Located on the beautiful Great South Coast, South West Healthcare offers a comprehensive range of medical, surgical and psychiatric services. The organisation serves a catchment in excess of 110,000 and comprises of a total of 282 beds and an extensive range of primary and community services. Warrnambool boasts excellent sporting, education (pre-school to university), social and cultural facilities. The city’s award winning foreshore promenade is a 5.7km path that stretches from the breakwater along the coastline to the Hopkins River mouth.

An exciting opportunity exists for suitably qualified Occupational Therapist to join the Hospital Outreach Post-suicidal Engagement (HOPE) program within our Mental Health Directorate.

About the role

The role involves clinically supporting consumers who have been referred to the program. The aim of HOPE program is to provide support and aftercare for people at the point of discharge following a suicide attempt or presenting with acute suicidal ideation. The program will work in partnership with The Way Back Support Service (WBSS) providing recovery-oriented and trauma informed mental health intake and treatment follow-up to consumers, family and carers across the South West Mental Health catchment inclusive of Warrnambool, Portland, Hamilton, Camperdown and surrounding regions.

HOPE clinicians will provide evidence based individual biological, psychological and social interventions based on a persons expressed needs and goals for a period of up to 3 months working in partnership with WBSS. A proportion of the work of the HOPE Program can occur outside of usual business hours, including weekends. Shifts will be rostered at least 1 month in advance.

Part time and full time applicants are encouraged to apply.

This position is eligible for an incentive payment for rent, childcare, relocation costs and more, as part of the new workforce and incentive grants program administered by Rural Agency Workforce Victoria (RWAV). 

What you bring

As a health professional you will be able to demonstrate skills and broad experience in mental health clinical services including proven ability to work within a team based multi-disciplinary model. A working knowledge of recovery-oriented practices, trauma informed care, current mental health trends, legislation and relevant policy directions of mental health services also is essential for this role.

The successful applicants will have excellent written communication and interpersonal skills and initiative with proven ability to work autonomously and with a multidisciplinary team, as well as an ability to work with limited direction, be self-motivated, and provide effective problem-solving, negotiation and change management skills.

Applicants must hold registration with AHPRA as an Occupational Therapist and be eligible for membership with the AAOT.

What we offer

You will enjoy benefits such as:

• Excellent salary packaging options including meals & entertainment, novated leasing and additional superannuation contributions;
• Internal and external professional development opportunities;
• Ongoing clinical supervision;
• A range of internal development opportunities focusing on personal development such as resilience and mentoring workshops and comprehensive leadership programs;
• Excellent terms and conditions of employment;
• Relocation support available.

Who we are

As an organisation SWH prides themselves on their values; Care, Respect, Excellence, Integrity and Leadership and their overall dedication to the local community.

SWH respects all individuals and promote equity and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of all genders, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, racial, cultural and religious backgrounds and socio- economic status.

SWH is the major specialist referral centre for the Barwon South West sub-region, and provides a comprehensive range of acute, sub-acute, specialist, community, mental health and aged services.

With a population of 39,000 and a catchment of 100,000 Warrnambool is the regional centre to Victoria's Great South Coast.

To learn about the vibrant town and region please visit: http://www.warrnambool.com/

How to apply

Submit your application by selecting the Apply button below and include a cover letter and resume by Sunday 16 April 2023. Please ensure you address the selection criteria as outlined in the position description.

Employment Terms and Conditions will be in line with the Victorian Public Mental Health Services Enterprise Agreement 2020-2024 with the appropriate classification of Occupational Therapist Grade 2 $84,614.40 - $97,266.00 pro rata.

The successful applicant will be required to be eligible for and undergo the following:

• Police Record Check
• Employee Working with Children's Check
• Current Immunisation status

Note: If you experience any difficulties with this website, please email: humanresources@swh.net.au