2026 Allied Health (SW/OT) Graduate Opportunities
Employment Type - Temporary Part Time
Hours per fortnight - 64 hours per fortnight
Job Category - Other Professionals - Social Work
Req Id - 5523
Are you a recently or soon to be graduated Occupational Therapist or Social Worker looking to begin a career in mental health?
Now is your chance - Apply today
- Rotational programs with options across acute, community and speciality units
- Dedicated mental health educators and Senior OTs & SWs to support you
- Multiple discipline specific positions available - Part Time options only (0.8 FTE)
About Barwon Health
Barwon Health is one of the largest and most comprehensive regional health services in Australia, providing care at all stages of life and circumstance. Services available through Barwon Health cover the full spectrum from primary care, community services, aged care, rehabilitation, mental health, emergency and acute care. We serve more than 500,000 people through the efforts of more than 9000 staff and volunteers across more than 20 sites. Barwon Health is committed to developing a vibrant culture of education, training and research that advances health and wellbeing for all.
About Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Services (MHDAS)
MHDAS provides integrated and recovery oriented mental health, drugs and alcohol assessment, treatment and community support to people of all ages within the Barwon region experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, mental health and drug & alcohol issues, and their families.
Our service is internationally recognised for its innovative clinical programs and integrated models of practice that are client centred, accessible and family inclusive. We are fortunate to enjoy terrific internal relationships and have developed excellent partnerships with the local community that provide for seamless integrated care for our clients.
MHDAS is entering a new phase of co-design of our service system with people who access our services and our wider community. This will build on our nationally recognized unique cultural approach to the challenges of recovery-oriented service delivery to redesign our service system.
About the program
Our 2026 Mental Health, Drugs & Alcohol Allied Health Graduate Program has multiple positions available for:
Social Worker (Grade 1)
Occupational Therapist (Grade 1)
- Each discipline specific graduate will complete 2 x 6 month rotations across the MHDAS service. Rotational opportunities include:
- Acute Inpatient Wards Swanston Adult Acute Inpatient Centre: Our 32 bed acute psychiatric admission unit provides recovery orientated care delivery for people aged 16 and over, experiencing the effects of major mental illness/distress.
- McKellar Mental Health & Wellbeing Unit (50 +): Newly developed 16 bed unit providing specialised mental health care for independent adults (50 years +), including those with complex mental health and general health co-morbidities.
- CRF/PARC: a step up and step down service; offered as either residential, day program or outreach support.
- Hospital in the Home: Innovate program providing adult and youth acute mental health bed –equivalent care in a home environment
- Youth Mental Health Team (South): specialist early intervention and treatment services for young people with drug and alcohol and/or high prevalence disorders.
- Therapy Services (OT): provides specialist assessment, consultation and evidenced-based psychotherapies and a comprehensive group program as part of consumer’s treatment within Barwon Health's Community Mental Health services, specifically the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals Service.
- GGQ Mental Health & Wellbeing Local: New and innovative Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals are for anyone aged 26 years and over experiencing mental health or wellbeing concerns. This includes anyone who is experiencing mental health and substance use concerns at the same time.
- CAMHS (OT only): The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) is a specialist family-focused service that provides assessment and treatment for infants, children and adolescents (0-15 years) with complex mental health problems.
- Continuuing Care Services (Community MH) - Corio, Bellarine, Geelong West: These teams provide comprehensive crisis assessment, crisis management and treatment, case management of complex issues and mobile outreach to people aged between 16 and 65 years, experiencing serious mental health needs.
Please specify in your cover letter your preferences for role and rotations.
About the roles
As a Grade 1 Social Worker or Occupational Therapist, you will be responsible for beginning level practice delivery of evidence-based discipline specific (OT or SW) assessment, treatment and support to consumers presenting with mental health and drug and alcohol problems.
- Duties of your role may include but are not limited to:
- Developing consumer centred care plans
- Provision of discipline specific assessment and intervention plans
- Participating in clinical reviews
- Liaising with internal and external services to facilitate care provision
- Keeping accurate clinical documentation
- Providing connections and assistance for consumers and their families to access services that enrich and improve their wellbeing and health.
All allied health graduates will work 8.30-5 shifts alongside a more senior Occupational Therapist/ Social Worker. You will enter a well-established multidisciplinary graduate program with opportunities to work and learn alongside fellow graduate nurses, psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists, and will be supported by a large education and training team. Graduate clinicians will be linked into a comprehensive individual and group supervision program. These positions include participation in study days within an interdisciplinary program overseen by the MHDAS Education team.
Please note Barwon Health will only contact you via our official email and never use unconventional means, such as text messaging or other services.
About the culture
You will have the opportunity to be part of a highly skilled, professional and dedicated team who take pride in providing high quality services. We promote positive, respectful relationships and strong partnerships within the workplace. Grow and develop your capabilities with Barwon Health’s commitment to professional development.
- Excellent working conditions with a high sense of job satisfaction.
- A vibrant staff wellbeing program and access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program.
- Wide-range of professional development opportunities to enhance your career.
- Attractive salary packaging benefits. Living expenses capped at $9010 and meals and entertainment capped at $2650.
Derived from the local Wathaurong Aboriginal name for the region Djilang, Geelong is thought to mean ‘Tongue of Land’.
Geelong offers a range of lifestyle choices including inner city, coastal, suburban and rural homes.
- Geelong is home to world class schools and education providers.
- Doorstep to the Great Ocean Road, Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast
- Appreciate our vast and abundant parklands, sports and entertainment attractions, and thriving dining and shopping complexes.
To learn more about the region, click here.
Diversity and Inclusion
We believe in the power of diversity and inclusion. We celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and talents of our team members, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
Our commitment to diversity strengthens our ability to provide compassionate and equitable care to all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, abilities and identities.
We are committed to providing positive employment opportunities and a workplace that promotes wellbeing, and we welcome and encourage applications from those who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
We actively encourage individuals with disabilities and diverse backgrounds and identities to apply for our positions. Should you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, we are here to assist you every step of the way.
We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. Click here for further information on the Victorian Government’s Child Safe Standards.
Prior to commencement with Barwon Health, all new employees are required to provide a completed Barwon Health Immunity Status form and have Staff Care clearance.
If you need assistance with your application for this role, please email the Mental Health recruitment team at mentalhealth.recruitment@barwonhealth.org.au with your preferred contact method and details, and we will get in touch with you.
Contact person: Mark Moran | Social Work Clinical Educator & Discipline Lead
Email: mark.moran@barwonhealth.org.au
Phone: 0418 991 794
Application closing date: Tuesday 2, September 2025