• Employment Type: Fixed-term contract (24 Months) 

• Hours: Full-time - 1.0 FTE (37.5 hours per week)

• Workplace: Hybrid (2 days in office, the rest work from home for Melbourne-based employees) / Remote (for interstate staff)

• Location: Fitzroy VIC 3065

• Salary: $100,000 - $120,000 p.a. (+ superannuation) commensurate with experience.

About OTA

Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) represents and supports the continually evolving occupational therapy profession. Its vision is to support the profession so that people and communities are engaged in occupations that bring meaning and purpose to their lives, fostering health, wellbeing participation and inclusion.

OTA champions occupational therapists to support their community.  As Australia's professional association for occupational therapy with over 13,000 members across Australia, OTA fosters evidence-based practice, enables lifelong learning and promotes the future of occupational therapy. We are incredibly proud of the work we do in delivering professional development, advocacy, practice standards, collegial networking, and broader member services, and we have big goals over the coming years.

 

Our Values

• PROGRESS: We believe in strongly representing and leading occupational therapy by looking ahead and anticipating the needs of the profession and the communities that we serve. We are a point of connection and a driving force in paving the way forward by providing a strong, united voice.

• PRIDE: We believe in the irreplaceable value occupational therapists make in the lives of those they serve. Inspired by the dedication and achievements of those we represent, we shine the spotlight on the profession and empower ongoing achievement and success throughout their professional careers. 

• EMPOWERMENT: We believe in protecting and progressing the profession through lifelong learning and development. We are the collector, curator, contributor and disseminator of evidence based learning and ongoing knowledge, understanding and translation to action. 

• CONNECTION: We believe in the unity of the profession and act as a beacon for all who are occupational therapists, those who use our skills and services and those who support our profession. 

 

What does the role involve

Reporting to the Head of Policy & Advocacy, you will:

• Lead complex policy and advocacy projects aligned with OTA’s Strategic Plan and priority areas.

• Independently identify and analyse policy issues affecting the occupational therapy profession, providing high-level, strategic advice.

• Undertake rigorous research and analysis to develop evidence-based reports, submissions, position statements and briefing materials.

• Design and implement advocacy strategies that influence government, regulators and key stakeholders.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with members, government, peak bodies and other stakeholders, representing OTA in meetings, forums and consultations.

• Work collaboratively across the organisation, including with Marketing & Communications, to deliver impactful advocacy campaigns and clear, accessible policy communications.

• Embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and lived experience perspectives in policy and advocacy work.

This is a hands-on, intellectually engaging role for someone who enjoys combining policy depth with practical advocacy and stakeholder engagement.

This role may also require occasional local and interstate travel from time to time.

The team

You’ll be part of the Policy & Advocacy Team which consists of six team members including yourself. Your role will require you to consistently interact with other teams at OTA, in particular, working closely with the Professional Practice team made up of Practice Advisors (on-staff occupational therapists), as well as our members and several other stakeholders across the business.

 

What we need in the role

Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) is the national professional association representing occupational therapists across the country. We champion the profession, influence policy reform and advocate for better outcomes for the community.

We are seeking a Senior Policy & Advocacy Advisor to play a pivotal role in shaping and advancing OTA’s national policy agenda. You are an experienced policy professional who can move confidently between big-picture strategy and detailed analysis.

 

Why you should work with us

You will play a key role in shaping policy for a profession that has a direct impact on people’s lives, work closely with an expert, values-driven Policy & Advocacy team, and contribute to meaningful reforms across health and related systems at a national level.

OTA also offers our staff a professionally satisfying, rewarding and flexible working environment. In addition to a hybrid working environment, OTA cares for our team with a Wellbeing Program and initiatives to support work-life balance that includes the following initiatives: 

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Melbourne-based employees can enjoy the flexibility of our hybrid work model (2-3 days in the office, and 3 days working from home) and flexible hours (choose when you start and finish), to help achieve a seamless work-life balance. 

• Employee Assistance Program: We partner with TELUS Health EAP to provide our OTA staff with free and confidential assessments, short-term counselling, referrals, and follow-up services for personal and/or work-related problems. Also included are various retail discounts and a wellbeing portal for our staff.

• Half Day Off for Health Checks: As part of OTA's commitment to staff wellbeing, our employees get half a day (4 hours) off each calendar year for health checks ranging anywhere from a dental appointment to a mammogram or even just a regular check-up - no sick leave required! ​​​​​​

• Birthday Leave: Celebrate your Birthday with an additional day off.

• Working From Anywhere Policy: Our new initiative could see you working interstate or internationally for up to 4 weeks a year.

• Professional Development & Networking Opportunities: Professional development at OTA is about equipping staff with the skills, knowledge, and tools they need to do their job effectively and grow in their role – this can include access to courses, webinars, conferences, workshops and networking events; in line with their annual goals and career development planning.

 

Specific skills/qualifications needed

• A tertiary qualification in public policy, arts, law or a related field.

• 3–5+ years’ experience in a similar policy or advocacy role, ideally in health or a related sector.

• Proven ability to analyse complex policy environments, identify risks and opportunities, and develop clear, evidence-based recommendations.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of producing high-quality submissions, briefs and policy documents.

• Strong relationship-building, negotiation and influencing skills, including experience working with government and external stakeholders.

• A collaborative, proactive mindset and commitment to continuous improvement and member-focused service.  

If you would like to join our team and be a part of our growing success story, then please click on the apply link and send your cover letter and resume in WORD or PDF format. Alternatively, if you wish to have a confidential discussion or to receive a copy of the Job Description, please contact HR on hr@otaus.com.au.

OTA as an Equal Opportunity Employer is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.

We encourage applications from all backgrounds, ages, and gender, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, those who identify as LGBTIQ+, and people with a disability.

OTA is not accepting inquiries from recruitment agencies for this position.

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