Early Career Occupational Therapist

Kickstart your OT career with unmatched support, diverse rotations, and the chance to make a real impact in rural communities.
Remuneration
: $73,427 - $104,753 per annum + super

Employment Type
: Temporary Full Time until February 2028

Position Classification
: Occupational Therapist Level 1/2

Hours Per Week
: 38

Requisition ID
: REQ599843

Applications Close
: Sunday, 14th September 2025

About The Role
The Rural Generalist Program is an exciting opportunity for new graduate Occupational Therapists to gain diverse clinical experience while living and working in rural communities. With the opportunity to rotate across different teams and clinical areas, this program gives you exceptional experience and the best start to your career. Working across clinical settings, from acute hospital care to community and outreach services, you would be able to build upon your knowledge and experiences, becoming a true generalist with sought after clinical skills

This is a unique two-year program, with a lot of layers of support for early career Occupational Therapists. The Rural Generalist Program offers regular clinical supervision and mentoring opportunities. As an early career Occupational Therapist, you will benefit from dedicated time for professional development, including monthly journal clubs and multidisciplinary education sessions. Creativity and continuous improvement are encouraged, with each participant implementing a Quality Improvement Project, with support from Senior staff to complete this. Additionally, you are supported to complete further study in rural generalist practice through the James Cook University Rural generalist level 1 course.

If you are looking to build strong foundational skills in Occupational Therapy and make a difference in rural communities across Hunter New England, this is the ideal role for you.

About Us
This is an excellent opportunity to join five other eager Early Career clinicians as part of Hunter New England's Allied Health Rural Generalist Program. The Rural Generalist Program aims to take great clinicians and support them to become excellent, generalist professionals who can confidently provide the highest quality healthcare to rural and remote communities. You would have ongoing support from local Occupational Therapy supervisors, as well as regular catch-ups with the Program Coordinator. No matter which team you are working in, you will always have support and help when you need it.

Hunter New England is a great place to start your career The diversity of settings within the district means that there are always new skills to learn, or a different clinical area to try. Whether you are working in a large regional hospital or a rural Multi-Purpose Service, it is all about the team you work with. This program helps you build local networks and learn from some highly-skilled Allied Health teams.

You would be an important member of the multi-disciplinary team as well as a respected member of the wider community. Within every service, you will be able to work alongside fantastic medical, nursing, and other Allied Health staff, to provide a holistic service to the community. It is an incredible feeling, to know you are making a real impact on the experiences of those who need it most.

About You
We are looking for an enthusiastic Occupational Therapist who:

• Has a keen interest in rural health and making a difference in the lives of those living in rural communities
• Is motivated and flexible, committed to the well-being and outcomes of patients
• Wants to build a diverse clinical skillset and is eager to learn
• Enjoys working as part of a supportive Occupational Therapy and multidisciplinary team.
• Has a passion for using evidence-based assessments and treatments.
• Is keen to participate in ongoing team projects and service developments.
• Is an Occupational Therapist with current Authority to Practice with AHPRA.
• Is eligible to drive in NSW.

What We Can Offer You
At Hunter New England Health, enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. You'll contribute to the team enriching health in millions of ways every day. On top of this we also offer:

• Gain incredible, diverse clinical experience across clinical areas
• Make an impact in rural communities while gaining a deeper understanding of holistic care
• Be supported by experienced Allied health teams for your professional development, working collaboratively with the team to get the best outcomes for patients
• Learn to manage your caseload effectively to continue to learn and grown
• Have regular supervision and lots of support from Senior staff and the Rural Generalist Program coordinator
• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
• Proximity to shopping and other services
• Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
• Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
• Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
• Tertiary Health Study Subsidy Program: secure up to $8,000 for your health studies NSW Health offers Tertiary Health Study Subsidies for Open to new and graduating students entering NSW Health. Click here for more info

Additional Information

• An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or 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.

• Demonstrated commitment to rural health and understanding of the issues related to rural clinical practice in a community setting, including providing culturally responsive services.
• Demonstrated effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills including the ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences.
• Demonstrated commitment to professional development, evidence-based practice and continuous improvement and completion of a quality improvement project.

Need more information?

• Click here for the Position Description
• Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Mitchell Smith on

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:

Stepping Up Website
is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit:

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.