Plena Healthcare Graduate Programs

Who are We?

Welcome to Plena Healthcare – we deliver high-quality and personalised mobile healthcare to Australians within aged care facilities, community and disability settings.

Our name ‘Plena’ reflects our ethos – it comes from Latin and means ‘holistic’ – and this drives everything we do.

We are also committed to our values, with a total commitment to CARE: Care | Accountability | Respect | Excellence. It drives who we are, what we do and how we do it.

At Plena Healthcare, we offer more than allied health services – we offer care, connection and community. Our passion for what we do enables us to create strong relationships with residents, staff and families, so we can provide optimal healthcare for all ages and life stages.

With a national footprint, location is no barrier and our commitment to care is unwavering. Our team of  1100+ employees service over 1,000 aged care facilities across all of Australia and over 10,000 clients in residential aged care and community care settings.

Our services include:

• Physiotherapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Podiatry
• Speech pathology
• Dietetic services
• Nursing Consultancy

At Plena Healthcare, we offer a dedicated point of contact so we can centralise all mobile health needs. It’s a more integrated approach that not only provides holistic healthcare, but a more cost-effective solution for you.

At Plena Healthcare, our proven operating model attracts professionals at the top of their game. Our people are passionate, strive to make a difference, and always go beyond. They love what they do, and who they do it with.

History

Formerly Zenitas Healthcare, collectively we have been around for more than twenty years as a number of trusted and well-established brands. You may have known us previously as Xtra AgedCare, Transform Physio, Dimple, Loqui Speech Pathology, Leading Nutrition Dietetics or Allied Care Group Nursing Consultancy.

True Leadership

Our Leadership Team are experts in their field and maintain an active role in our operations through supportive leadership and a passionate approach as we all deliver a high quality allied health service.

We Love Graduates

Finished your degree and ready to launch your brilliant allied health career? 

At Plena Healthcare we offer our Graduates the opportunity to learn from experienced mentors. If you’ve got the right stuff to be a superstar Plena Healthcare practitioner, be sure to get in touch.

If you’re passionate about making a tangible difference in people’s lives, are aligned with our values, and would like to work in an innovative organisation that values and rewards its people, we’d love to hear from you.

Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy

We love Graduates and we are always keen to hear from you. With a focus on Graduates in Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, you will get the opportunity to join a growing team as you work within residential aged care and community settings. 

Graduate Community

Joining a large Graduate Community, we offer a structured Graduate Program and long term career opportunities that will offer you a fulfilling career path. Mentored by those around you within our CARE culture, we truly live and breathe our values.

Working alongside a multidisciplinary team, we will invest in your development to assist you provide comprehensive assessments, deliver treatments, facilitate exercise classes, present manual handling training, plus much more.

With variety in your work, tailored learning support and regular feedback from those around you, we want to see you grow as you truly make a difference in people’s lives as part of a rapidly growing organisation.

The Graduate Experience

As a Graduate Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist, you can expect to work alongside a passionate team of allied health professionals in residential aged care facilities or community settings throughout Australia as you provide high quality allied health services.

True Variety

No two days are the same as you enjoy variety from day one. A typical day could involve anything from mobility/functional assessments or establishing rehabilitation programs, through to home modifications or running exercise classes.

Providing an outstanding allied health service, your passion can go to the next level; laughter therapy, relaxation groups or beauty therapy are just some of the innovative treatment methods developed by your fellow team members at Plena Healthcare.

The work environment can be extremely rewarding as you impact the lives’ of those around you.

“Working with other allied health professionals allows me to develop my skills and it is refreshing to work with a team that has one purpose and goal for our residents”.

“The opportunity to travel to other sites, work under senior Therapists and as part of a wider team in developing care skills has been amazing”. 

Graduate Program Overview

As a Plena Healthcare Graduate, you can expect a structured Graduate Program, which generally commences in either December or January. We can also accommodate an earlier commencement subject to your availability. Our industry leading Graduate Program provides you with a formal 12-month Program where you will be supported by senior leaders, your peers and all the resources to succeed.

The 12-month Program provides you with structured Courses to complete with your peers throughout the year, helping to drive your ongoing personal and professional development. Developed by leading clinicians with a depth of professional experience in this space, our Graduate Program ensures you are not thrown into the deep end as you enjoy the support of the wider team along the way.

Group Induction

Our intensive Group Induction will prepare you for your exciting new career as you join other Graduates for the start of your journey. The Group Induction aims to provide you with the best possible onboarding experience and overall introduction to Plena Healthcare as we provide you with all the key foundations for your success.

Professional Development

The Graduate Program is a structured learning approach for your first 12 months. We have implemented a brand new world leading Learning Management System where there is a great mix of clinical training and also options to focus on both behavioural and softer skills. You can also choose to create your own learning pathways on top of the actual program which has been developed, taking advantage of your choice of internal and external training opportunities.

Plena Buddy Program

Backed up by our Plena Buddy Program, you have access to senior leadership, your direct Manager and your peers. There is always someone to talk to, time out to ask questions and structured sessions to provide ongoing feedback, support for your CPD requirements and a genuine focus on your wellbeing as you develop your skills as an allied health professional.

Graduate Feedback

“I was supported by a senior Manager and have been encouraged to develop. I don't think I would have had the same experience if I didn't join through the Graduate Program. It's there to nurture and support you”.

“As part of our Buddy Program, my mentors are always open to providing me with constructive feedback to encourage us to step out of our comfort zones to learn as much as we can. These experiences have really opened my eyes to how an Occupational Therapist can work in different sectors”.

Graduate Recruitment Process

We keep our recruitment process simple. Once we receive your expression of interest, you can expect to hear from our Recruitment Team who will be keen to understand more about your background but also allow you the opportunity to ask as many questions as you want. We can also offer an initial discussion via ZOOM or MS Teams!

We want to set you up for success and will prepare you for interview prior to meeting relevant team members within Plena Healthcare. After an Interview with the team, you will complete a few standard pre-employment checks, a formal offer and then onboarding support prior to your commencement. 

Candidate Requirements

We typically require the following from Graduate applicants including;

• Degree in either Occupational Therapy / Physiotherapy
• Eligible for AHPRA Registration
• Current drivers licence and access to reliable transport
• Australian working rights
• National police check

We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, ages and gender as well as people who identify as First Peoples, LGBTIQ+ and people with a disability.

Rebecca O’Brien

Hi my name is Rebecca, but everyone calls me Bec. 

I graduated from the University of Canberra in 2019 with a Master of Occupational Therapy and also hold a Undergraduate Degree in Public Health. As a Graduate Occupational Therapist with Plena Healthcare I really enjoy working with my residents, my team and the wider team. I have worked with residents with a variety of health complexities and the Plena Healthcare Graduate Program has allowed me to develop my skills in functional assessments, mobility assessments, manual handling and pressure care. 

The Graduate Program has given access to senior management, provided mentoring through our Buddy Program and allowed me the time to develop skills and to grow my confidence through a structured program. I have been supported by a senior Manager and have been encouraged to develop. 

I enjoy the team environment, questions are always possible and there is always someone there to give you an answer or advice. Working with other allied health professionals allows me to develop my skills and getting constructive feedback has been helpful in my development. I have also been given many professional opportunities ranging from home visits, the opportunity to travel to other sites, the ability to work under senior Therapists and as part of a wider team in developing care skills. 

We also take part in a fortnightly Graduate Catch-Up Topic, monthly CPD and a Journal Club to help with your CPD hours for professional registration and other online learning options.

My advice to future Graduates would be to follow your desire to work in aged care. It’s challenging, but by giving the residents the time to get to know and trust you, they will allow you to help support their goals. Big things are going to happen in aged care, and to achieve it, we need a workforce who has the common goal! 

Marco Leung

Hi, my name is Marco. I graduated from Bond University with a Master of Occupational Therapy. My role as a Graduate Occupational Therapist with Plena Healthcare sees me providing client-centred intervention to our clients and using my skills to achieve positive health outcomes. 

I have achieved many of my goals and been exposed to so many opportunities while participating in the Plena Healthcare Graduate Program. This has included projects with varied allied health professionals, working as part of a wider multi-disciplinary team and receiving an overwhelming level of support and assistance to enrich my clinical skills.

As part of our Buddy Program, my mentors are always open to providing me with constructive feedback and encourage us to step out of our comfort zones to learn as much as we can. These experiences have really opened my eyes to how an Occupational Therapist can work in different sectors. I have developed a range of skills that I am really enjoying, ranging from exercise programs and the development of strategies to assist our clients in managing dementia conditions.

My advice to a future a Graduate would be to learn and try new things!

Sylvia Tsui

Hi, my name is Sylvia. I graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. I really enjoy working with Plena Healthcare and always wanted to be a community focused Physiotherapist. My role allows me the opportunity to help the elderly, spend quality time with them and help to change their lifestyle in the long term. 

I really value my role more and feel a sense of happiness in my job. Every case is unique, and every client is unique. I have been exposed to a large variety of clients and developed my knowledge and skills in areas of cardio-pulmonary, musculoskeletal and rheumatology. As I develop deeper relationships with clients, I feel motivated to do self-study and improve my communication skills as too. Also, as a previous International Student, I find myself at an advantage in communicating with certain clients where English is their second language. I couldn’t believe how much I have been utilising these skills in the workplace.

Plena Healthcare has supported me through their Buddy Program, where I receive ongoing Team Leader support along the way. The organisation also provides professional development training on a regular basis which has helped all new Graduates in the Program. 

My advice to future Graduates would be to think clearly of what you want and don’t be afraid to have open conversations with those around you. Ultimately, Graduates who are passionate, open minded, happy and caring are the most valuable. Don’t hesitate and come forward to join us at Plena Healthcare for your dream job!

Plena Healthcare, is a people-based organisation. That means that we rely on our people to deliver outstanding services and we work alongside likeminded people to deliver on our CARE Values.

Our CARE Values are:

CARE: Care | Accountability | Respect | Excellence. It drives who we are, what we do and how we do it.

We offer a range of supportive, rewarding and unique employee benefits.

Plena Health Kick

A six monthly allowance to help you stay healthy. 

We know that life can be hectic, and it can be hard to make healthy life choices. Small steps can make a difference, so we want to do a little bit to help create a healthier lifestyle and healthier you. As part of the Plena Healthcare team, you can benefit from our Plena Health Kick. 

It’s simple – you choose your fitness or health goal and we stump up some cash to help you get there. It’s a program that allows you to choose the type of activity (gym, yoga, dance lessons, meditation class etc) that will give your health the positive kick it deserves. It’s a little way we are living the values and showing we CARE.

Dip into the treasure chest to lighten up the day of someone else and share with the wider team. We believe generosity and kindness is contagious, and we want to facilitate seeing this spirit spread throughout the communities we work in. This is a way to show we CARE and reflects the values of our organisation.

Plena Treasure Chest

A dedicated fund to help you brighten the day of your customers and clients.

We want everyone to have the power to make a real difference to the happiness and wellbeing of our customers and clients, whether they be in the residential, community or disability settings.

Relocation Support and Retention Bonus

We’re committed to our employees and delivering services to our clients no matter the location.  We recognise and value your work and as part of this would like to support our people. Through providing such support, we aim to make available roles more attractive to staff in different locations and from time to time.

Employee Referral Program

We take great pride in attracting and hiring exceptional people. We believe our people are the key to our success, and we foster a supportive, friendly, and creative working environment. As we continue to grow our business, we are constantly in search of talented individuals to join our team. Good people know good people and YOU are the best advocate for our business.

We are seeking talented people that possess the competencies and values that align with ours. They might be your friend, from your social or professional network. If you know someone who you believe would be an exceptional addition to our team, we want to know them too! 

CARE Hero

A peer nominated award where our CARE Hero’s are revealed. We want you to be heard, seen and recognised and award $250 per quarter to our winners.

Employee Assistance Program

Enjoy the support of a dedicated Employee Assistance Program.