Community Occupational Therapy and Allied Health Assistant Clinical Lead

• Live and work in Whakatāne – a close community with a stunning coastline and heart
• Full-time position – 1 FTE, working Monday to Friday
• Perfect for an experienced Occupational Therapist ready to grow their leadership capability while remaining hands-on clinically

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

This permanent Clinical Lead opportunity combines hands-on clinical practice with leadership across the Community Occupational Therapy and Allied Health Assistant team across the Eastern Bay of Plenty. You will carry a clinical caseload while providing day-to-day coordination, staff support, and clinical leadership, alongside contributing to evidence-based practice, workforce development, quality improvement, and service enhancement initiatives. Working closely with the Professional Leader, you will help foster a collaborative team culture focused on delivering high-quality rehabilitation and community-centred care, with ongoing leadership support and professional development provided.

About the Team/Service/Location

The Community Occupational Therapy team works across the Eastern Bay delivering rehabilitation and support services that help people maintain independence, safety, and quality of life within their homes and communities. Known for its collaborative and supportive culture, the team is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care while achieving equitable outcomes for Māori and the wider community. Based in Whakatāne, this role offers the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed coastal lifestyle surrounded by award-winning beaches, freshwater lakes, bush walks, and a strong sense of community.

Click here to learn more about the Bay of Plenty

About You

You are an experienced Occupational Therapist with strong clinical judgement and a genuine passion for supporting both patients and colleagues. You enjoy helping teams grow, contributing to service improvement, and balancing leadership responsibilities alongside clinical practice. With excellent organisational and communication skills, you are able to prioritise effectively, work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment, and remain committed to achieving equitable health outcomes for Māori and the communities you support.

What you will bring:

• Current registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand and Annual Practicing Certificate
• A minimum of five years of Occupational Therapy experience
• Experience in adult teaching, coaching, or supporting staff development
• Strong organisational, time management, and clinical prioritisation skills
• Knowledge of quality improvement principles and service development processes
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary community team

To view the Position Description please click here

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply for the role please click “apply now.”  All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59pm on 20 November 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact bp-Careers@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Please note, we will be reviewing applications when received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.