Join us to create connection, purpose, and recovery through meaningful activity.

Employment Type: Permanent Part Time

Position Classification: Allied Health Assistants

Remuneration: $31.86 per hour + superannuation + salary packaging

Hours Per Week: 12

Requisition ID: REQ628261

Location: Mater Mental Health Centre, Waratah

Applications Close: Sunday 1st February 2026

Where you'll be working

The Mater Mental Health Centre is co-located on the grounds of Calvary Mater Hospital in Waratah, Newcastle. The service is a 100-bed specialist mental health facility comprising assessment, adult acute, and older persons’ inpatient wards.

We are seeking a motivated and organised Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our Occupational Therapy Department, working primarily within Adult Acute Mental Health. This role forms part of a collaborative multidisciplinary team delivering recovery-oriented care to inpatients.

About The Role

This is a weekend-focused position, working:

5 hours on Saturday5 hours on Sunday2 hours during the week for supervision and handover

You will work alongside another Occupational Therapy Assistant to deliver a structured weekend activities program across the acute inpatient units, supporting consumer engagement, participation, and wellbeing.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

Works well as part of a team and within a broader mental health serviceHas strong organisational and time management skillsCan effectively engage with multiple stakeholders, including consumers and clinical staffThrives in a fast-paced, evolving clinical environmentGains satisfaction from supporting meaningful activity and recovery-focused care

Why join us?

The role works under the supervision of the Head of Occupational Therapy on site. You will receive:

Comprehensive orientation to the role and serviceAccess to mandatory trainingOngoing professional development opportunities identified through the Performance Development and Review process

This is an excellent opportunity for someone seeking weekend work within a supportive mental health setting, contributing directly to consumer engagement and recovery.

What We Can Offer You

At Hunter New England Health enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day:

Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero Proximity to shopping and other services 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees) Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true Worklife balanceSalary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasingFitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your familyEmployee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members

Additional Information

An eligibility list will be created for future permanent part time and temporary part time vacancies.To be eligible for employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport, or hold an appropriate visa that allows you to live and work in Australia. Employment of a temporary visa holder will only be offered in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa. We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position. Hunter New England Health is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health’s commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.

Need more information?

Click here for the Position Description Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Chelsea Robertson on Chelsea.Robertson@health.nsw.gov.au

Information For Applicants

Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2

Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp

This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.

Salary Packaging: is beneficial to most Hunter New England Health employees and may increase your take-home pay! Salary package a range of personal expenses including novated motor vehicle leases, relocation expenses, and HECS/HELP debt. Find out more by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS! via nswhealth@salarypackagingplus.com.au or 1300 40 25 23.

At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact HNELHD-Diversity@health.nsw.gov.au for confidential support.

Connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn!