Occupational Therapist - Central Hawkes Bay

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldier’s Hospital, Occupational Therapist – Central Hawke’s Bay
• Permanent, 48-64 hours per fortnight (0.6- 0.8 FTE)
• Rewarding Career – Be part of a team that saves lives and improves health outcomes daily.

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

Are you seeking a change of pace and a better work-life balance away from the hustle of the big city? Central Hawke’s Bay offers the best of small-town living, with access to beautiful beaches, scenic walking and cycling tracks, affordable living, and a vibrant, close-knit community.

The Community Allied Health Team in Central Hawke’s Bay is on the lookout for a Community Occupational Therapist who is passionate about supporting a diverse and dynamic community. This role offers an exciting opportunity to manage a community-based caseload and work with a small inpatient ward, all within a supportive rural healthcare team.

About the Team/Service/ Location

The role is based in Central Hawke’s Bay, a region celebrated for its natural beauty, welcoming community, and relaxed pace of life. Whether you enjoy exploring unspoiled beaches, hiking or biking along scenic trails, or participating in the region’s vibrant community events, there’s something here for everyone.

Our team works collaboratively, supporting one another in a positive, values-driven environment. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality care, while fostering opportunities for professional growth and learning.

By joining us, you’ll have the chance to make a tangible difference in a community that values its healthcare professionals, all while enjoying the work-life balance that Central Hawke’s Bay has to offer.

Check out our Occupational Therapy Recruitment video to get a better feel for working at Te Whatu Ora, Te Matau a Maui, Hawke’s Bay. 

Hawke’s Bay offers excellent work-life balance, sun, beaches, exceptional outdoor adventures, great schools, mountains and skiing close by, wonderful food and stunning wineries, vibrant cities and plenty more to boast about. For more information on living and working in Hawke’s Bay click HERE

About you

You are a New Zealand registered Occupational Therapist with relevant experience who thrives both autonomously and in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. Your excellent clinical and problem-solving skills, combined with effective communication, enable you to work seamlessly with clients, whānau, health professionals, and external agencies.

You bring expertise in:

• Assessing for and prescribing complex adaptive equipment and environmental adaptations.
• Assessing and providing wheelchairs and seating solutions.
• Knowledge of current funding and eligibility criteria for equipment and housing modifications

Essential qualifications and experience:

• Enable EMS accreditation for Occupational Therapy in personal care and household management and basic housing modifications
• Preferred: Enable EMS Accreditation in-complex housing modifications and Level 1 wheeled mobility and postural management – or commitment to working towards these areas of accreditation
• Current New Zealand Annual Practicing Certificate.
• 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.
• 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.

This role offers variety and the chance to expand not only your occupational therapy skills but also those that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries, embracing an interprofessional approach to healthcare delivery.

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 review the position profile, click HERE To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Susan Hawken via email on Susan.Hawken@hbdhb.govt.nz

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