Grade 1 Paediatric Occupational Therapist (Full Time) — CHATS (Bundoora)
About CHATS

CHATS (Children’s Health and Therapy Services) is a specialist, neuro-affirming children’s therapy and health centre based in Bundoora, Melbourne. We support babies, children, teens and young adults (6 months–25 years) through evidence-informed therapy and practical, strengths-based support.

We are a multidisciplinary clinic with both allied health therapists and medical professionals who value collaboration, clinical quality, and clear outcomes that matter to families.

The Role

We’re hiring a Grade 1 Occupational Therapist (full time) to join our Bundoora clinic team.

This role suits a clinician who is building skills and confidence in children’s OT and wants a workplace with strong supervision, a team approach, and a neuro-affirming values base.

• Location: 585 Grimshaw Street, Bundoora VIC

• Employment type: Full time

• Salary: Competitive and aligned with comparable organisations

• Start: By negotiation

What You’ll Be Doing

CHATS is committed to providing highly trained therapists to our families. To support this, you’ll be guided to deliver OT that is practical, functional and engaging — with goals that make a difference to everyday life.

Assessment & Planning

• Complete assessments that focus on participation and function (e.g., sensory processing, motor skills, visual-perceptual skills, self-care)

• Collaborate with families and relevant professionals (e.g., educators, paediatricians, Speech Pathologists) to understand strengths, needs and priorities

• Develop individualised, goal-based therapy plans

Intervention

• Deliver evidence-informed intervention to support everyday participation (e.g., regulation, independence, play, school participation, self-care)

• Provide practical strategies that translate to home and school routines

• Contribute to group programs where appropriate (e.g., social participation, movement, creative programs)

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with families, educators and the CHATS multidisciplinary team

• Provide respectful education and coaching for caregivers, using strengths-based and neuro-affirming language

Documentation & Progress

• Maintain timely, accurate documentation (assessments, plans, progress notes, reports)

• Monitor progress and adjust supports in line with goals and functional outcomes

• Complete NDIS documentation as required for participants on your caseload

What Makes CHATS Different

• A clinic built around pathways: We offer integrated supports across our key cohorts — toddlers, preschoolers, primary school-aged children, teens and young adults — so families can access the right support at the right time.

• Meaningful work with “gap” children and young people: We often support children who don’t neatly fit existing systems — they’re in mainstream settings, but need targeted intervention to participate and thrive.

• A connected, collaborative team (by design): We’ve intentionally chosen to stay a small-to-mid sized clinic, so it’s easy to pop in, ask a question, problem-solve together and feel genuinely supported.

• A purpose-fit clinic for OT + groups (linked indoor/outdoor environments): Our Bundoora site is a renovated former medical clinic, reimagined for children’s therapy. Children can move between a gross motor gym, a “home corner” for imaginative play, and connected indoor and outdoor play areas (including two outdoor play spaces that support different ages/stages). This is a huge advantage for OT sessions and our group programs — allowing practical, participation-focused therapy that targets regulation, play, motor skills and independence in real, motivating environments. We also have a large private gated carpark that can be secured for structured therapy activities (e.g., our OT-led school holiday “bike school”).

• Multidisciplinary care (with room to grow): Work alongside allied health therapists and medical professionals who value clinical quality and shared thinking — with facilities that have room to host additional professionals (e.g., paediatricians, women’s health physiotherapy, and psychology).

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor’s (or equivalent) in Occupational Therapy

• AHPRA registration (if applicable) and eligibility to practise as an OT in Australia

• Working With Children Check

• NDIS Worker Screening Check (or willingness to obtain)

• Strong communication and time management skills

• A genuine, respectful, family-centred approach

• Interest in paediatrics and willingness to learn within a team environment

How To Apply

Please email your application to:

Rob De Matteo Clinic & Operations Manager, CHATS rob•••@chatterboxats.com

Subject line: Occupational Therapist (Grade 1) — Full Time