Support children and young people by providing mental health assessments and delivering brief interventions. Become an integral part of our Safeguards Team in the Illawarra as a Level 3 Occupational Therapist.

$121,568 - $125,507 per annum + 12% super & salary packaging | Permanent Full-Time | ISLHD wide | REQ692656 | Grade: Occupational Therapist Level 3 | Applications close: 29 September 2026

Join us in shaping healthier futures. Together we can do more.

The Safeguards Team is a new Child, Adolescent, and Youth Acute Mental Health Service that provides timely, best-practice care to children and adolescents (0-17 years) experiencing acute mental health distress. This community-based team delivers rapid, mobile, and flexible care, including assessment, assertive outreach, and referrals. Where appropriate, the team provides brief therapeutic interventions and short-term care coordination.

Safeguards operates within an integrated model alongside the adult Acute Care Team (ACT), focusing on acute child and adolescent mental health while working closely with families and carers. The team can respond to young people in various settings, including schools and homes and communities, through face-to-face, telephone or audio-visual appointments. Support to the ACT may be required depending on service demand.

A little about us.

From Helensburgh in the north to North Durras in the south, ISLHD covers an area of 5,687 square kms. That’s 5,687 square kms of beautiful beaches, coastal cycling tracks, lush rainforests, incredible bushwalks and friendly people. The region is also host to many annual food, wine and arts festivals and events.

ISLHD operates seven hospital sites, employ over 8,500 staff and provide community health services across 58 locations. Commute times are short, childcare and schooling options are plentiful, and Sydney and Canberra are close by.

Benefits of working with ISLHD.

We understand that balancing career aspirations with the demand of the everyday, as well as maintaining a healthy work-life balance,



can be a challenge. To help with this, we offer a range of benefits which include:

- Allocated Days Off (ADO) - once a month take a paid day off (eligible full-time employees)
- Salary packaging - less tax and more take-home pay
- Novated leasing - lease a car and pay for all running costs out of your pre-taxed salary (eligible full-time employees)
- Fitness Passport - discounted gym membership that both you and your family can enjoy (eligible employees)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - free confidential and professional assistance for staff and their families
- Career progression, professional development and secondment opportunities

Apply now by reading the Position Description, then, using our online portal, submit a resume and answer the selection criteria within the application. In addition, please note you must have the following essential requirements:

- Applicable vaccination requirements for a Category A role.
- Working With Children Check (WWCC)
- Current registration to practice as an Occupational Therapist with the Occupational Therapy Board, AHPRA.
- Current unrestricted NSW driver's licence.

ISLHD is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. ISLHD is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health’s commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel protected, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.

Need more information or help applying?

- For role-related queries or help applying, contact Sarah Ashford at [email protected]

ISLHD acknowledges that our health district is located on the unceded lands of the Aboriginal people who are the Traditional Custodians of the NSW South Coast.

📌 Occupational Therapist (Level 3) – Safeguards Response Team – Child, Adolescent and Youth Mental Health Service (Lake Illawarra)
🏢 NSW Health
📍 Lake Illawarra