Senior Mental Health Occupational Therapist – Frontyard Services

• Full Time, Fixed Term until June 30th 2025  (40 hours per week) 
• Work within a values-driven, progressive organisation.
• Utilise your leadership skills and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to achieve short- and long-term mental health goals with young people experiencing complex mental health.
• Work hands-on with clients to support psychosocial recovery and foster independence.
• Benefit from strong support, supervision, and continuous learning opportunities.

About Us

Join a values-driven and progressive organization at the forefront of healthcare innovation. St Vincent’s Health Australia (SVHM) is part of Australia’s largest not-for-profit health and aged care network, renowned for providing diverse clinical services that positively impact lives across various spectrums. At SVHM, we are committed to delivering high-quality healthcare, including mental health services, community residential care, and more, all rooted in compassion and excellence.

This role will be joining the Check-In Community Mental Health team based at Frontyard Youth Services in Melbourne’s CBD. Frontyard is located in Melbourne’s CBD as part of Melbourne City Mission (MCM). Our mission is to support young people aged 12 to 25 in meeting their physical, emotional, and social needs while also guiding them towards pathways out of homelessness. Frontyard offers a dedicated youth homelessness access point, crisis accommodation with 18 beds, wraparound support services ranging from physical health to community connection  plus outreach programs spanning Greater Melbourne and Victoria.

The Frontyard Check-In Program was developed in 2017 and has recently been enhanced to respond to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. This enhanced program aims to ensure no one falls through the gaps of mental health service provision.

The program aims to:

• Provide early and crisis intervention mental health support to young people aged 12-25 years presenting with complex mental health issues.
• Achieve short- and long-term mental health and social goals with an aim to improve overall health, wellbeing, daily living skills and social connectedness.
• Support better integration and transition to acute and non-acute mental health services.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with service providers to facilitate referrals and access to appropriate care in a timely manner.
  

About the opportunity

This role sits outside of a clinical setting, where you’ll be working hands-on with young people aged 17-25 at Frontyard to focus on developing crucial independent living skills and work towards psychosocial recovery. If you are looking for variety and connection in your work, this space provides an opportunity for no two days to be the same with relational practice driving many of our outcomes.

The primary responsibility of this role is to provide OT clinical care and professional advice and support as part of the Check-In Team based at Frontyard Youth Services ensuring delivery of an efficient, effective and clinically therapeutic service, along with managing a small caseload of young people. 

In this unique role, you will step outside the standard mental health space and focus on practical interventions rather than clinical assessments. As part of the Check-In Team at Frontyard, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering efficient, effective, and hands-on therapeutic services, with plenty of opportunities to connect and engage in fun activities with young people.

Your responsibilities will include targeted interventions aimed at supporting psychosocial recovery, fostering individual independence, and enhancing health outcomes for clients with complex needs, as well as completing short to medium-term specialist assessments.

Interventions may encompass a wide range of areas such as function and capacity, sensory modulation, social skills, vocational activities, and addressing physical health or substance use concerns. You’ll engage with clients on a 1:1 basis or within small groups, conducting holistic health assessments, facilitating client-driven goal setting, and developing care plans that empower clients to take charge of their own well-being.

Classifications for this position will range from Occupational Therapist Gr 3:

YB24 – YB27 ($99,606 – $113,796) per annum

VG3 – VG6 ($100,089 – $114,358) per annum

Why join us

• Work with a supportive team dedicated to empowering young lives.
• Gain variety in your day-today work with plenty of opportunities for fun.
• Be part of a culture of continuous improvement and learning.
• Enjoy an attractive salary package with benefits, including salary packaging.
• Benefit from strong support and supervision through St Vincent’s Mental Health Services.
• Embrace a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, promoting self-determination and personal growth.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Has Occupational Therapy qualifications and current AHPRA registration.
• Is eligible for membership with Occupational Therapy Australia Association.
• Brings a minimum of 7 years’ experience in relevant acute, community, and mental health settings.
• Demonstrates a commitment to trauma-informed, strengths-based, evidence-based and recovery-oriented approaches.
• Excels in interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and client-centred care.
• Identify and access multidisciplinary and specialist supports, including collaborative care planning with young people, carers, and services.
• Is passionate about working collaboratively with clients to achieve positive outcomes.

Screening criteria:

• National Police Check

• Working with Children’s Check

• Valid Victorian Drivers’ License

• Right to Work in Australia

Application

Please attach your resume and cover letter to your application.

Shortlisting for this position will commence immediately. We encourage you to apply promptly as the advertisement may close early should a suitable applicant be sourced.

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. Inclusion is essential to our mission and diversity reflects the community we serve.

Please visit our website, for further information regarding our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment at SVHM.

SVHA has a duty of care under work health and safety legislation to eliminate and/or control the risk of transmission of vaccine preventable diseases in healthcare settings. You may therefore be required to undergo mandatory immunisations/vaccinations (including flu vaccinations).

This position is subject to a Victorian government direction regarding vaccination against COVID-19. Successful applicants must meet these vaccination requirements. Please contact us if you would like to know more.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a team that makes a real difference in the lives of young people.

Apply now to join us on this meaningful journey!