Occupational Therapist - Acute Inpatient Services

placeWhakatane calendar_month 

Live and work in Whakatane - a close-knit town with a stunning coastline and heart

  • Full-time - 1.0 FTE
  • A great fit for those seeking stability, growth, and year-round impact

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

Bring your energy and clinical expertise to our dynamic Occupational Therapy team, where you will rotate across medical, surgical, paediatric, and emergency settings. This full-time role is perfect for an Occupational Therapist who thrives in an acute care environment and is passionate about supporting people to regain independence in their recovery journey.

You will be working closely with a multidisciplinary team delivering assessments, interventions, and discharge planning for patients with diverse conditions, including orthopaedic, neurological, and general medical needs. This is an opportunity to make a real difference, with flexibility in your work hours (between 7am - 5pm) to enjoy the best of life in Whakatane.

About the Team/Service/ Location

Our Acute Occupational Therapy team sits within the Te Koru Rehabilitation Department - home to a broad range of allied health professionals, including physiotherapy, speech language therapy, dietetics, podiatry, and more. We foster a tight-knit, collaborative environment where shared knowledge, cultural understanding and professional growth are valued.

Click here to learn more about the Bay of Plenty

About you

To be successful in the role, we seek a New Zealand registered Occupational Therapist who is patient-focused, collaborative, and able to confidently manage a varied caseload.

What you will bring:

  • New Zealand registration and current Annual Practicing Certificate as an Occupational Therapist
  • Preferably experience in rehabilitation or acute/hospital settings
  • Excellent clinical reasoning, time management, and documentation skills
  • Confidence working autonomously and as part of an interprofessional team
  • A commitment to equity and cultural safety in practice

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 Maori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To view the position description and/or apply for the role please click "apply now." All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59pm on will be 21 December 2025. 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.

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