Occupational Therapists - Making Early Years Count

Full-time or Permanent Part-time Available - Applications open until January 2026

Experienced Clinicians or New Graduates - 2-year structured ‘Brighter Futures’ Grad program

NFP offers realistic & balanced caseload working with children 0-13 & families

BUSHkids is a not-for-profit organisation that has been at the heart of transforming lives of regional children across Queensland for 90 years. Our highly dedicated teams and volunteers share the same vision – that every child should reach their potential and have access to free allied health services, regardless of where they live.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking passionate Occupational Therapists to join our teams across Emerald, Gladstone, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore or Caloundra), Mt Isa, Warwick and Dalby.

Whether you are an experienced clinician or a new graduate, BUSHkids offers a meaningful opportunity to make a difference in children's early years through our regional services. You will work with children aged up to 13 years who may be experiencing developmental delays, disabilities, or at risk of educational, emotional or behavioural challenges.

Our early therapy intervention is short-term and goal oriented, delivered through Allied Health and NDIS service streams, with a holistic family centred approach guided by our BUSHkids model of care. Services are provided face-to-face or via telepractice within multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary teams.

2026 Brighter Futures Graduate Program

For graduating clinicians, our two-year ‘Brighter Futures’ Graduate Program provides a structured and supported pathway into practice including:

Weekly 1:1 supervision

Work shadowing and near peer buddy mentoring

Monthly competency based learning modules

Group supervision and discipline specific meetings

Gradual caseload in building your confidence to practice

Opportunities to engage in intake processes, clinical research, presentations, and outreach programs — including travel to other regional locations or engaging with First Nations communities where aligned with your interests.

Your wellbeing and professional growth are at the heart of this program.

If you have a connection to regional Queensland or are excited by an opportunity to relocate to a vibrant community, we’d love to hear from you!

BUSHkids Benefits - What You Can Expect

You will be part of a supportive organisation committed to empowering families, children, and regional communities. You will enjoy opportunities for expanding your professional development and growth, collaborating and learning from others along with the opportunity to make a real difference every day in the lives of children and their families.

Supportive team with clinical supervision and mentoring

Collaboration across a network of Allied Health professionals

Annual Professional Development budget plus up to 5 days PD leave plus 2 days PD travel leave (pro-rata part-time)

Flexible work arrangements and realistic and balanced caseloads

Attractive salary package, commensurate with experience, plus superannuation and portable leave leave loading

Additional 3 days gifted paid leave over Christmas (pro-rata part-time)

Not-for-profit salary packaging (up to $15,900 + $2,650 meal/entertainment allowance = up to $5,935 additional take-home pay)

Access to resources, guidance, and wellbeing support to help you thrive

About You

Tertiary qualifications in Occupational Therapy along with eligibility/current registration to AHPRA

Genuine passion to work with children in their early years and their families

Strong interpersonal, communication and report writing skills

Flexible and adaptable in responding to changing needs

Aligned with our BUSHkids core values – Child-Focused and Family Centred, Collaborative and Accountable

Valid Blue Card and NDIS Worker Screening Clearance (or ability to obtain before commencement)

Current C Class Drivers' License

Evidence of Hepatitis B Vaccination status

Key Selection Criteria

Clinical Practice

Knowledge and experience in family-centred practice, either working with children with developmental delays or disabilities, with a focus on early intervention

Able to apply effective clinical reasoning and make evidence-based decisions leading to better client outcomes

Communication/Team Participation

Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and able to foster positive working relationships

Able to actively participate and collaborate within a multidisciplinary team

Self-Reflection/Continuous Improvement

Able to adapt to change, incorporating performance feedback, and self-awareness in recognising current learning journey

Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development and aptitude in sharing knowledge and skills

Work Unit Management

Able to work independently and to appropriately manage time and workload

INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR TEAM? APPLY NOW!

Please include your resume and a written response to the Key Selection Criteria as part of your application. A full job description can be downloaded on the BUSHkids website at https://www.bushkids.org.au/professionals/join-our-team

Early applications are encouraged as candidates will be shortlisted and interviewed on receipt of application. Rest assured we are hiring NOW however final applications will close 30th January 2026.

Enquiries can be directed to Michelle Clarke, Recruitment Coordinator on (07) 3518 7952 or email [email protected]

We encourage applications from people with disabilities, as well as individuals from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and CALD communities. Applications received directly from recruitment agencies will not be accepted

Your future is bright at BUSHkids; and together we can create brighter futures for children across Queensland.