Occupational Therapist

• Occupational Therapist- Engage Community Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldier’s Hospital
• Fixed Term / Part time, 48 hours per fortnight (0.6 FTE)
• Be part of a service that values innovation, continuous improvement, equity and high‑quality care

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

We are seeking a highly motivated Occupational Therapist to join the engAGE Community Allied Health Service based at the Napier Health Centre for a fixed term position of 11 months. We welcome experienced applicants into this role who have a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, a current New Zealand Occupational Therapy Annual Practicing Certificate, Enable New Zealand Accreditation, Personal care and household management, band 1 and 2 and a full NZ Driver Licence Enable New Zealand Housing (basic) and Wheeled Mobility and Postural Management accreditation would be highly desirable.

You will provide safe, effective and culturally responsive assessment, intervention and rehabilitation for patients, clients and tangata whaiora with a wide range of conditions, including those with increasingly complex needs.

You will carry your own caseload, undertake comprehensive assessments, develop individualised treatment plans, and work in partnership with patients and their whānau to achieve meaningful goals. You will also collaborate closely with inter‑professional and multidisciplinary teams, contribute to discharge planning, complete risk assessments and provide coaching, education and guidance to support ongoing recovery and independence.

The role includes opportunities to contribute to service improvement, professional development, clinical teaching and quality initiatives across the Allied Health Therapies service.

Please click here to view the position description

About the Team/Service/ Location

You’ll be part of the engAGE Community Allied Health Service, working alongside a dedicated team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, speech‑language therapists, allied health assistants, and professional leaders.

The service supports people living in the community, including older adults, people recovering from illness, and those with long‑term conditions. You’ll also work closely with Geriatricians, CNS Stroke, Radiology, Māori Health Services, and a wide network of community agencies, PHOs, general practice teams and Enable NZ providers.

The team is collaborative, supportive and committed to providing high‑quality, equitable and whānau‑centred care guided by Te Mauri o Rongo and Pae Ora principles

For more information on living and working in Hawke’s Bay click HERE

About you

You are a highly motivated and experienced occupational therapy clinician with a proven work history. You must have good time management skills, be an effective communicator both written and verbal, be an adaptable, reflective clinician with good clinical reasoning skills, and a genuine passion for improving health outcomes in the community.

You will have:

• A New Zealand recognised Occupational Therapy degree (Bachelor/Masters)
• Current New Zealand Annual Practising Certificate
• Enable New Zealand Accreditation, Personal care and household management, band 1 and 2
• Strong assessment, planning and intervention skills
• Ability to motivate and support others
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and confidence using digital systems
• A full NZ driver’s licence
• Excellent time‑management, prioritisation and organisational skills
• Ability to move and transport essential occupational therapy equipment
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within IPP/MDT settings
• A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity and culturally safe practice

Desired:

• Enable New Zealand Housing (basic) and Wheeled Mobility and Postural Management accreditation
• Membership of Occupational Therapy NZ
• Community‑based experience
• Advanced competencies in specific rehabilitation practices
• Understanding of local tikanga and ability to engage respectfully with Māori clients and whānau

Working at 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 diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal by 4th September 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Christine.Lloyd@hbdhb.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.