Position overview

Key Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Provide high-quality, evidence‑based Occupational Therapy assessment and intervention to enhance independence, functional capacity, role participation, confidence, and self‑esteem through meaningful and purposeful activity.
2. Support the development of functional and independent living skills, including ADLs, IADLs, sensory processing needs, psychosocial skills, leisure participation, and community engagement through individual and group‑based interventions.
3. Apply independent professional judgement in the management of moderately complex cases, adapting principles, techniques, and approaches to meet consumer needs.
4. Collaborate with carers, families, Nominated Persons, GPs, and other service providers to support coordinated, recovery‑oriented assessment, planning, and intervention.
5. Identify and manage clinical risks by adhering to organisational risk processes, implementing mitigation strategies, and escalating concerns appropriately.
6. Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation and administrative records in accordance with professional, legislative, and organisational requirements.
7. Participate in supervision, professional development, and performance review, and provide supervision, education, and support to HP1, HP2 staff, students, Allied Health Assistants, and other relevant team members.
8. Undertake other duties appropriate to this classification level that support the effective operation of the organisation.

Competencies

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the following.

1. Demonstrated leadership capability in influencing team processes, supporting service improvement, and contributing to a positive, collaborative workplace culture.
2. Ability to mentor and support junior staff, students, and external stakeholders using clear communication and a constructive, coaching‑oriented approach.
3. Flexibility and adaptability, with the capacity to respond effectively to changing service needs, priorities, and environments.
4. Strong negotiation, communication, and influencing skills, particularly in complex, sensitive, or multidisciplinary contexts.

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in Occupational Therapy and registered with Occupational Therapy Board Australia.
• Eligible for professional membership of Occupational Therapy Australia.
• Current passenger vehicles Driver’s License.

Desirable

• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.

Experience

Essential

• A minimum of 3 years’ post-qualification clinical experience.
• Completion of professional development and/or training within the area of mental health.

Desirable

• Experience or knowledge of the CHS Exceptional Care Framework, and all other related frameworks.

Prior to commencement

Appointment to this position is conditional on being granted and retaining appropriate clearances:

• Pre-employment National Police Check.
• Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.
• Comply with CHS credentialing and scope of clinical practice requirements for allied health professionals.

Important information

All employees are required to:

• Adhere to the Canberra Health Services Values and the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct.
• Act in accordance and comply with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures.
• Comply with all relevant clinical and/or competency standards.

CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates, and contingencies.

What you Require (Key Selection Criteria)

These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé and experience.

1. Proven clinical seniority and expertise as an Occupational Therapist in collaborative individual and group assessment, planning, treatment and intervention for people with complex mental illnesses or disorders, incorporating an understanding of principles of recovery and implications for practice.
2. Demonstrated ability to provide clinical supervision to staff and students in accordance with Occupational Therapy Board of Australia requirements.
3. Proven effective communication skills including ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team and to liaise and consult with carers, GPs and relevant agencies.
4. Demonstrated ability to evaluate occupational therapy and/or psychosocial intervention programs through quality improvement initiatives, and to plan and develop the service to meet the needs of people.
5. Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, Work Health and Safety and the positive patient experience. Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful, and kind.

Work environment description

The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.