Hand Therapist - Early Career Fellowship Opportunity

Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist | Full-time, Fixed-Term

Calling all Hand Therapists (and aspiring Hand Therapists)!

We are partnering with a leading regional public health service and the Australian Hand Therapy Association (AHTA) to offer an Early Career Fellowship in Hand Therapy, alongside a full-time, fixed-term Hand Therapist position.

This unique opportunity provides a structured and supported pathway for Grade 2 or early Grade 3 Physiotherapists or Occupational Therapists who are keen to develop specialist skills in hand therapy while working in a clinical role.

About the Fellowship

The 52-week Early Career Fellowship in Hand Therapy is designed to accelerate your development through structured learning, mentoring, and hands-on clinical experience.

The fellowship includes:

• A structured 12-month training program for Physiotherapists or Occupational Therapists entering hand therapy

• Access to formal clinical learning modules to build specialist knowledge

• Interactive learning through weekly tutorials and tasks, fortnightly case studies, and small cohort group support

• 1:1 remote mentoring from an Accredited Hand Therapist, complementing hands-on clinical learning

• Face-to-face induction at the commencement of the fellowship

• One-year Associate Membership with the Australian Hand Therapy Association (AHTA)

Eligibility Criteria

This opportunity is suited to clinicians who:

• Are Grade 2 or Grade 3 Physiotherapists or Occupational Therapists

• Ideally have 5 or more years of clinical experience

• Have demonstrated interest and foundational knowledge in hand therapy

• Hold current AHPRA registration

• Are able to commit to the learning, clinical workload, and mentoring requirements of the fellowship

Position Commencement

• Early 2026

About the Role

An exciting opportunity exists for an enthusiastic and team-focused Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist to join a well-established regional health service in a full-time, fixed-term Hand Therapist role (parental leave cover through to December 2026).

You will contribute to the ongoing development and delivery of high-quality hand therapy services, providing person-centred, evidence-based care. The role is predominantly based in outpatient clinics, with occasional involvement in inpatient settings (including Emergency Department support) as required.

The service receives referrals from internal inpatient and outpatient programs, as well as metropolitan hospitals for post-operative hand therapy management.

Key Responsibilities

• Triage, assess, and treat patients referred to the Hand Therapy Clinic

• Deliver and contribute to the development of evidence-based hand therapy services

• Support service evaluation, quality improvement, and clinical governance

• Contribute to operational effectiveness, guidelines, and competencies

• Provide supervision and support to junior physiotherapy and occupational therapy staff involved in hand therapy interventions

You will work collaboratively within the Allied Health team and alongside senior medical staff, including Orthopaedics, to ensure high-quality, coordinated patient care.

About You

You are a motivated clinician who brings:

• Strong clinical experience and knowledge in evidence-based hand therapy practice

• A contemporary, person-centred approach to care with a focus on safe practice and optimal outcomes

• Experience in clinical supervision, mentoring, and coaching of junior staff or students

• Demonstrated ability to implement and evaluate evidence-based practice

• Experience monitoring clinical outcomes and service delivery KPIs

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage complex clinical situations

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise across multidisciplinary teams

Grade 2 applicants with suitable experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Desirable (but not essential)

• Minimum 5 years' clinical experience in relevant healthcare settings

• Postgraduate study in Hand Therapy Practice (completed or in progress)

• Membership of professional associations (AHTA, OTA, APA)

• Involvement in clinical research activities

• Proficiency in a language other than English

What's on Offer

• A supported entry into a specialist area of practice

• Strong clinical supervision and mentoring from senior clinicians

• Paid professional development leave and financial support for education

• Regular in-services, education sessions, and case reviews

• A welcoming, collaborative team environment

• Opportunities to build long-term professional networks and friendships

Relocation & Lifestyle Support

Relocation assistance may be available for eligible candidates, including:

• Financial relocation incentives (intrastate, interstate, or overseas - subject to right to work in Australia)

• Short-term accommodation assistance

• Access to a complimentary 1:1 relocation concierge service to support all aspects of your move

This role is based within a vibrant regional community, offering an excellent lifestyle, affordable living, and strong community connections.

Important Information

• Applicants must hold current AHPRA registration and relevant tertiary qualifications

Interested?

Apply via our agency to learn more about this exciting fellowship-supported opportunity in hand therapy.

CLick APPLY NOW or call Ryan from the Recruitment Team on 0413515257.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At Drake, we are committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and equity. While our journey is ongoing, our shared goal is to create an environment where every individual is respected and valued. We are a community that recognises the strength of diversity.

Right to Work

The above position is open only to applicants who have a current right to work in Australia. Applicants who do not have a current right to work In Australia will unfortunately not be considered and are respectfully asked not to apply.