Clinical Therapist- Occupational Therapy at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Southern, Canterbury

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Occupational Therapy 

Timaru Hospital, South Canterbury

Fixed Term, Part Time 0.4 FTE until 28 July 2028 

 Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora 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

An exciting opportunity has become available for an experienced Occupational Therapist to step into a Clinical Coordinator role within our Occupational Therapy service at Timaru Hospital.

This fixed-term position provides clinical leadership and day-to-day coordination of Occupational Therapy services across South Canterbury. Working alongside the Operational Lead Allied Health and wider Allied Health leadership team, you will support the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care while helping to develop and strengthen Occupational Therapy services across inpatient and community settings.

The role combines clinical leadership, workforce coordination, service development, quality improvement, and mentorship responsibilities. You'll provide support and guidance to staff, contribute to service planning, facilitate professional development opportunities, and ensure the Occupational Therapy team continues to deliver safe, effective and equitable care.

About you

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand and a current Annual Practising Certificate.
• Extensive clinical Occupational Therapy experience.
• Demonstrated leadership capability and the ability to positively influence and support others.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary and inter-professional teams.
• Strong communication, relationship-building and facilitation skills.
• A passion for quality improvement, workforce development and excellent patient outcomes.
• A current full New Zealand Driver Licence.
• A commitment to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and improving health outcomes for Māori and all communities we serve.

 Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is ‘the weaving of wellness'. 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.

 Why South Canterbury?

Life in South Canterbury offers the perfect balance of career and lifestyle. Based in Timaru, you'll enjoy affordable living, easy access to mountains, lakes and beaches, a shorter commute, and a welcoming community, all while working within a supportive and collaborative health environment.

Salary Range

This role falls within the Allied Health Clinical Coordinator framework and will be appointed in accordance with the applicable Allied Health collective agreement and relevant experience.

How to Apply

Please apply for this vacancy online via the Health NZ Careers website.

If you have any questions regarding this role, please contact Becky Allen at becky.allen2@tewhatuora.govt.nz.

If you are interested, please apply as soon as possible as we may commence recruitment before the closing date once suitable applications are received.