Community Occupational Therapist, Permanent

• Nelson / Tasman community
• 0.5FTE (40 hours per fortnight)
• Permanent part-time

Health NZ is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we’re building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability, whānau-centred care, and excellence.

About the role

As an Occupational Therapist, you will play a key role in helping patients maximise their functional independence.

About the Team/Service/Location

Community Allied Health Services is seeking an enthusiastic, dedicated Occupational Therapist to join our Allied Health team based in Richmond, Nelson. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a dynamic multi-disciplinary service focused on improving patient outcomes and bring your strong clinical skills to our friendly and supportive multi-disciplinary team.

You will join a proactive team of Occupational Therapists providing the highest standard of care for our patients. We pride ourselves on being friendly and supportive, and you will be nurtured in your career through professional development opportunities.

We are looking for an Occupational Therapist with experience of and a strong interest in working with adults with physical needs. In addition, experience working in a rehab setting will be highly desirable.

About you:

Your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting thorough assessments to determine patients' needs and creating individualized treatment plans.
• Delivering therapy and interventions to improve patients' physical, cognitive, and psychosocial abilities.
• Educating patients and their families on strategies for enhancing daily living activities and promoting overall well-being.
• Collaborating with the healthcare team to ensure cohesive, comprehensive care.
• Keeping accurate records and tracking patients’ progress throughout their treatment journey.
• You will be adaptable to change, resourceful, and flexible to service needs.
• Complex Housing and Level 1 Wheelchair accreditation are welcome but not essential.

Skills and experience

To succeed in this role, apart from holding NZ registration in Occupational Therapy and a current practising certificate, you should

• Have a strong foundation in occupational therapy practices, a collaborative mindset, and a commitment to delivering compassionate, patient-centred care.
• Preferably have experience in a hospital or clinical setting.
• Be ability to work independently in a small team with a commitment to provide high standards of patient care.
• Have strong communication and teamwork skills
• Be competency with te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori or a commitment to starting your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth.
• Have experience in projects / initiatives which give effect to Te Tiriti principals and frameworks, and the application of Mātauranga Māori and Kaupapa Māori approaches, particularly as they apply in healthcare settings.

Working for Health New Zealand

Health NZ is ‘the weaving of wellnesses. We're dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. The Equity Work Programme at Health NZ focuses on helping everyone in the health system think about equity when they do their work. It also promotes the cultural change needed for the whole system to reach equity in health outcomes. 

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Health New Zealand are committed to being good employers and honouring our equal employment opportunity obligations. 

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion 

• We want to see the real you in your application and welcome the real you on board if you come and work with us. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just in formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the ad, but the experience was gained through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter. 
• We particularly welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. 

How to apply

To view the position description and/or apply for the role please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online career’s portal before 11:59pm on Friday 10 January 2025.

For general application enquiries please contact our recruitment team Athena.Nguyent@nmdhb.govt.nz

For role specific information please contact Diane Scott – Team Leader, Community Allied Health Services on Diane.Scott@nmdhb.govt.nz