Occupational Therapist - MHSOP
Community Mental Health Occupational Therapist
Mental Health and Addiction Services for Older People (MHSOP)
Rotorua Taupo Hospital
Permanent Part-time
About the Service
As part of Health New Zealand |Te Whatu Ora we offer an opportunity to Support Vulnerable Elderly living in the community who are experiencing mental health issues, addiction, cognitive impairment, and dementia with behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).
Health New Zealand |Te Whatu Ora Lakes provides healthcare from its two modern and progressive general hospitals in Rotorua and Taupo, New Zealand. The Lakes district is becoming the lifestyle destination of choice and is well-known for its many outdoor recreational activities, family friendly beaches, and a growing multi-cultural community.Working at Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora Lakes provides a great opportunity to balance an amazing lifestyle with a rewarding professional experience.
As well as a supportive, inclusive and diverse work environment, Health New Zealand |Te Whatu Ora Lakes offer competitive salary, free staff parking, free flu vaccination, discounts (with local businesses), and access to Employee Assistance Program.
For more information on living and working in Rotorua and Taupo click here
About the Role
We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Occupational Therapist to join our multi-disciplinary team at Mental Health Addiction Service for Older People supporting vulnerable older adults in Rotorua, with some duties provided in Taupo.
Our ideal candidate brings kindness, empathy and genuine respect for the dignity of every kaumatua and whanau we serve. These qualities align with our model of care Te Ara Tauwhirotanga: Pathways that lead us to act with kindness. Te Ara Tauwhirotanga was founded to guide the design and delivery of a new mental health and addiction inpatient unit and was subsequently adopted across all mental health and addiction services in the sector.Many voices, including consumer and whanau voices, contributed to its development and for many of us the values expressed in the model are very close to our hearts.
In this role, you will walk alongside elderly individuals experiencing mental health challenges, addiction, and dementia with behavioural and psychological symptoms. You will offer clinical expertise grounded in patience, cultural understanding, and the ability to listen deeply.Your support will help people remain safe, connected, and empowered within their homes and communities.
Your role will include:
- Conducting mental health, risk and wellness assessments
- Supporting individuals with mood disorders, psychosis, substance use concerns, and dementia-related behaviours
- Developing person-centred care plans in partnership with clients and whanau
- Providing psychoeducation, medication support, and brief therapeutic interventions
- Liaising across services to coordinate wraparound care
- Upholding cultural safety, tikanga, and partnership with Maori
- Advocating for the rights and wellbeing of vulnerable older people
- Participating in MDT discussions, case reviews, and service development.
If you are committed to delivering holistic, person centred care and can build trusting relationships with those who need it most we would love to hear from you.
About you
We are seeking someone who embodies kindness, empathy, patience and the ability to listen deeply to those we support. You will be committed to the wellbeing of elderly Maori and non-Maori, and confident in working with individuals who may present with complex mental health and behavioural needs.
Essential qualities and skills:
- Registered Occupational Therapist with current APC
- Experience in mental health, addiction, dementia care, or psychogeriatrics
- Strong communication and therapeutic engagement skills
- Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team
- Respect for cultural values and a commitment to equitable outcomes for Maori
- A compassionate, non-judgemental, and supportive approach
- Work in a service that values whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and dignity
- Support some of the most vulnerable members of our community
- Be part of a collaborative, supportive and culturally grounded team
- Opportunities for ongoing training and professional development
- Make meaningful difference in the lives of elderly clients and their whanau
If you are committed to delivering holistic, high-quality care with heart with heart, we would love to hear from you.
Click here for Position Description
Click here for Collective Agreement (if applicable)
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 wel