Job Description

Graduate Paediatric Occupational Therapist

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Happy Dots Occupational Therapy for Children – Newcastle NSW

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Your first year as an Occupational Therapist matters. It shapes your confidence, your clinical reasoning, and the kind of therapist you become.

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At Happy Dots Therapy Services for Children, we've designed a structured 12-month Graduate Program to help you transition from university into paediatric practice with the right balance of support, challenge and real-world experience.

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This is not a graduate role where you're left to "figure it out".

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It's a first year designed to help you grow into a confident, capable paediatric OT with experienced mentors, a gradual caseload, regular supervision, and a team that genuinely wants you to succeed.

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Who are we?

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For almost 15 years, Happy Dots Therapy Services for Children has supported children and families across the Newcastle region through evidence-based Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology services.

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Based in our purpose-built Cardiff clinic, we work with children of all ages and abilities across the clinic, schools and community, delivering fun, engaging and goal-focused therapy that makes a meaningful difference in everyday life.

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We're proud of the culture we've built: one where collaboration comes naturally, learning is part of everyday practice, and people feel supported both professionally and personally.

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About the 2027 Graduate Program

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Our 12-month Graduate Program has been designed specifically for early-career Occupational Therapists who want a solid start in paediatrics. From your first day, you will be supported by experienced clinicians who understand what it feels like to be a new graduate and know how to help you build confidence without overwhelm.

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We believe great therapists are built through structured support, reflection and experience - not by being thrown in the deep end.

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In your first year, you will receive:

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- A dedicated 12-month Graduate Program including:
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- Weekly individual supervision with a Senior Paediatric Occupational Therapist
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- Weekly Clinical Foundations learning sessions including built in time for additional e-learning and reflective practice
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- Weekly Peer Supervision sessions
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- Fortnightly access to in-house learning, mentoring and team-based clinical discussions
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- Monthly trauma-informed reflective supervision facilitated by a Psychologist
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- Scheduled shadowing and co-treatment opportunities as part of your 90 day onboarding plan
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- Structured feedback and milestone reviews across the year
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- A gradual, supported caseload built to matched your developing confidence and independence
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- Protected administration time of minimum 5 hours per week
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- Paid career development leave and a professional development allowance
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By the end of your graduate year, our goal is for you to feel more confident working with children and families, more capable in your clinical decision-making, and well-supported in the next stage of your career.

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What you'll be doing

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- Deliver fun, engaging and evidence-based therapy to children and families
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- Work across a mix of clinic, school and community settings
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- Build meaningful relationships with children, families, educators and other supports
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- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team including Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists
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- Develop your clinical reasoning through regular supervision, mentoring and reflective practice
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- Contribute to creative, functional and goal-directed therapy planning
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- Create and facilitate school holiday therapy groups based on your interests and strengths
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No two days are ever the same, that's one of the things our team loves most about paediatrics.

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Why graduates choose Happy Dots

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A graduate program that is genuinely structured

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Graduate support is not something we "fit in when we can". It is built into the role. You will have planned supervision, mentoring, learning sessions, feedback points and a caseload that grows with your readiness.

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Support that goes beyond clinical supervision

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In addition to OT-specific mentoring, you will also receive monthly trauma-informed reflective supervision with a Psychologist - a valuable layer of support that helps you build confidence, process complexity and develop sustainable clinical practice.





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Variety across clinic and community

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You will develop broad paediatric experience across our clinic, schools and community settings, giving you the chance to build a well-rounded skill set early in your career.

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A purpose-built environment with the right tools

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You will be equipped with the resources you need from day one, including a laptop, therapy resources, standardised assessments and AI powered tools to help you do your job well.

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A team culture that feels real

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We're a team that values collaboration, kindness, open communication and shared learning. We celebrate team wins, birthdays, work anniversaries, our mid-year celebration and end-of-year function - because a great workplace matters.

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Professional growth that continues beyond university

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We invest in your development through structured mentoring, in-house education, professional development funding and regular opportunities to expand your skills and interests.

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Flexibility where possible

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We understand that life outside work matters too. We value open communication and offer flexibility where possible around scheduling, start dates and work planning.

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About you

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We're looking for someone who is early in their career and excited to grow into paediatric practice. You might be a great fit if you are someone who:

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- Is graduating with an Occupational Therapy degree in 2026 (ready to commence in January 2027).
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- Is passionate about working with children and families
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- Is eager to learn and open to feedback
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- Brings warmth, curiosity and compassion to your work
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- Enjoys being part of a team
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- Wants to build a career where they can make a genuine difference
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You'll also hold, or be eligible to obtain:

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- AHPRA Registration
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- NSW Working With Children Check
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- NDIS Worker Screening Check
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- Current First Aid Certificate
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- Current Australian Driver Licence
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Ready to launch your career?

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If you're looking for a workplace where you'll be supported, encouraged and genuinely valued from day one, we'd love to hear from you.

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Applications close: 8th August 2026

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Flexible start dates are available, with the opportunity to begin working as an Allied Health Assistant prior to your AHPRA registration being finalised.

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📌 Graduate Paediatric Occupational Therapist (New South Wales)
🏢 Happy Dots Occupational Therapy for Children
📍 New South Wales