Occupational Therapist

Lead, mentor, and keep care moving - join Tamworth ED as a senior OT improving patient flow, supporting colleagues, and driving safer discharges

Remuneration: $121,658 – $124,607 per annum + superannuation + salary packaging

Location: Tamworth Hospital

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time

Position Classification: Occupational Therapist Level 4

Requisition ID: REQ617070

Applications Close: Thursday 27th November. Interviews will be held Thursday 4th / Friday 5th December 2025

About the role:

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 ED 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.

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.

About you:

We are looking for an organised OT with:

• 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.

Requirements:

• Current registration to practice as an Occupational Therapist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation
  
  Agency (AHPRA)

At Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day:
- Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
- Proximity to shopping and other services
- ADO's each month (for full time employees)
- Salary packaging options
- Fitness Passport
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
- Opportunity to work and collaborate with a range of non-clinical and clinical professionals

Additional Information:

• 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.
• An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
• This position is full time; however, job share arrangements will be considered.

How to apply:

Click apply online, submit your information and resume, and address the criteria listed below providing examples that demonstrate your ability.

• Can you describe a time when you independently problem-solved in a complex or high-pressure situation while working within professional and ethical boundaries? What was your role and what actions did you take as part of a multidisciplinary team?
• What hospital-based experience do you have, particularly in Emergency Department or critical care settings? Please outline the scope of your role, the types of patients you worked with, and the skills you developed.

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

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.