Allied Health New Entrant Specialist Practice (Fixed Term)

Allied Health – New Entrant to Specialist Practice (NESP), Nelson/ Wairau Hospital, Fixed-Term, Full-time (12 months)

• Launch your career in Mental Health and Addictions through a well-established graduate programme designed specifically for newly qualified Occupational Therapists and Social Workers.
  
• Grow your skills with confidence through structured rotations, dedicated supervision, postgraduate study support, and a welcoming multidisciplinary team that is committed to your success.

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

As an Allied Health New Entrant to Specialist Practice (NESP), you will:

• Complete two six-month rotations across our Mental Health and Addictions services, which may include community, inpatient, infant, child and adolescent, or addictions teams.
• Receive comprehensive orientation, supervision, mentoring and professional support throughout the programme.
• Participate in a structured NESP programme alongside other new graduate Allied Health professionals and nurses.
• Be supported to complete the fully funded Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science (Mental Health and Addictions) through AUT, funded by Te Pou.
• Develop specialist knowledge and clinical skills while working alongside experienced multidisciplinary teams.

This is a fixed-term, full-time position for 12 months, working 80 hours per fortnight (1.0 FTE). Hours are generally Monday to Friday between 8.00AM and 4.30PM.

Please view the position description for further information.

About the Team/Service/ Location

Join a passionate and supportive team where you'll be encouraged to learn, contribute and grow. We value collaboration, celebrate success together, and are committed to helping early-career clinicians develop the confidence and skills needed for a rewarding career in Mental Health and Addictions.

For more information on living and working in Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman click here

About you

To be successful in this role, you will:

• Be a recently graduated or newly qualified Social Worker or Occupational Therapist or an experienced Social Worker or Occupational Therapist new to Mental Health/ Addictions
• Have a genuine interest in Mental Health and Addictions practice;
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Take a person-centred approach to supporting individuals, whānau and communities;
• Bring enthusiasm, resilience, initiative and a willingness to learn;
• Enjoy working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team;
• Have a positive attitude, good sense of humour and the ability to build effective professional relationships.

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in New Zealand or hold a valid NZ visa at the time of applying.

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 18 October 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact

Sonja Rae (Recruitment) at sonja.rae@tewhatuora.govt.nz  OR

Susan Murray (Manager iCAHMS) at susan.murray@tewhatuora.govt.nz .

Job ref: R1N26-286

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.

Position description Apply now

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