Occupational Therapist at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral, Manawatu / Whanganui

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Occupational Therapist, STAR 2

Palmerston North Hospital

Permanent Fulltime

Are you a passionate NZ Registered Occupational Therapist ready to make a meaningful impact in rehabilitation care? Join our dynamic STAR 2 team at Palmerston North Hospital and be part of a supportive, multidisciplinary environment where your skills and compassion truly matter.

Benefits

• An encouraging learning environment where you will continue to grow and be challenged
• A professional and supportive culture and team setting
• Fulfilling and challenging work with great lifestyle options
• Tailored wellness programmes

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

This role is ideal for an Occupational Therapist with experience in inpatient assessment, treatment and rehabilitation (ATR) services. You'll work with adults (18+) facing disability or age-related challenges, helping restore their functional abilities and independence through coordinated multidisciplinary care.

Bonus if you're accredited in:

 wheelchair, postural management and basic housing modifications.

About the Team/Service

 Based in the STAR (Treatment, Assessment & Rehabilitation) unit, Palmerston North Hospital. Our Occupational Therapy team plays a vital role in helping patients regain independence and quality of life after illness, injury, or surgery. We focus on holistic, patient-centred care, safe discharge planning and meaningful engagement in daily life.

Employing over 2500 people, MidCentral offers a supportive work environment that accepts and values all employees.  We actively seek Māori kaimahi into our workforce and provide an environment which delivers our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

MidCentral region offers an excellent lifestyle for families with scenic spots for hiking and mountain-biking, great schools and tertiary institutions.  With the mountains, city and sea at your doorstep, you'll get to taste the best of both worlds – the perfect blend of rural and city living.

About the Location

Manawatū offers the perfect blend of city convenience and rural charm. Whether you're drawn to peaceful village life, vibrant townships, or the buzz of the city, you'll find your ideal lifestyle here. It's a family-friendly region that's easy to live in and even easier to love. The region is also home to excellent schools and two tertiary institutions: Massey University and the International Pacific College.

Outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled for choice—beaches, ski fields, lakes, and mountains are all within reach, along with fantastic hiking and mountain biking tracks. With no traffic and a short commute to work, achieving true work-life balance is the everyday reality.

Our central location makes it easy to explore the rest of New Zealand, whether you're heading off on a road trip or catching a short flight.

For more information on living and working in the Manawatu click here

About you

We are looking for an occupational therapist who:

• Is enthusiastic, energetic, resilient, with a ‘can do' attitude

• Has experience and the ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team

• Ability to adapt and flex to trial new ways of working
• Strong desire to help clients and whānau achieve their goals
• Effective written, oral and interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate with people from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures.
• Strong organisational and time management skills

• New Zealand registered Occupational Therapist, with a current practicing certificate

• Holds Enable NZ Accredited Assessor status, Service Accredited or eligible to become accredited with appropriate training
• A full, current, driver's licence is essential
• Holds relevant residency status to work in New Zealand
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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 the advertised date. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Tara Penketh, Allied Health Recruitment Advisor (Email: Tara.Penketh@tewhatuora.govt.nz)

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.