizen or a permanent resident is only eligible for temporary employment for a period not longer than the duration of their current visa or a period not shorter than the duration of the advertised position.