Choosing Your First OT Role: What Every Graduate Should Consider
Graduating as an Occupational Therapist is an exciting milestone—one that marks the start of a meaningful and impactful career. If you’re passionate about working with people with disabilities under the NDIS, particularly in a community-based setting, you’re stepping into one of the most rewarding areas of our profession. But it’s also one that comes with unique challenges—especially for new grads.
Unlike clinic-based therapy, working in the community means you meet people where they live, learn, and thrive. It allows you to see the full picture of someone’s life and support them in achieving goals that are truly relevant and meaningful. It’s evidence-based and effective, and often leads to better outcomes. But it’s also complex, dynamic, and sometimes unpredictable—which can feel daunting when you’re fresh out of uni.
So how do you choose the right graduate role? One that not only supports your growth but also sets you up to love the work you do? Here are a few key things to look for when weighing up your options.
1. Structured and Consistent Supervision
Weekly one-on-one supervision (at least 1 hour per week) is not just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. Early in your career, regular time with an experienced supervisor helps you reflect, learn, and navigate the grey areas that textbooks don’t cover. Make sure the organisation has a clear structure in place to provide this consistently. Ask about it during your interview. You should never feel like you’re alone trying to figure it out as you go.
2. A Strong 90-Day Induction Program
The first 90 days in any role are critical—this is when your confidence and habits as a new OT are formed. A strong induction should span this period and include plenty of shadowing opportunities, chances to be shadowed, and access to peer support. It should also include a graded KPI structure, so you can build your caseload gradually while having time to plan, reflect, and grow. This type of support isn’t a bonus—it’s essential to set you up for success.
3. A Culture of Mentorship and Team Support
A strong team isn’t just about numbers—it’s about experience and collaboration. Look for a workplace where senior therapists are not only present but actively involved in mentoring grads. You want to be surrounded by people who love to share their knowledge and genuinely enjoy helping others grow.
A supportive team culture creates a safe space to ask questions, share wins (and mistakes), and continuously improve. When you’re in the community, it’s especially important to know that someone has your back when the unexpected happens (and it will!).
4. Efficient Systems and Processes
Let’s be honest: admin can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s critical to work for an organisation with streamlined systems that reduce the burden of documentation, scheduling, and communication. Efficient systems mean you can spend more time doing what you love—working with people—and less time chasing paperwork.
Ask about the tech they use, how notes are recorded, and whether you’ll be trained properly in these systems. Good infrastructure is a sign the organisation values your time and understands the realities of your day-to-day workload.
5. Individualised Learning and Development Plans
We all learn differently—so the best graduate programs are flexible, not one-size-fits-all. Look for an employer who tailors your professional development to suit you—whether that’s hands-on shadowing, structured workshops, peer learning, or case discussions. You should have the chance to grow your confidence at your own pace, while gradually taking on more responsibility.
And it shouldn’t stop after the first month. Ongoing CPD, clear progression pathways, and exposure to a variety of cases help you evolve into a well-rounded and confident clinician.
6. Opportunities for Real-World Impact
Working in the community gives you the opportunity to make therapy meaningful—because you’re working with the person, in their environment, on their terms. It’s powerful. You get to see how they engage in daily life and tailor your interventions to their actual needs and routines.
Yes, it’s unpredictable. Yes, your plan will often go out the window. But that’s what makes it real—and effective. If you’re ready to be flexible, creative, and truly client-centred, community-based OT will challenge and inspire you like nothing else.
In Summary
As you take your first steps into your career, don’t just look at the salary or job title. Look deeper. Choose a role where you’ll be nurtured, supported, and stretched in the right ways. Community OT is an incredibly fulfilling path, and with the right support structures in place, it’s one you can thrive in from day one.
Your first job shapes the therapist you’ll become—so choose one that believes in evidence-based care, invests in your growth, and empowers you to make a real difference.
About the author
Kristy is the visionary force behind KEO Care, serving as the Clinical Director and founder. With over 15 years of industry experience as a dedicated physiotherapist, Kristy’s journey led her across multiple settings, including hospitals and private practices, before finding her true calling in community and aged care.
At KEO Care, Kristy drives our commitment to clinical excellence, imparting invaluable leadership and guidance. Her passion for forging genuine connections extends beyond her team to encompass a profound understanding of individual goals, nurturing the full potential of her colleagues and ensuring the best outcomes for our participants.
Kristy is passionate about forging genuine connections with her team to wholly understand their goals, foster their full potential, and support them to achieve the best participant outcomes.
