Children's Occupational Therapist - Healing and Recovery

About Ruah

Ruah is a leading values-driven employer in Western Australia’s community services sector. Our staff go boldly, not just supporting people in need, but working to end homelessness, end domestic violence and create opportunities for people struggling with poverty and mental health challenges.

Our professional team of operational and corporate services staff is backed by one of WA’s biggest Peer support workforces. Our staff reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion, where difference is valued, celebrated and embraced.

By choosing to work with us, you are helping transform the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our community.

About the Role

This role sits within Ruah’s Karlup Service, our specialist family and domestic violence service supporting women and children to heal, recover, and thrive following experiences of violence.

Karlup operates from The Angela Wright Bennett Centre, housed within Ruah’s purpose‑built Women’s and Children’s Centre. The centre provides a safe, welcoming, and therapeutic environment designed to support trauma‑informed, child‑centred, and family‑focused practice.

The Karlup Service works within a multidisciplinary model, bringing together therapeutic supports, case management (Koorta Guides), group programs, and recovery‑focused interventions. Practice is grounded in cultural safety, child‑centred approaches, and strong collaboration with education, health, and community partners.

Working from this dedicated facility, you’ll be supported to deliver meaningful, relationship‑based work that helps children rebuild safety, regulation, confidence, and participation in everyday life.

This role is offered on a 12‑month fixed‑term contract, working full‑time hours (38 hours per week, Monday to Friday).

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for an experienced and compassionate degree-qualified Occupational Therapist who is confident working with children and families impacted by trauma and complexity.

You’ll bring:

• A minimum of 3–5 years’ experience working as an Occupational Therapist, with a strong focus on paediatric practice
• Demonstrated experience working with children, ideally within middle childhood (6–11 years)
• A solid understanding of child development, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and trauma impacts
• Experience delivering trauma‑informed, strengths‑based, and family‑centred interventions
• Confidence working collaboratively within multidisciplinary and community‑based settings
• Strong communication, documentation, and professional judgement skills
• A commitment to culturally safe, inclusive, and child‑centred practice
• Experience working with children and families impacted by family and domestic violence, trauma, or complex psychosocial environments will be highly regarded, as will experience supporting caregivers and facilitating group programs.

What do we offer?

• A salary aligned with Level 3 of the Health Professionals & Support Services Award, commencing from $86,500per annum
• 5 weeks’ annual leave plus 17.5% annual leave loading (for award‑based staff)
• 16 weeks’ paid parental leave, with the flexibility to take up to 32 weeks at half pay
• Uniquely, new staff may access 4 weeks’ paid parental leave after just 6 months’ service
• Free, independent and confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) access for you and your family
• Ruah‑paid Journey Cover, providing insurance while travelling to and from work
• Access to valuable salary packaging to increase your take‑home pay, including:
• Up to $15,900 in core salary packaging
• An additional $2,650 in meal entertainment packaging
• Salary packaging options for travel, accommodation, parking, education expenses, and more
• Opportunities to actively engage in the Ruah community, including participation in working groups, Pride events, cultural celebrations, reconciliation initiatives, and other staff‑led activities

Required compliance documents:

• Current AHPRA registration
• Current Drivers’ Licence
• National Police Clearance Certificate
• Working with Children Check
• First Aid Certificate

How to apply 

We’d love to hear from you!

Please click apply, create your LiveHire profile, and submit your current CV along with a cover letter of no more than two pages, helping us understand your fit for this role.

Closing date for applications: 1st May 2026.

The Job advertisement may be closed earlier than the date mentioned above.

For further information please our Talent team at talent@ruah.org.au.

We are building a workplace where difference is embraced and encouraged - and to do this, we need people on our team who are representative of the clients we work with, who are passionate about change and courageous enough to stand up for what is right.  Everyone is welcome. Everyone belongs. 

We are committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All applicants will undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.