Diversional Therapist, Level 1/2, MHIU - Sutherland MHS

Diversional Therapist, Level 1/2, Mental Health Inpatient Unit - Sutherland Mental Health Service
Employment Type :PermanentPart Time
Position Classification :Diversional Therapist Level 1/2
Remuneration :$40.05 - $57.14 per hour, plus superannuation
Hours Per Week :14
Requisition ID :REQ
Location : Caingbah, Sydney

The SESLHD Mental Health Service is a specialised clinical service, providing care to a local population of over 930,000 residents in the Sydney metropolitan area. We provide care within both hospital and community settings to support people living with mental illness at times when acute intervention is needed, or to remain well in their community and lead their own recovery.

Learn more about us here:South Eastern Sydney Local Health District

The Role

Are you a passionate Diversional Therapist looking to make a meaningful difference in mental health care?

Join our dedicated Acute Mental Health Inpatient team at Sutherland Hospital, where you'll play a key role in supporting recovery and wellbeing through the development, coordination and delivery of therapeutic recreation and activity programs for consumers experiencing acute mental health challenges. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will facilitate engaging group and individual activities that promote recovery, social connection, skill development and positive health outcomes.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a recovery-oriented model of care, supporting consumers throughout their inpatient journey while collaborating closely with multidisciplinary colleagues, carers and families. You'll have the opportunity to use your creativity and therapeutic skills to enhance consumer engagement and deliver meaningful programs that make a genuine difference

This part-time opportunity is designed to support a strong work-life balance, with flexible working arrangements, reduced hours, and the ability to structure your week around personal commitments. Part-time candidates will benefit from a manageable caseload, supportive supervision, and a collaborative multidisciplinary setting that prioritises both clinician wellbeing and high-quality care. Ongoing professional development and career growth opportunities are also available to support your long-term goals in mental health practice.

If you're ready to help shape positive experiences and support recovery in a dynamic and rewarding mental health setting, we'd love to hear from you.





Where you'll be working

You will be based at Inpatient Mental Health Unit, Sutherland Mental Health Service, located on The Sutherland Hospital campus, Caringbah

Additional Benefits

- Financial benefits - Salary packaging options- Up to $9K for living expenses, $2.6K meal & entertainment, and Novated Leasing. Discounted Private Health Insurance.
- Work-life balance - Up to 12 allocated days off each year (for full time employees) in addition to annual leave.
- Professional growth - Learning and development opportunities, including in-house training with RTO My Health Learning.
- Health & Wellbeing - Discounted gym memberships with aFitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and family members.

The vision for South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) is ‘exceptional care, healthier lives’. SESLHD is committed to enabling our community to be healthy and well, and to providing the best possible compassionate care when people need it.

The Diversional Therapist is responsible for coordinating a ward based therapeutic activity program within Sutherland Mental Health Inpatient Unit. The role involves working collaboratively with other members of the multi-disciplinary team to deliver a program that meets the needs of the patient group during their stay on the inpatient unit.

Selection Criteria

To be considered for this position, please ensure you address the following criteria in your application:

- Hold a recognised health science or applied science bachelor's degree in leisure, recreation or diversional therapy recognised by the Australian Recreational Therapy Association (ARTA), or other qualification deemed equivalent by the employer.
- Demonstrated capacity to develop, co-ordinate and evaluate Diversional Therapy programs in a health care setting.
- Demonstrated effective communication skills.
- Demonstrated understanding of Mental Health Issues and their impact on patients in an acute inpatient unit setting.
- Ability to work from a recovery based approach within a multidisciplinary team context involving consumers and carers in planning care.




- Willingness to develop own professional skills through active participation in professional development activities.
- Current unrestricted Drivers Licence (with a willingness to travel in accordance with the demands of the position).

Application close: 6 September 2026

We encourage applications from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Our values and commitment to diversity

Our CORE Values are Collaboration, Openness, Respect and Empowerment and have been created by employees for employees and help define how we work and to inspire positive interactions in the workplace.

We embrace diversity as our strength and are committed to maintaining an inclusive and collaborative work environment. Our workplaces are welcoming and safe for all our employees, irrespective of their unique characteristic including age, ethnicity, cultural or spiritual background, gender identity, disability, education and social-economic status. Read about our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Strategy for more information.

Reasonable Adjustments

NSW Health recognises everyone is unique, and that you may require some adjustments to ensure you have the best opportunity to apply. If we can make some adjustments to the NSW Health recruitment/interview process, then please email***************@health.nsw.gov.auand let us know.

Adjustments may include but are not limited to, physical requirements, interview setups and specific interview availability times where required. Please visit theSESLHD Disability Recruitment page for more information

Information for applicants :

- An eligibility list may be created for future Permanent Part Time positions
- Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable permanent resident or citizen of Australia has been identified for this position following suitable labour market testing
- Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description
- Recommended applicants will be reviewed or comply with NSW Health policy directive Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination Against Specific Diseases for all positions prior to offer.
- We do have an Aboriginal Workforce Team that can also provide support and for additional information please visit our Stepping Up Website

Interviews are expected to be held between14 September 2026 and 18 September 2026

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📌 Diversional Therapist, Level 1/2, MHIU - Sutherland MHS (Sutherland Shire Council)
🏢 NSW Health
📍 Sutherland Shire Council