Chief Occupational Therapist

The Royal Melbourne Hospital is one of Australia's leading public healthcare providers. Join the team. Build a career. We are looking for a passionate and dedicated individual to join The Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Chief Occupational Therapist – Mental Health Services
The Royal Melbourne Hospital

• Lead, inspire, and shape the future of Occupational Therapy across our Mental Health Services.
• Provide clinical governance, workforce leadership, and strategic direction for Occupational Therapists.
• Join a values-driven organisation dedicated to recovery-oriented, person-centred mental health care.

About The Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH)
The Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) is part of the Parkville Precinct and is one of Australia's leading public hospitals, providing a comprehensive range of specialist medical, surgical, and mental health services, as well as rehabilitation, aged care, specialist clinics, and community programs.

About The Role
RMH Mental Health Services (MHS) are seeking a
Chief Occupational Therapist
to join our dynamic and passionate Occupational Therapy leadership team. This is a
part-time (0.6 FTE / 3 days per week)
position that complements an existing 0.4 FTE Chief Occupational Therapist role. You will provide joint governance, clinical leadership, and professional oversight across RMH Mental Health Services.

You will play a pivotal role in shaping and supporting high-quality, evidence-based Occupational Therapy practice across our adult and older adult mental health programs, ensuring our clinicians deliver holistic, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented care.

Key Responsibilities
In this role, you will:

• Provide clinical and professional leadership to Occupational Therapists across RMH Mental Health Services.
• Drive excellence in Occupational Therapy interventions, supervision, and workforce development.
• Contribute to workforce planning, recruitment, and retention strategies for the OT profession.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to develop and evaluate Occupational Therapy programs and research initiatives.
• Coordinate OT student placements, ensuring quality education, supervision, and partnerships with universities.
• Promote psychologically safe, evidence-based, and values-driven work practices.

About You
To be successful in this role, you will have:

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master's degree in Occupational Therapy (or equivalent).
• Current registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (AHPRA).

Essential

• Significant clinical experience in mental health services.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including supervision and governance of allied health professionals.
• Strong understanding of recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and evidence-based practice in mental health.

Desirable

• Experience in workforce planning, policy development, or clinical research.
• Previous experience working in public mental health or tertiary healthcare settings.
• Knowledge of student education frameworks and academic partnerships.

Benefits Of Working At RMH

• Salary packaging options – earn up to $12,000 tax-free earnings
• 5 weeks annual leave plus monthly ADOs (for full-time equivalent employees).
• Discounted gyms and health centre access with Fitness Passport.
• Opportunities for research, supervision, and professional development.
• RMH is a values-led organisation – People First, Lead with Kindness, and Excellence Together

Click here to view the full position description.

Our Commitment
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we work and are committed to a culturally safe environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

RMH is a child safe organisation, committed to upholding the rights, safety, and wellbeing of children and young people in line with the Child Safe Standards.

As a leader in healthcare, we recognise the need to foster a culture of equity, inclusion, and belonging. We encourage people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities to apply, and will provide adjustments to support equitable participation.

Interested?
Click on the Apply button Recruitment is ongoing, and interviews may commence as applications are received. Early applications are encouraged as the role may close once filled.