Community Occupational Therapist (Nelson)

Community Occupational Therapist, Nelson Hospital, Permanent Full-time

• Are you passionate about making a difference in the community?
• Bring your strong clinical skills to our dynamic multi-disciplinary team.
• Permanent, full time position (80 hrs/fortnight) in sunny Nelson

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 looking for an Occupational Therapist with a strong interest in working in the community (direct experience preferred). In addition, experience working in a rehab setting will be highly desirable.

As a Community Occupational Therapist, you will bring the following:

• Strong clinical reasoning skills and use of evidence informed practice.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within the inter-disciplinary team.
• Strong prioritisation skills and experience with complex discharge planning.
• Complex Housing and Level 1 Wheelchair Enable accreditation are welcome, but not essential.  

This is a permanent, full-time role working 80 hours per week (1.0 FTE), Monday to Friday.

Please view the position description for further information.

About the Team/Service/ Location

We are a proactive team of Occupational Therapists providing the highest standard of care for our clients. We pride ourselves on being friendly and supportive, and work in a busy multi-disciplinary environment focusing on promoting, encouraging, and enabling the health, well-being and independence of the people in our community. 

For more information on living and working in Nelson click here

About you

As a Community Occupational Therapist, you will:

• Be a NZ registered Occupational Therapist with a current practising certificate;
• Have a current full driver's license;
• Have excellent communication skills and ability to influence and motivate others;
• Be a supportive team member who is enthusiastic and innovative. 
• Bring effective time management and organisational skills. 
• Provide clinical oversight and appropriate delegation to kaiāwhina. 
• Supervise and train Occupational Therapy students; providing mentoring and support when necessary. 

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 26 June 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact

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

Diane Scott (Team Leader Community Allied Health Services) at diane.scott@nmdhb.govt.nz .

Job ref: R1N26-152

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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