The Team
The Occupational Therapy Service includes over 90 team members consisting of occupational therapists and assistants, play specialists, diversional therapists, carpenter, and administration officers. We work across acute, sub-acute and community settings, including the Royal Hobart Hospital, the largest teaching Hospital in Tasmania. We pride ourselves on a positive team culture, building connections to nurture a healthy workplace, well-being and belonging. We strive to continually learn and grow as we deliver high-quality, person-centred and occupational-focused services.
The Role
As a member of the Occupational Therapy leadership team, you will work collaboratively with Allied Health leaders to shape and advance Women's and Children's services.
You will:
- Provide professional leadership and clinical governance for Occupational Therapy services within Women's and Children's Services.
- Support and develop Occupational Therapists, Diversional Therapists, Allied Health Assistants and Play Specialists through mentoring, supervision, workforce development and education initiatives.
- Lead service improvement, quality, safety and consumer engagement activities.
- Drive the development and implementation of clinical guidelines, pathways and evidence-based models of care.
- Foster a culture of research, innovation and knowledge translation.
- Partner with medical, nursing and allied health colleagues to optimise patient, family and service outcomes.
- Provide expert clinical advice and support for complex and emerging clinical issues.
- Represent Occupational Therapy and Allied Health on relevant committees, projects and working groups.
You will need
- Extensive clinical experience as an Occupational Therapist.
- High level communication skills with demonstrated leadership capability and the ability to engage others and influence change.
- Experience leading quality improvement, service redesign or innovation projects.
- A commitment to workforce development, clinical supervision and education.
- An interest in research, evidence-based practice and continuous improvement.
Note: - Please refer to the Statement of Duties for all the selection criteria of this position to address in your application.
Why Tasmania
The Department of Health Tasmania oversees various hospitals across the state, including the Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital, Northwest Regional Hospital, and Mersey Community Hospital, as well as district hospitals and ambulance services. Additionally, it provides community health, mental health, and primary healthcare services to the Tasmanian community through more than 300 sites.
Tasmania, Australia's only island state, offers unparalleled natural beauty and a luxurious lifestyle. Pursuing your health career in Tasmania’s public health system means building strong connections with colleagues and patients. It also means embracing a lifestyle where you can enjoy extraordinary experiences outside of work while making a significant impact on the community during work.
Details of appointment
Permanent full time, day worker position, working 76 hours per fortnight, commencing 31 October 2026
*Notwithstanding hours to be negotiated with the successful applicant.
Applicants should note that, for a period of twelve months from the date of publication, this selection process may be used to fill subsequent or similar full time, part time, and casual vacancies.
Salary
$131122 to $138984 per annum. Our Employer 12% superannuation contribution is on top of this amount.
- Salary range is in accordance with Allied Health Professionals Public Sector Unions Wages Agreement No. 2 of 2025
Salary Packaging
You’ll have access to salary package a range of benefits including living expenses up to $9,010 + $2,650 in meal entertainment each FBT year + other benefits if eligible.
Allowances
- Please note that access to salaries beyond $135,445 is subject to qualifications and/or application to the personal upgrade scheme
In addition, the following allowances calculated on the salaried incremental point may be available:
- Professional Development Allowance of up to $1200 per annum, paid on a fortnightly, pro rata basis.
Benefits available to eligible candidates
- Professional development and accelerated pathways.
- A range of leave entitlements, including study leave and Professional Development Support.
- Fitness Passport – You, and your family can access 40+ fitness facilities across Tasmania for just $14.50 per week per person, or $28.05 for a family.
More information about our Employee Benefits can be found here
Eligibility
Successful applicants will be required to meet the essential criteria.
- Registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia
- Tertiary qualification/program of study approved by the Occupational Board of Australia
*Registration/licences that are essential requirements of this role must remain current and valid at all times whilst employed in this role and the status of these may be checked at any time during employment. It is the employee’s responsibility to ensure that registration/licences remain current and to advise the Employer if their circumstances change. This includes notifying the Employer if a registration/licence is revoked, cancelled or has its conditions altered.
Applicants should note the following criteria are desirable:
- Postgraduate studies in Occupational Therapy, Public Health, health service leadership or research experience
Note: - Please refer to the Application Guide for more information of pre-employment check.
Download the Statement of Duties and any Associated Documents
We encourage you to review the Statement of Duties, Applicant Guide, prior to applying for an overview of the duties, program, selection process and application guidance.
Statement of Duties:
Application Guide:
How to apply
Apply Online. Please click the "Apply" button on this screen to ensure that important questions about you are answered.
You will be prompted to complete a 1-2 page application detailing your experience, skills and knowledge as they relate to the attached Statement of Duties. A separate statement addressing the selection criteria in the Statement of Duties is not required.
For more information
Applicants who require further information are encouraged to contact the Contact person for detailed information about the vacancy.
Name: Rowan Castle
Position: Head of Occupational Therapy
Phone number: 0407 518 804
Email address: rowan.castle@ths.tas.gov.au
What it is like working at the Department of Health?
Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence are the key values to work in Department of Health. Listen to some of the lived experiences from within the department through some of our wonderful staff and hear about their journey in relocating to Tasmania!
Move to Tasmania | Tasmanian
One Health Podcast - Spotify
One Health Podcast - Apple
Tasmanian Health Careers | Tasmanian
Department of Health has achieved the “Carer Accredited Employer Status” providing support to employees with caring responsibilities. (Find out more under the Carer Recognition Act 2023).
Respecting diversity is the foundation of everything that Department of Health do. This allows us to instil trust and collaborate through honest and fair communication and helps cultivate an environment of growth and innovation. We strongly encourage applicants from key communities including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTIQA+ people, and people living with disabilities.