Senior Occupational Therapist (Emergency Department)

Senior Occupational Therapist, Nelson Hospital, Permanent Part-time

This role is for a senior therapist in the Emergency Department team at Nelson Hospital. You will work alongside other skilled allied health professionals, nursing and medical teams who you will share your experience with.

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 a Senior Occupational Therapist in the Emergency Department you will help patients maximise their functional independence and provide Occupational Therapy assessment and rehabilitation services, refer onto community services and provide necessary equipment to support patients through their healthcare journey.

This role is based in Nelson Hospital and is a part-time permanent role, working 56 hours per fortnight (0.7 FTE).

This role could be job shared and will require at least one weekend shift as this role will be supporting a 7-day service in ED. Hours and days will need to be discussed further with the Team Leader. 

About the Team/Service/ Location

Our team of 10 inpatient Occupational Therapists and 6 Occupational Therapy Allied Health Assistants provide the highest standard of care for our patients. We pride ourselves on being friendly and supportive, and work in a busy inter-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 Senior Occupational Therapist, you will:

• Have a least 5 years clinical experience in an inpatient setting in the management of patients with a range of conditions and ages especially in concussion, stroke, other neurological, orthopaedic conditions;
• Advanced interpersonal and communication skills;
• Have a commitment to biculturalism and to equitable outcomes for Maori;
• Be adaptable to change, resourceful and flexible to service needs;
• Have a genuine passion for working with patients on their health journey;
• Effective time management and organisational skills;
• Can work autonomously, collaboratively, and develop positive interpersonal relationships;
• Have a full clean drivers licence;
• Have NZ registration in Occupational Therapy, a current practising certificate and a range of generalist and life skills;
• Desirable skills include experience working in ED, Calderdale training, skill share model experience, Enable assessor training.

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 17 December 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact

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

Kirsten Mirfin  – Team Leader Occupational Therapy  at kirsten.mirfin@nmdhb.govt.nz  

Job ref: R1N25-273

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

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