Occupational Therapist - Job Opportunity at Uniting

Kingswood, Australia
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: July 10, 2025
On-site
AUD 70,000 - 85,000 annually based on Level 1-2 health professional classification in Sydney market, with potential for higher compensation given current workforce shortages and specialized community care focus

Benefits

Comprehensive salary packaging benefits allowing up to $16,000 annual tax-free packaging plus $2,650 meal and entertainment benefits, providing significant tax advantages compared to standard employment arrangements
Structured professional development program with hands-on training, mentoring, and career advancement opportunities within a leading healthcare provider
Mission-driven work environment focused on meaningful community impact and client wellbeing outcomes
Inclusive workplace culture that actively celebrates diversity and creates safe environments for all staff and clients
Access to company vehicles and travel support for fieldwork requirements

Key Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive home modification assessments and provide strategic recommendations that directly impact client safety, independence, and quality of life outcomes
Lead equipment and assistive technology evaluations to optimize functional capacity and reduce healthcare system dependency
Design and implement evidence-based occupational therapy interventions that maximize client autonomy and community integration
Deliver targeted health promotion initiatives and educational programs that prevent functional decline and support aging-in-place strategies
Perform comprehensive health screenings and functional assessments to identify early intervention opportunities and optimize care planning

Requirements

Education

Bachelor/Master or relevant degree in Occupational Therapy

Experience

Previous experience working in an Aged Care environment- Aged care experience is desirable

Required Skills

Strong communication and customer service skills with the ability to build rapport with others Ability to work collaboratively within a team and be confident working autonomously when required Ability to organise and conduct health screening and functional assessments

Certifications

Current AHPRA Registration Current First Aid and CPR certificates Current Australian Driver's License and access to your own vehicle (preferred. Pool Car available)
Advertisement
Ad Space

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Australia's rapidly aging population is driving unprecedented demand for community-based occupational therapy services, with the aged care sector experiencing significant transformation following recent royal commission reforms. The shift toward aging-in-place models has created substantial growth opportunities for OTs specializing in home modifications and community support services. Healthcare digitization and telehealth integration are reshaping service delivery models, with occupational therapists increasingly required to blend traditional hands-on assessment with digital health tools and remote monitoring capabilities to enhance client outcomes and service efficiency. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) expansion and aged care package reforms have created new funding streams and service models, increasing demand for qualified occupational therapists who can navigate complex funding structures and deliver outcomes-focused interventions.

Role Significance

Typically part of a multidisciplinary team of 8-12 allied health professionals including physiotherapists, social workers, and nursing staff, with potential supervision of junior staff or students depending on experience level
This is a mid-level clinical position with significant autonomous decision-making authority, requiring independent assessment capabilities and direct client management responsibilities. The role involves complex clinical reasoning and strategic intervention planning that directly impacts client outcomes and independence.

Key Projects

Implementation of comprehensive home safety and modification programs across Sydney West region Development of community-based health promotion and falls prevention initiatives Collaboration on integrated care pathways for high-risk elderly clients transitioning from hospital to home Participation in quality improvement initiatives and evidence-based practice implementation projects

Success Factors

Strong clinical assessment and intervention skills combined with excellent communication abilities to build trust and rapport with elderly clients and their families in home environments Autonomous practice capabilities with sound clinical reasoning skills to make independent decisions about complex cases while knowing when to seek consultation or refer to other services Cultural competency and person-centered care approach that respects diverse backgrounds and individual preferences while maintaining professional boundaries and safety standards Adaptability and resilience to work across diverse community settings, manage challenging cases, and navigate complex family dynamics while maintaining professional composure and therapeutic relationships

Market Demand

High demand driven by Australia's aging demographics, healthcare system transformation, and chronic workforce shortages in allied health, particularly for therapists with aged care and community health experience

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Clinical assessment and intervention skills are fundamental to role success, as occupational therapists must quickly and accurately evaluate complex client needs in home environments where safety and functionality intersect. These skills directly impact client outcomes and service quality, making them essential for professional credibility and career advancement. Communication and interpersonal abilities are crucial for building therapeutic relationships with elderly clients and their families, often in emotionally challenging situations. These skills enable effective care coordination, family education, and client engagement, which are critical for successful community-based interventions. Autonomous practice capabilities with sound clinical reasoning are essential as community-based roles often involve independent decision-making without immediate supervision. The ability to assess risk, make appropriate referrals, and implement evidence-based interventions safely is fundamental to professional practice and client safety.

Beneficial Skills

Technology proficiency and digital health literacy are increasingly valuable as healthcare systems integrate telehealth and digital monitoring tools. OTs who can effectively use technology for assessment, intervention planning, and client communication will have competitive advantages in evolving service delivery models. Project management and quality improvement skills are beneficial for career advancement, particularly in leadership roles or specialized program development. These skills enable OTs to contribute to organizational improvement initiatives and lead evidence-based practice changes. Cultural competency and multilingual abilities are highly valuable in Sydney's diverse communities, enabling more effective client engagement and reducing barriers to service access. These skills are particularly important for working with multicultural elderly populations who may have complex cultural and linguistic needs.

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to work across diverse Sydney West communities with significant multicultural populations, providing rich cultural learning experiences and the chance to develop specialized cultural competency skills
Access to comprehensive salary packaging benefits that can provide up to $18,650 in annual tax savings, significantly enhancing total compensation package compared to standard employment arrangements
Role combines clinical excellence with community impact, allowing practitioners to see direct outcomes of their interventions in clients' daily lives and long-term independence
Professional development opportunities within a large, established organization that provides clear career pathways and exposure to innovative service delivery models and research opportunities

Career Growth

Career progression typically occurs within 2-3 years to senior clinical roles, with leadership opportunities available within 3-5 years for high-performing practitioners

Potential Next Roles

Senior Occupational Therapist with team leadership responsibilities Clinical Specialist in aged care or community health Team Leader or Clinical Coordinator roles Private practice consultation opportunities Academic or research positions in occupational therapy

Company Overview

Uniting

Uniting is one of Australia's largest not-for-profit organizations, operating across multiple states with a strong presence in aged care, disability services, and community support. The organization has a significant footprint in the healthcare sector with over 40 years of experience and a reputation for innovative service delivery and client-centered care approaches.

Major player in Australia's aged care and community services sector, recognized for quality service delivery and progressive approaches to client care, with strong financial stability and growth trajectory in the expanding aged care market
Strong presence in Sydney West and surrounding regions with established community connections and comprehensive service networks, offering significant opportunities for career development and service expansion
Progressive, values-driven environment that emphasizes inclusion, professional development, and meaningful work, with strong support for work-life balance and career advancement within a stable not-for-profit framework
Advertisement
Ad Space
Apply Now

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

The job listings displayed on this platform are sourced through BrightData's comprehensive API, ensuring up-to-date and accurate job market information.

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Our advanced AI system analyzes each job listing to provide valuable insights including:

  • Industry trends and market dynamics
  • Salary estimates and market demand analysis
  • Role significance and career growth potential
  • Critical success factors and key skills
  • Unique aspects of each position

This integration of reliable job data with AI-powered analysis helps provide you with comprehensive insights for making informed career decisions.