Occupational Therapist - Child Development Service at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury, Christchurch

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Fixed term, part time parental leave cover position, 0.5FTE (20 hours per week)
• Dates of role are 24/08/2026 -24/08/2027
• Utilise your passion for improving the health outcomes of children within the Canterbury community
• Based at our Child Development Services Campus

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

The Child Development Service are a community based team of allied health professionals who are passionate about improving the outcomes of children with developmental delays or disabilities. We work collaboratively with whānau to support their goals and reach the child's potential; as well as alongside other services. Our team of Allied Health Professionals work with children in their homes, early childhood centres and at our own clinics in Christchurch Central City.

The role is based at Montreal house, Christchurch City and involves caring for our patients in the Canterbury community from Kaikoura to Rangitata, so travel is required. 

In this role, you will be responsible for:

• Undertaking assessments, completing appropriate interventions and providing advice or referring to other services
• Actively engaging the child and their family/whānau in all aspects of intervention
• Helping to facilitate service improvements and participating in quality improvement initiatives

About You

We are seeking an experienced paediatric OT to join us in this fixed term opportunity. To be successful in this role you will demonstrate: 

• The ability to be flexible and adaptable to manage a varying case load
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build and foster trusted relationships with clients, their family/whānau, and external service providers
• Current NZ Registration with the Occupational Therapy Board and current Annual Practicing Certificate
• Enable accreditation in Personal Care and household Management, Housing, and/or Wheeled Mobility and Postural Management; as well as experience within child development, paediatrics or disability services is advantageous
• Knowledge of te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori or a commitment to starting your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth
• As this is a community-based service where travel is required, a full NZ driver's license is essential

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 11:59pm on 11th June 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Alex Jay at Alexandra.jay@tewhatuora.govt.nz

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