Occupational Therapist (Physical Health) at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Southern, Southland

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Southland Hospital
• 12-month fixed-term role from February 2026
• Shape recovery and independence in a collaborative rehab environment while enjoying the lifestyle Southland offers
• $77,087 - $107,600 per annum, aligned with the Allied, Public Health, Scientific & Technical Collective Agreement

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 an Occupational Therapist at Southland Hospital, you'll play a vital role in helping patients regain independence and achieve their rehabilitation goals.

This position is primarily based in the Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation (AT&R) ward, with flexibility to support other clinical areas as needed. You'll work closely with an interdisciplinary team to deliver assessments, interventions, and discharge planning that promote functional recovery and quality of life. You'll mostly be working with patients requiring rehabilitation from neurological, orthopaedic, and general medical conditions.

This is a Monday to Friday role with no weekend or on-call requirements.

View position description.

About the Team/Service/Location

Our close-knit Allied Health team offers strong peer support and links to Dunedin Hospital. We value collaboration, learning, and service improvement, and you'll have opportunities to participate in regular in-service training and interdisciplinary learning.

Southland offers short commutes, affordable housing, and easy access to Fiordland, Queenstown, and the Catlins for outdoor adventures.

For more information on living and working in Southland, click here.

About you

To succeed in this role, you will:

• hold (or be eligible for) a current Annual Practising Certificate with the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand
• demonstrate sound clinical reasoning and the ability to work independently
• be a strong team player with excellent communication and a proactive approach to healthcare and learning
• bring cultural competence and a commitment to patient-centred care.

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 Sunday, 14 December 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact James Boyd james.boyd@tewhatuora.govt.nz

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

We only accept online applications. Please apply via our website.