2027 Mental Health Occupational Therapist, Graduate (2nd Year only)
Employment Type - Temporary Part Time
Job Category - Other Professionals - Occupational Therapy
Req Id - 9206
Are you looking for an opportunity to further develop your Occupational Therapy practice, build confidence, and consolidate your clinical skills within a supportive mental health setting?
Now is your chance - Apply today
This role provides an opportunity for Occupational Therapy graduates to undertake a further 12-month placement within the Graduate Program, supporting the ongoing development and consolidation of clinical competencies, professional practice skills, and confidence in a structured and supportive environment.
- One 12-month rotation within Barwon Health – Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Services (MHDAS)
- Dedicated mental health educators and Senior OTs & SWs to support you
- Part-time (0.8 FTE) position - Fixed Term Early Career Program
About the role
As a Grade 2 Occupational Therapist, you will be responsible for beginning level practice delivery of evidence-based discipline specific (OT) assessment, treatment and support to consumers presenting with mental health and drug and alcohol problems.
All allied health graduates will work 8.30-5 shifts alongside a more senior Occupational Therapist. 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.
Key Responsibilities
- 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
What we’re looking for
- Recognised Occupational Therapy qualification, AHPRA registration and at least 12 months’ experience as a registered Occupational Therapist, with a current Victorian Driver’s Licence
- Understanding of mental health practice, including assessment, treatment and risk management for people experiencing major mental illness and/or co-occurring drug and alcohol issues
- Knowledge of youth mental health and Occupational Therapy practice, including evidence-based care, clinical assessment and treatment, and the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022
- Strong communication and digital skills, with the ability to work effectively with consumers, families and multidisciplinary teams using Word, Excel and Outlook
About the service
Barwon 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.
Barwon Health MHDAS places people with lived experience – consumers and their families, carers and supporters – at the centre of the mental health and wellbeing system.
MHDAS includes a lived experience principle that recognises the importance and value of the contribution of people with lived experience as leaders and partners in the mental health and wellbeing system
About the program
Our 2027 Mental Health, Drugs & Alcohol Occupational Therapy Graduate Program has positions available for:
- Second Year - Graduate Occupational Therapists (Grade 2)
- These positions involve a single 12-month rotation within MHDAS. The purpose of the role is to provide Occupational Therapy Graduates with an extended opportunity to further develop and consolidate the skills required to perform both Occupational Therapy-specific and Mental Health Clinician roles across the service.
Below are possible rotations for the 2027 second year OT graduate Position:
- Bellarine Community Care Services (CCS): Provides recovery-oriented assessment, care coordination, treatment and support to individuals (26-65) with mental health needs, helping them to achieve their goals and maintain wellbeing within their community
- Hospital in the Home (HITH): Innovate program providing adult and youth acute mental health bed –equivalent care in a home environment
- Therapy Services : provide 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, and the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals Service
- The Infant & Child Mental Health & Wellbeing Service (ICMHWS): is a specialist family-focused service that provides assessment and treatment for infants, children and adolescents (0-12 years) with complex mental health problems
Please note Barwon Health will only contact you via our official email and never use unconventional means, such as text messaging or other services.
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Excellent working conditions and a strong sense of job satisfaction
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A vibrant staff wellbeing program and access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
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Extensive professional development opportunities
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Attractive salary packaging benefits
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Living expenses capped at $9,010
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Meals and entertainment capped at $2,650
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For more information about working at Barwon Health, please click Here
Barwon Health is an inclusive and welcoming employer, committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve. We value and celebrate people of all genders, sexual orientations, cultural backgrounds, faiths, abilities, family structures, and identities, and encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and members of the LGBTIQA+ community.
Child Safety
We are strongly 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: About Child Safe Standards | Victorian Government (www.vic.gov.au)
Additional information
If you need adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please contact us at peopleassist@barwonhealth.org.au
All appointments are subject to:
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Satisfactory Police Record Check
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Immunisation Status Clearance
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Working with Children Check (if applicable)
To apply, you will need a resume and a tailored cover letter outlining your skills, experience, and suitability for the position in line with the requirements of the position description. Please note: We do not accept resumes via email.
Contact person: Emily Kane | Occupational Therapy Clinical Educator | Occupational Therapy Discipline Lead
Email: emily.kane@barwonhealth.org.au
Phone: (03) 4215 3567
Application closing date: 24 September 2026
Internal applicants:
If you are currently employed at Barwon Health, please ensure you sign in via the employee login on the external careers page or access the careers page through One Point (intranet) before applying.
Shortlisting may commence prior to the closing date - early applications are encouraged.
Barwon Health does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Candidates must apply directly through the official recruitment portal.