OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST (2026 MENTAL HEALTH RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN) – LIMESTONE COAST

International applicants are encouraged to apply

Best suited for: Australian citizens, Permanent Residents, New Zealand citizens, and Subclass 485/491/191 visa holders seeking an exceptional regional Occupational Therapy career opportunity with Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN), SA Health.

Please note: International applicants are encouraged to apply. SA Health provides dedicated International Applicant Guidelines. Visa sponsorship may be available for eligible international applicants where approved by SA Health and subject to workforce requirements.

About This Opportunity

Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN) is seeking passionate Occupational Therapists to join its growing Mental Health Services team across regional South Australia. This recruitment campaign offers opportunities within a multidisciplinary environment supporting consumers through recovery-focused, evidence-informed mental health care.

Successful applicants will contribute to the development of the new Wari-ngu Mental Health Service Sub-acute Rehabilitation Unit, Community Mental Health Teams and Inpatient Mental Health Services. This is an exciting opportunity to provide meaningful occupational therapy interventions while building your career in a supportive regional healthcare environment.

Job Summary

• Position: Occupational Therapist (AHP1/AHP2)
• Employer Name: Limestone Coast Local Health Network (SA Health)
• Employment Type: Full-Time / Part-Time
• Required Education Level: Currently holds or who is eligible to hold a current practicing certificate or equivalent qualification in Occupational Therapy with eligibility for registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (AHPRA)
• Work Arrangement: On-site
• Employment Location: Limestone Coast region South Australia including Mount Gambier, Millicent, Naracoorte, Penola, Kingston, Bordertown and Keith
• Salary: AUD $71,217 – $106,330 per annum + Superannuation, Salary Packaging Benefits and applicable allowances
• Application Deadline: 1 December 2026

Experience Required

• AHP1 Occupational Therapist: Suitable for new graduate Occupational Therapists or early-career practitioners developing clinical skills. Generally suitable for candidates with approximately 0–2 years of professional experience.
• AHP2 Occupational Therapist: Requires demonstrated clinical experience and ability to work with greater autonomy. Generally suitable for Occupational Therapists with approximately 2+ years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience in mental health, rehabilitation, community services, disability support or recovery-focused care is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide occupational therapy assessment, intervention and evaluation services to consumers experiencing mental health challenges.
• Support consumers to improve independence, daily functioning, wellbeing and quality of life.
• Develop and implement evidence-informed occupational therapy interventions based on individual recovery goals.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams including nurses, psychologists, support workers and other allied health professionals.
• Provide occupational therapy services across rehabilitation, community and inpatient mental health settings.
• Contribute to recovery-oriented care planning and consumer-centred service delivery.
• Participate in clinical documentation, quality improvement activities and professional development initiatives.
• Support education and knowledge sharing within the multidisciplinary team.

Skills & Requirements

• Professional Registration: Eligible for registration as an Occupational Therapist with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (AHPRA).
• Clinical Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of occupational therapy assessment and intervention principles.
• Mental Health Capability: Interest or experience in supporting consumers experiencing mental health challenges and recovery journeys.
• Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build therapeutic relationships with consumers, families and healthcare teams.
• Teamwork: Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary healthcare environments.
• Professional Development: Commitment to maintaining contemporary occupational therapy practice.

Benefits

• Competitive salary ranging from AUD $71,217 to $106,330 per annum.
• Salary packaging benefits to maximise take-home pay.
• Relocation support of up to $13,000 for eligible applicants.
• Accommodation assistance available for eligible interstate and international applicants.
• Professional development opportunities and career growth pathways.
• Opportunity to contribute to a new purpose-built Mental Health Sub-acute Rehabilitation Service.
• Supportive multidisciplinary workplace culture.
• Flexible working arrangements supporting work-life balance.
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellbeing initiatives.

About Limestone Coast Local Health Network

Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN) provides healthcare services across the south-east region of South Australia, supporting more than 67,000 residents and surrounding communities. The network delivers hospital, mental health, aged care, community health and specialist healthcare services.

The Limestone Coast offers an outstanding regional lifestyle with affordable housing, beautiful beaches, world-class wineries, national parks and strong community connections. Located between Adelaide and Melbourne, the region provides excellent professional opportunities while enjoying a relaxed lifestyle.

Important Applicant Information

• Application Methodology: Submit your application online through the SA Health Careers portal.
• Required Documents:

  • Updated professional resume.
  • Occupational Therapy qualifications.
  • AHPRA registration details or eligibility evidence.
  • Additional supporting documents requested during recruitment.

Eligible Applicants Included:

This opportunity is suitable for:

• Subclass 485 / 491 / 191 visa holders
• International Applicants
• Australian citizens
• Permanent Residents (PR)
• New Zealand citizens

Applicant Safety & Screening Reminder

• Appointment is subject to satisfactory criminal history screening.
• Applicants must meet SA Health immunisation compliance requirements.
• Applicants must maintain relevant professional registration requirements.
• Never pay recruitment fees, visa processing fees or placement charges to secure employment.
• Do not include sensitive financial information or Tax File Numbers (TFN) in initial application documents.

Original Source: SA Health Careers — 2026 Mental Health Recruitment Campaign – Limestone Coast | Job Reference: 924513