About Lifestart

Lifestart was founded in 1996 by a group of eight families who believed kids with disability deserved better support. Today, we operate out of eight offices throughout NSW and support over 10,000 children and young people, their families and their carers across Australia. It's a success we're proud of because it is a success built on lived experience and a genuine desire to change lives for the better.

Our purpose is to empower children and young people with disabilities or developmental concerns to reach their full potential, in partnership with their families and communities. Guided by our values of Empowerment, Equity, Collaboration, and Impact, we're committed to empowering potential in the lives of the people we support and in the careers of those who join us.

We are excited to welcome the next generation of therapists through our Allied Health Graduate Program. If you're an Occupational Therapist ready to start your career with purpose, Lifestart is the place for you to grow, learn, and thrive.

Lifestart's Key Benefits:

Very competitive base salary, plus superannuation and leave loading and the ability to increase your take-home pay by $6,500 through NFP salary packaging

One additional week of paid annual leave issued in December each year, one additional week of personal leave, plus paid cultural and parental leave

Access to vehicle novated leasing

Flexible working conditions including hybrid opportunities and the chance to see clients in diverse locations

A supportive and inclusive team environment with a strong focus on employee wellbeing, with additional support via Employee Assistance Program

Opportunities for free professional development training hosted by Lifestart and we provide each employee with a dedicated professional development budget. With manager approval, team members can choose external training opportunities that align with their career goals.

About the Program

Our 12-month Allied Health Graduate Program is designed to help you confidently transition from university to practice, with the support you need to succeed in your first year and beyond.

You'll join our Therapy and Behaviour Support team, working alongside experienced professionals who are passionate about inclusion and helping children and young people aged 0–24 achieve meaningful, everyday goals. Our services are delivered in homes, schools, preschools, the community, online, and our Lifestart offices.

As a Graduate Occupational Therapist, you will:

Work with children, young people, and their families to set and achieve goals that matter to them

Deliver services in clients home, school, preschool, community, online, or from a Lifestart office

Manage a diverse caseload that allows you to develop your clinical skills in self-care, sensory and emotional regulation, motor skills, play, social interactions, and life skills.

Contribute to group programs and training for families, schools, and early childhood settings

Collaborate with your multidisciplinary team to support clients and their families to be included in their everyday communities.

This is a permanent full-time position in our Western Sydney region. Your office will be located in Baulkham Hills.

From day one, you'll benefit from:

Structured and comprehensive orientation to help you feel confident and supported

Regular clinical supervision with a senior therapist to develop your clinical skills

Discipline-specific and transdisciplinary learning, including group programs and access to Lifestart's online learning hub

Gradual caseload build-up with realistic, achievable KPIs

Peer support and mentoring through joint sessions and team-based learning

A friendly, energetic multidisciplinary team ready to help you learn the ropes

A dedicated manager to guide and support your early career

All the tech and tools you need, including a work laptop and phone

Flexible work arrangements, including work-from-home options to support a healthy work/life balance

You'll also collaborate with Speech Pathologists, Physiotherapists, and Behaviour Support Practitioners to expand your perspective and develop a well-rounded approach to supporting clients within the NDIS and community settings.

About You

You are a soon-to-be or recent graduate who is:

Completing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Occupational Therapy (graduating in 2025 or early 2026)

Eligible for (or currently holds) AHPRA registration before the start date

Aligned with Lifestart's values and motivated to make a difference

A confident communicator and natural collaborator

Flexible, empathetic, and open to learning

Holds a current Working with Children Check and NDIS Worker Screening Check (or willing to obtain)

Holds a current driver's licence and access to a reliable vehicle

Apply Now – Your Future, Empowered!

If you're ready to start your career in a purpose-led organisation where your contribution is recognised and your growth is supported every step of the way, Lifestart is the place for you. Join a team that's passionate about making an impact and dedicated to empowering your potential.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your interest in the Graduate Program and your suitability for the role. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. For more information, visit www.lifestart.org.au/graduate-program or contact our Recruitment Team at [email protected].

At Lifestart, we're proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome people with disability or lived experience, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We value each individual's unique contribution.

Please note we are not accepting introductions from recruitment agencies at this time.