Title: Occupational Therapy and Social Work Graduate - Mental Health
Eastern Health, VIC, AU, 3128
Occupational Therapy and Social Work Graduate Positions – Mental Health & Wellbeing Program
- Multiple fixed-term, full-time opportunities | Collaborative team environment
- Diverse rotational program | Culture of learning and improvement
- Work across Box Hill, Ringwood East and other sites across the Eastern Health catchment
- Fully supported learning and development program in mental health
Eastern Health is one of Victoria's largest public health services. As a values-led, integrated service united by our Healthier Together promise, we deliver high-quality care, support and service to a broad and diverse community across Melbourne’s east and beyond.
About the role
The Mental Health & Wellbeing Program (MHWP) at Eastern Health, in partnership with the Eastern Health Institute, delivers one of Victoria's leading Allied Health Mental Health Transition to Practice Programs.
Eastern Health was selected by the Victorian Department of Health to lead the development of the statewide allied health mental health graduate framework and implementation resources following the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System. As a result, our graduate program is grounded in contemporary evidence, sector-wide consultation and best-practice approaches to workforce development.
As an Occupational Therapy or Social Work Graduate, you will participate in a structured rotational program designed to support your transition into mental health practice. You will gain experience across a range of clinical areas, work alongside highly skilled multidisciplinary teams, and develop the capabilities required to build a rewarding career in the mental health and wellbeing sector.
The program provides a comprehensive learning and development experience, with a strong emphasis on supported practice, reflective learning, professional growth, supervision and wellbeing.
What you’ll bring
- Registration as an Occupational Therapist with AHPRA, or a Social Work degree approved by the AASW for practising membership as a Social Worker.
- Relevant knowledge, skills and/or experience in delivering evidence-based occupational therapy/social work assessments and interventions within a mental health setting, including recovery-oriented practice.
- Ability to engage consumers, families, carers and supporters in the development and implementation of individualised recovery plans.
- A commitment to providing culturally safe, family-sensitive and gender-sensitive care to people from diverse backgrounds.
- Knowledge of the mental health sector, including team structures and relevant community resources and services to support people experiencing mental illness.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with consumers, carers, supporters, the multidisciplinary team, lived experience workforce and external agencies, supported by strong interpersonal, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- Commitment to reflective practice, ongoing professional development and lifelong learning.
- High level of self-awareness, emotional intelligence and proficiency with health technologies and clinical information systems.
- Current Victorian driver’s licence and Working with Children Check.
Why join the program
- Rotational placements across a range of mental health settings, opportunities can include child and youth, adult and older adult services.
- A structured transition-to-practice program tailored to Occupational Therapy and Social Work graduates.
- Dedicated support from experienced clinicians, clinical supervisors, clinical leads and Allied Health Mental Health Educators.
- Access to individual and group supervision.
- A personalised learning and development plan aligned to mental health practice capabilities.
- A comprehensive professional development program incorporating workshops, reflective practice and applied learning opportunities.
- Opportunities to learn within multidisciplinary teams and develop skills alongside experienced mental health clinicians.
- Connection to a large and supportive allied health workforce of more than 250 clinicians across the Mental Health & Wellbeing Program.
- A culture that values curiosity, continuous learning, innovation and professional growth.
What we offer
Being part of Eastern Health means belonging to a welcoming team of healthcare experts. We offer a range of benefits including:
- Investment in your career through continuous learning, mentoring, professional development, and opportunities to progress into specialist, leadership or advanced practice pathways.
- Work-life balance with flexible working arrangements, study and professional development leave, and leave purchasing options.
- Wellbeing support through fitness programs, confidential employee assistance services for you and your family, and 24/7 access to a range of support resources.
- Financial incentives to help you make the most of your earnings, including salary packaging through Maxxia, novated leasing options, and employee discounts on health insurance, banking and more.
Interested in joining us?
If this opportunity feels like the right fit for you, we'd encourage you to apply and share what you can bring to the role.
You must be eligible to work in Australia. Applications are reviewed as they are received, so we encourage early applications as the advertisement may close prior to the closing date.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to arrange an interview, and all applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application. Appointment to this position is subject to a satisfactory National Police Check, compliance with mandatory vaccination requirements, including annual influenza vaccination, and evidence of immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases where required.
Click here to view our Candidate Guide and learn more about our recruitment process.
Our commitments
- We are an equal opportunity employer and actively promote equality for people of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and for people living with disability across the communities we serve and within our Eastern Health team.
- We provide a culturally safe and welcoming environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees.
- As a child-safe organisation, we ensure child safety and wellbeing is embedded in our everyday culture.
- We are shaping a culture that delivers exceptional care for our community, and an exceptional experience for all the people who make it possible.
Please click here to view the position descriptions:
Contact Person: Allied Health Mental Health Education Team
Contact Email: AHMHEducators@easternhealth.org.au
Job Posting End Date: Sunday 22 November 2026
Need help submitting your application?
Contact the person listed in the advertisement or our Talent Acquisition team for support on (03) 9955 7555 (option 1) or talentacquisition@easternhealth.org.au, including discussing any adjustments you may require during the recruitment process.
Our Values in Action
Respect for all | Safe and welcoming | Partnering in care | Innovate, learn and lead