Rehabilitation Advisor at NZ Defence Force, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As a Rehabilitation Advisor you would support and manage a caseload of veterans with a diverse range of service-related conditions, particularly those veterans who find themselves needing support regarding their mental or physical well-being.

The key responsibilities of this role include:

• Make funding decisions to ensure best practice rehabilitation is achieved using evidence based knowledge and clinical experience.
• Liaise with rehabilitation providers and treatment professionals around the world to ensure optimal outcomes for our veteran community.
• Working with veterans and their whanau to develop personalised rehabilitation programmes which include vocational rehabilitation to support return to work opportunities, the provision of equipment or house modifications to support independence within the home, transport solutions to improve access to the community and more!

Supporting veterans throughout their wellbeing journey and adapting programs as needed, helps them to build a successful and sustainable civilian life. Bringing a solutions focused, innovative approach to rehabilitation, working with providers to deliver culturally responsive care that supports veterans and their whanau at every opportunity, will be an important part of this position.

The role is based in the Reserve Bank Building, Wellington CBD. Once you have undergone training and are up to speed, there is the option of working from home up to two days a week.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

Along with at least 5 years' experience as an Allied Health Practitioner or Registered Nurse, preferably in the rehabilitation field, you will need to hold a current APC and be both committed to, and understand, the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in your day to day practise.

Ideally, you will also have:

• Experience working with community rehabilitation programs such as Te Whatu Ora, ACC or other private funders.
• Experience managing a caseload and working within a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience reviewing medical/rehabilitation reports and communicating this concisely to a mixed audience.
• Experience working with people experiencing mental health challenges and an understanding of the management of these conditions.

If you are the preferred candidate post interview, you will be required to provide certified copies of your medical qualifications and your current practicing/registration certificate.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Monday 18 May 2026.

Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

Please Note:

• All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.
• Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.

NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.

NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.

Please Note:

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:

Low Level Security Clearance

• You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
• At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last five (5) years.
• You must have a five (5) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.