Help Children Heal, Recover and Thrive

Are you a passionate Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Children's Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapist looking to make a lasting difference in the lives of children impacted by family and domestic violence?

Join Ruah's Karlup Service, a specialist family and domestic violence service supporting women and children to heal, recover and thrive. Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will provide therapeutic assessment, intervention and capacity-building support to children, primarily aged 6–11 years, helping strengthen emotional regulation, sensory processing, developmental functioning, participation in everyday activities and overall wellbeing.

This is an excellent opportunity for an Occupational Therapist with experience in paediatric occupational therapy, child development, sensory integration, trauma-informed practice, emotional regulation, therapeutic intervention, family-centred practice and child wellbeing. Experience supporting children impacted by family and domestic violence, trauma, neurodevelopmental presentations, adverse childhood experiences or complex psychosocial needs will be highly regarded.

Why Join Ruah?

At Ruah, you'll be part of a purpose-driven organisation delivering meaningful outcomes for women and children across Western Australia.

Benefits Include

• 5 weeks' annual leave plus 17.5% annual leave loading
• 16 weeks' paid parental leave, with the flexibility to access up to 32 weeks at half pay
• Access to 4 weeks' paid parental leave after just 6 months' service
• Free, independent and confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family
• Ruah-paid Journey Cover insurance for travel to and from work
• Generous salary packaging benefits:
• 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 participate in working groups, Pride events, reconciliation initiatives, cultural celebrations and other staff-led activities
• A values-driven workplace committed to diversity, inclusion and social impact

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.

Based at The Angela Wright Bennett Centre, Ruah’s purpose-built Women's and Children's Centre, you will work alongside therapeutic practitioners, Koorta Guides (case managers), educators, health professionals and community partners in a multidisciplinary, trauma-informed and child-centred environment. The service focuses on helping children rebuild safety, confidence, resilience and participation in everyday life.

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

What We're Looking For

We're looking for an experienced and compassionate Occupational Therapist who is confident supporting children and families impacted by trauma and adversity.

Essential

• Tertiary qualification in Occupational Therapy recognised by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia
• Current AHPRA registration as an Occupational Therapist
• Experience working with children, preferably within middle childhood (6–11 years)
• Strong understanding of child development, sensory processing, emotional regulation and family functioning
• Experience delivering trauma-informed, strengths-based and family-centred interventions
• Knowledge and understanding of the impacts of family and domestic violence on children and families
• Strong stakeholder engagement, collaboration and communication skills
• Ability to maintain high-quality documentation and meet reporting requirements
• Commitment to culturally safe, inclusive and child-centred practice
• Understanding of diversity and social inclusion, including Aboriginal culture and communities

Desirable

• Experience working with children and families impacted by family and domestic violence, trauma or complex psychosocial environments
• Experience delivering therapeutic group programs for children
• Experience supporting neurodevelopmental presentations, including sensory processing, emotional regulation and behavioural support
• Experience working within child and family services, community health or recovery-focused services
• Experience providing parent or caregiver coaching and therapeutic support
• Knowledge of child protection frameworks and collaborative interagency practice

Required Compliance Documents

• Current AHPRA Registration
• Current Driver's 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 together with a cover letter of no more than two pages outlining your suitability for the role.

Applications close: 31 July 2026

Please note that this advertisement may close prior to the advertised closing date.

For further information, please contact Leanne Rendell, General Manager - Karlup & Integrated Services at leanne.rendell@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.