Andrea is an Occupational Therapist (OT), previously based in Sydney, and was looking for a change in scenery. Healthcare Australia put her forward for an OT role with Samaritans Foundation Taree Disability Hub, on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales as she was looking for a role somewhere coastal. After an efficient interview process, Andrea was successful in securing the job and given a month to relocate to Taree. The Allied Health team helped her with all aspects of the transition, from securing a rewarding wage to looking at appropriate accommodation.

Andrea shares her journey with the HCA team and tells us about her adventures as an Occupational Therapist.

Tell us about your inspiration to become an Occupational Therapist.

I’ve grown up with a passion to help people with special needs, which expanded to an interest in OT. What drew my attention to this profession is its focus on person-centred therapy and facilitating individuals to use and build upon their strengths. OT also offers a variety of settings and populations to work with which matched my desire to work with children, youth and adults in hospital and community settings.

What’s a typical working day like for you?

I am currently working on an early childhood intervention program in a community setting in Taree. We service surrounding areas up to an hour’s drive in all directions. My role encompasses providing OT sessions to children ages 0-8 either in childcare centres, preschools, primary schools, in their homes or on site at our office. Primarily I have been spending most of my time at preschools and primary schools. Depending on the client and their location I am driving more or less.

How do you compare yourself now as a mature Occupational Therapist to when you first started your career?

My clinical reasoning skills have expanded from beginning with a narrow-minded view, looking at how to fix the current and obvious problem a person is experiencing, to viewing all contributing factors of their environment.

Tell us more about the whole experience of relocating.

I relocated from Parramatta to Taree for this position which was a suitable role for me. I joined a small team of two educators being the sole OT which the serviced areas were in great need of one.

A very supportive staff member, Matt Meaney, worked to support me throughout the relocation, assisted with researching apartments in the area suitable for my price range.

How did you find working with the HCA Allied Health team?

I was updated every few weeks when new positions became available. They provided many options within the scope of the position I was looking for.

If you were to explain the benefits of working with HCA Allied Health to a colleague or friends, what would you say?

I highly recommend it as they are very supportive, work hard to help place you and continue the follow-up process once placed.

Thank you to Andrea for speaking with the Allied Health recruitment team and sharing your experience transitioning from a City to Regional Occupational Therapist role.

Healthcare Australia Allied Health Jobs

If you are an OT looking for your next big adventure, or an Allied Health professional looking for a change in scenery,HCA Allied Health have positions available across the country. Whether you’re interested in a Permanent or Locum role you can contact the team on 1300 422 247, search for our latest available positionsor register your details with us below to find out about our upcoming opportunities.