Occupational Therapist

• Location: Sunshine Hospital Mental Health & Wellbeing Centre - Unit 2
• Employment Type: Fixed Term, Full Time 
• Salary: OT Grade 1 + Superannuation + Salary Packaging + Qualification Allowance (where applicable) 

About the role:

We are seeking an enthusiastic Grade 1 Occupational Therapist to join our Mental Health & Wellbeing team within the acute adult inpatient unit at Sunshine Hospital.

This is an entry-level role forming part of the Allied Health Graduate Program for Occupational Therapy and Social Work graduates. Working alongside senior Occupational Therapists (OT2 and OT3), you will support consumers during their admission by promoting participation in meaningful activities and contributing to discharge planning. The role includes assessment of occupational functioning, delivery of individual and group interventions, and supporting consumers to explore sensory preferences and recovery goals.

The Allied Health Mental Health & Wellbeing Graduate Program provides a structured and supportive environment for new and early career Occupational Therapists to develop clinical mental health skills. The program places a strong emphasis on supervision, reflective practice, education, training, and self-care.

Graduates work within multidisciplinary teams over a 24-month period, with the opportunity to rotate to a different mental health setting after 12 months. Throughout the program, clinicians receive regular discipline-specific and group supervision, alongside a targeted professional development program to support skill development.

The program is competency-based and supports participants in meeting the Allied Health Statewide Interprofessional Key Competencies. Positions are offered on a full-time basis (80 hours per fortnight), including a monthly ADO.

Key responsibilities:

• Deliver OT assessments and interventions in an inpatient setting
• Facilitate individual and group-based therapeutic programs
• Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation and records
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team on care and discharge planning

About you:

• Qualified OT (or nearing registration) with interest in mental health
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a team
• Organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities
• Committed to learning, supervision and professional development

Click here for the Position Description

About Western Health

Western Health is one of the largest healthcare providers in Victoria, caring for a vibrant, diverse and rapidly growing community of one million people in Melbourne’s western suburbs. 

With more than 13,000 staff, Western Health delivers 800,000+ occasions of care every year, providing high-quality, person-centred care across every life stage.

We provide a combination of hospital, community-based, at-home and in-reach services to aged, adult and paediatric patients and newborn babies. Specialties include oncology, renal, mental health, women’s health and maternity, chronic diseases, geriatrics and cardiology.

We have remarkable strengths in chronic disease, complex care and developing innovative and sustainable healthcare solutions. Our experience at the coalface of healthcare delivery for some of Australia’s most culturally and socioeconomically diverse and vulnerable populations provides us with unique insights into the most pressing health challenges.

Western Health operates four acute public hospitals: Sunshine Hospital (including Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s), Footscray Hospital, Williamstown Hospital and Bacchus Marsh Hospital. We also operate Sunbury Community Hospital, Sunshine Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre, Melton Health and Community Services, Bacchus Marsh Community Health Centre, Caroline Springs Community Health Centre and Grant Lodge Residential Aged Care in Bacchus Marsh. Western Health also provides the primary healthcare service at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, a women’s prison located in Ravenhall.

Why join us?

Compensation and benefits

• Competitive salary packages aligned with market standards.
• Health and wellbeing programs, including flexible work arrangements.
• Scholarships and grants to support your continuous learning journey.

Learning and development opportunities

• Access the Western Health Learning Academy (WHA) for personalised learning pathways.
• Professional growth programs, including postgraduate studies and clinical education.
• Mentorship and career support.

Community impact and inclusion

• Make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives through compassionate care.
• Join a workforce that champions diversity and inclusion.
• Engage in community wellbeing initiatives and groundbreaking healthcare research.

Organisational culture and environment

• Thrive in a collaborative, compassionate and innovative team environment.
• Be part of a culture that celebrates continuous improvement and excellence in healthcare.

Ready to make an impact?

If you're an early career or recently graduated Occupational Therapist looking for a supportive entry level position in mental health, we’d love to hear from you. Simply click on the “apply” button and follow the prompts.

If you are currently employed at Western Health, please ensure you sign in through the 'Employee Login' via the external Careers Page or access the Careers Page via the intranet before applying.

Closing date: 11:59pm on 21 April 2026.

Enquiries: For further information about this role, contact Carol Erichsen via Carol.Erichsen@wh.org.au.

Western Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining diversity in our workforce. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Western Health is committed to providing a safe environment for the children and young people who are involved in our services, sites and operations. We follow and abide by all legislative requirements to keep children and young people safe.

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Police Record Check, an Immunisation Status Clearance and a Working with Children Check (if applicable).

Western Health is committed to the psychosocial safety of all applicants and employees.

Western Health does not accept unsolicited resumes/applications from recruitment agencies.