Occupational Therapist
- Provide occupational therapy assessments and practical support to public housing residents before and after relocation.
- Recommend home modifications and assistive equipment, develop care plans, and build residents’ confidence and independence.
- Coordinate referrals and funding applications while collaborating with residents, carers, housing partners and community services.
Occupational Therapist - Grade 2
Based in St Kilda, with work across home and community settings
Better Homes Better Health Program
Make a real difference in your community.
We are seeking an experienced Occupational Therapist to support public housing residents as they prepare to relocate and settle into new homes. Help people navigate a significant life transition and create home environments that support their independence, safety and wellbeing.
As a not-for-profit organisation, Better Health Network supports people and families at different stages of life and works with communities to strengthen health and wellbeing. We believe that better health and wellbeing is built around community.
About the role
As an Occupational Therapist in our Better Homes Better Health Program, you'll work at the intersection of housing, health and community wellbeing. Working with residents, carers and housing partners, you'll provide practical support before and after relocation. The project is funded until 30 June 2028.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Conduct comprehensive occupational therapy, home and functional assessments for residents with diverse and complex needs.
- Recommend home modifications, assistive equipment and strategies to support daily living and safe, accessible home environments.
- Develop care plans with residents and carers, supporting moving preparedness and settlement in their new homes.
- Provide education that builds residents' confidence and ability to manage their health and independence.
- Coordinate referrals and equipment funding applications, and work collaboratively with housing partners and other services.
- Maintain accurate client records and contribute to case reviews, supervision and service improvement.
About you
You'll be an experienced Occupational Therapist who enjoys community-based work and supporting people through change. You bring a practical, person-centred approach and an understanding of how housing and health affect everyday life.
To be successful, you'll bring:
- A tertiary qualification in Occupational Therapy and current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
- Experience supporting older people, socially disadvantaged communities and people at risk of homelessness.
- Skills in home assessments, daily living support, home modifications and assistive equipment for people with complex needs.
- Registration, or eligibility for registration, as an equipment prescriber with the Statewide Equipment Program (SWEP) and Gear 2 Go.
- Knowledge of health, aged care and disability services, referral pathways and equipment funding options.
- Strong communication, assessment, organisation and problem-solving skills, and a commitment to community health.
Desirable:
- An understanding of the aged care sector and/or experience working with aged care clients.
Why join BHN?
At BHN, you'll join a values-driven organisation that genuinely cares about its people and the communities it serves. We offer:
- Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance
- Salary packaging benefits to increase your take-home pay
- Professional development and learning opportunities
- A collaborative and supportive team working across housing, health and community wellbeing
- The opportunity to contribute to a meaningful housing transformation program and help residents thrive in their new homes
Location
This role is primarily based at Level 2, Victorian Pride Centre, 79-81 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, with travel required across home and community settings and other BHN locations as needed.
Apply now with your resume and cover letter describing why you’d like to join the team and how your experience aligns with the role.
Apply by [closing date]. Applications will be assessed as received, so early applications are encouraged.
For enquiries about the role, please reach out to [hiring manager name, title and email address].
We value Accountability, Collaboration, Respect and Courage, and we strive to create an inclusive environment that welcomes people from all backgrounds, including those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, culturally and linguistically diverse, and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Pre-employment checks include reference checks, National Police Check, Working with Children Check and evidence of the right to work in Australia.
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