Occupational Therapist - Adult CMHDA

Why This Role Matters

The Occupational Therapist – Adult CMHDA plays a vital role in supporting adults experiencing mental health challenges and substance use issues. By delivering recovery-oriented and trauma-informed occupational therapy services, the therapist helps individuals improve functional capacity, independence, and quality of life. This role contributes to community-based mental health care and ensures collaborative, patient-centered treatment through multidisciplinary teamwork.

Job Description

Far West Local Health District is hiring an Occupational Therapist – Adult CMHDA for a permanent full-time role based in Broken Hill. The role involves providing evidence-based occupational therapy services to adults accessing community and inpatient mental health and drug & alcohol services. The therapist will work closely with a multidisciplinary healthcare team to support recovery-focused care and enhance patient independence.

Key Features of the Role

• Position: Occupational Therapist – Adult CMHDA
• Company: Far West Local Health District
• Location: Broken Hill
• Employment Type: Permanent Full-Time
• Workplace Type: On-site
• Hours: 38 hours per week
• Position Classification: Occupational Therapist Level 3
• Recruitment Incentive: Up to $10,000 under the NSW Health Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme
• Requisition ID: REQ645882

Responsibilities

• Provide evidence-based occupational therapy services to adult mental health consumers
• Deliver services across community and inpatient mental health and drug & alcohol programs
• Apply recovery-oriented and trauma-informed approaches to therapy and rehabilitation
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary healthcare team
• Support patients in improving functional capacity and independence
• Maintain accurate patient documentation and electronic medical records
• Participate in clinical assessments, care planning, and treatment implementation
• Provide support and guidance to colleagues and students when required

Required Qualification

• Bachelor’s or postgraduate degree in Occupational Therapy
• Current registration with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as an Occupational Therapist

Important Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in recovery-oriented occupational therapy within an adult mental health setting
• Understanding of severe and persistent mental illness and drug & alcohol impacts on individuals
• Ability to engage effectively with consumers to support recovery and independence
• Commitment to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and improving health outcomes
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with patients, families, and healthcare professionals
• Intermediate computer skills including Microsoft Office and electronic health systems
• Ability to maintain accurate clinical documentation and patient records
• Valid unrestricted Class C driver’s licence for use in NSW and willingness to travel across the Local Health District

Employment Options

• Permanent full-time position
• 38 hours per week

What We Offer

• Recruitment Incentive Package up to $10,000 under the NSW Health Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme
• Five weeks of annual leave
• Salary packaging benefits (up to $9,000 for living expenses and $2,600 for meals and entertainment)
• Monthly Allocated Day Off (ADO)
• Fitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Isolation and Climate Allowance
• Novated leasing options
• Professional development opportunities and advanced education support
• Supportive team environment in a rural healthcare setting

Experience and Skills

• Adult mental health occupational therapy practice
• Recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care approaches
• Mental health rehabilitation and functional assessments
• Multidisciplinary team collaboration
• Clinical documentation and electronic medical record systems
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Cultural competency and community engagement

Salary Insights

• Salary: AUD $116,892 – $120,680 per year + Superannuation

Company Overview

Far West Local Health District is one of 15 Local Health Districts under NSW Health. The organization provides essential public healthcare services across rural and remote communities in far west New South Wales. With more than 800 clinicians and support staff across multiple facilities, the district focuses on improving healthcare outcomes through collaboration, inclusivity, and community-centered services.

FAQs

1. What qualification is required for this role?
   Candidates must have a Bachelor’s or postgraduate degree in Occupational Therapy with current AHPRA registration.

2. What type of patients will the therapist work with?
   The role involves supporting adults experiencing mental health conditions and substance use issues in community and inpatient settings.

3. Is there any financial incentive for this role?
   Yes, the position qualifies for a recruitment incentive package of up to $10,000 under the NSW Health Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme.

4. Where is the job located?
   The role is based in Broken Hill in far west New South Wales, Australia.

Application Tips

• Highlight experience in adult mental health occupational therapy
• Demonstrate knowledge of recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care approaches
• Emphasize teamwork experience in multidisciplinary healthcare settings
• Mention experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities if applicable
• Include examples of patient rehabilitation, mental health assessments, and care planning