Clinical Lead - Occupational Therapist Medical Services at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Lakes, Bay of Plenty

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Work where others holiday enjoy the beaches, bustling cafes, and vibrant coastal lifestyle in Tauranga
• Full time position 1.0 FTE
• Lead medical occupational therapy services across Tauranga and support equity across the district

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

Lead Medical Occupational Therapy services at Tauranga Hospital in a role that blends 80 percent clinical practice with 20 percent leadership. Maintain a clinical caseload across the Emergency Department, Admission Planning Unit, and Medical Wards while guiding a small team of Occupational Therapists and an Allied Health Assistant.

The role provides clinical supervision, strengthen advanced reasoning, and drive staff development through focused mentoring and education. Champion best practice and ensure safe, effective service delivery in a busy acute environment. Support equity of care across the district, including agreed clinical and mentoring support for Whakatāne Hospital.

About the Team/Service/Location

The dynamic Medical Occupational Therapy team works within a wider Allied Health structure that values collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Clinical Leads and Team Leads partner closely to strengthen transdisciplinary practice and maintain high quality patient-centred care across services. Tauranga Hospital offers the pace and complexity of a large secondary hospital alongside the lifestyle benefits of coastal living.

Click here to learn more about the Bay of Plenty

About You

You will be a confident, mid-career Occupational Therapist with strong acute clinical skills and the ability to guide others with clarity and integrity. Clinical leadership comes naturally, with a commitment to staff development, equity, and evidence-informed practice. Professional maturity, cultural awareness, and a collaborative mindset define your approach.

What you will bring:

• Current Occupational Therapy registration and Annual Practicing Certificate
• Significant experience in acute hospital settings, particularly medical services
• Proven experience providing supervision, mentoring, and clinical guidance
• Strong interpersonal skills and advanced clinical reasoning
• Commitment to bicultural practice and equitable service delivery
• Ability to work collaboratively across Tauranga and Whakatāne services

To view the Position Description please click here

Working for 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 Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply for the role please click apply now.  All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59pm on 10 June 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact bp-Careers@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Please note, we will be reviewing applications when received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.