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.

Are you a dedicated and compassionate Occupational Therapist (Kaiwhakaora Ngangahau) looking for a rewarding career in acute adult inpatient mental health? MidCentral Hospital is seeking two full-time Occupational Therapists to join our dynamic multidisciplinary team.

• New Graduates and Occupational Therapists new to mental health are welcome to apply!
• Clinical coaching support provided with opportunities to grow your career.
• Stunning new Mental Health Unit opening mid-2025, offering a fantastic therapeutic environment with a new model of care.
• Join a team that includes two very experienced full-time Occupational Therapy Assistants, with plans to expand the team further.
• Opportunities for Postgraduate Study through the New Entry to Specialist Practice Programme (NESP, Te Pou funded – NZ residents).

About the Role

As an Occupational Therapist (Kaiwhakaora Ngangahau) in our Acute Adult Inpatient Mental Health Ward, you will play a key role in providing specialised therapeutic interventions to support the recovery and well-being of individuals experiencing acute mental health challenges. This is an opportunity to work within a supportive team environment where your skills and expertise will make a real impact.

What We Offer:

• A supportive and inclusive working environment.
• Comprehensive clinical coaching and mentoring for new graduates and those new to mental health.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Work-life balance in a beautiful region of Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Be part of a stunning transition into our brand-new Mental Health Unit opening mid-2025, designed to enhance patient care with a new therapeutic model.
• Support from two highly experienced full-time Occupational Therapy Assistants, with plans to expand the team further.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive occupational therapy assessments and develop individualized treatment plans.
• Implement evidence-based interventions to support patients' functional recovery.
• Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team, including psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and social workers.
• Facilitate group and individual therapy sessions focused on enhancing daily living skills, independence, and community reintegration.
• Provide education and support to patients, whānau (families), and caregivers.
• Contribute to discharge planning and transitional care strategies.

About You:

• Registered Occupational Therapist (Kaiwhakaora Ngangahau) with a current practicing certificate (or eligibility for registration in New Zealand).
• Experience in mental health is beneficial, but not essential – we welcome new graduates and those new to mental health!
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• A passion for mental health recovery and 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. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Maree Loynes Recruitment Specialist

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