2027 Mental Health Occupational Therapist Graduate
Employment Type - Temporary Part Time
Job Category - Other Professionals - Occupational Therapy
Req Id - 9264
Are you a recently or soon to be graduated Occupational Therapist looking to begin a career in mental health?
Now is your chance - Apply today
- The Occupational Therapy Graduate Role consists of two consecutive 12 month fixed term contracts (24 months in total)
- 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.
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
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.
What we’re looking for
- Relevant qualifications and registration as an Occupational Therapist, with a current Victorian Driver’s Licence
- Understanding of mental health care, including assessment, treatment, risk management and evidence-based practice for young people experiencing mental illness and/or co-morbid AOD issues
- Knowledge of Occupational Therapy practice in clinical mental health, with an understanding of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022 and multidisciplinary service delivery
- Strong communication and computer skills, with the ability to work effectively with consumers, families, colleagues and key stakeholders
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
This exciting 24-month Graduate Occupational Therapist Program consists of two consecutive 12-month contracts, providing a structured pathway to develop your clinical skills and professional experience.
During the first 12 months, graduates will complete two six-month rotations, gaining exposure to a broad range of Occupational Therapy assessments, interventions, and practice settings. These rotations are designed to build a strong foundation of clinical knowledge and experience across diverse areas of practice.
In the second 12-month contract, graduates will undertake one 12-month rotation, offering the opportunity to further enhance their Occupational Therapy expertise while developing the broader competencies required to work effectively as a mental health clinician.
This program provides comprehensive learning opportunities, professional development, and hands-on experience to support your transition into a confident and capable allied health professional. Throughout the program you will be supported by dedicated mental health educators as well as Senior Occupational Therapists across the MHDAS service
Below are possible rotations for the 2027 OT graduate positions:
- 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.
- Therapy Services Occupational Therapists: 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.
- Hospital in the Home: Innovate program providing adult and youth acute mental health bed –equivalent care in a home environment
- 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.
- ICMHWS: 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.
- 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.
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 | MHDAS
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 the intranet before applying.
Shortlisting may commence prior to the closing date - early applications are encouraged.