Occupational Therapist
About the RoleWe have several great opportunities for people who are enthusiastic with the ability to motivate and support our tāngata whaiora to engage in activities on the wards and in the community. Māori are significantly over represented across our service and you will need to have an understanding of inequity for Māori.
Being able to work with Māori across all levels is essential to this role, so together we can achieve better outcomes for Māori.Responsibilities of the roleSupporting the Occupational Therapist and multi-disciplinary team to provide opportunities to tāngata whaiora in the development of new or existing life skills and/or vocational skills.Supporting the multi-disciplinary team in the delivery of therapeutic groups.Providing high quality 1:1 and group interventions and programmes under the direction of the Occupational Therapist or other registered health professional.
Click here to view the position description. About the TeamsThere are positions available in the following areas:Puna Awhi Rua is a medium secure forensic ward with 13 beds supporting some of our most vulnerable and unwell tāngata whaiora, who can often present with significant risk and complex presentations.Puna Poipoi is a medium secure forensic ward with 11 beds and a focus on rehabilitationPuna Taupua is a medium secure forensic ward with 10 beds supporting tāngata whaiora to re-integrate into the community and connect with whanau and loved onesPuna Taunaki and Puna Whiti are minimum secure rehabilitation units and comprise of three stand-alone buildings situated on Waikato Hospital campus consisting of 15 beds between them.All teams are multi-disciplinary and consist of nurses, mental health assistants, doctors, psychologists, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants and activities facilitators.
About HamiltonHamilton, where Waikato Hospital is situated, is a vibrant city nestled alongside the scenic Waikato River, offering a perfect mix of nature and culture. Explore the stunning Hamilton Gardens, home to themed gardens from Italy to Asia, or visit the Waikato Museum to delve into the region's rich history.The city also boasts the Hamilton Zoo, where you can walk through an aviary filled with native birds. Hamilton is a lively hub, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars, along with events like rugby, cricket, and the famous National Agricultural Fieldays and Balloons over Waikato festival.
With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to outdoor adventures, Hamilton is an ideal place to live and work.For more information on living and working in Waikato click here About youCompetency with te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori or a commitment to starting your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth.Experience in upholding Te Tiriti principals and frameworks, and the application of Mātauranga Māori and Kaupapa Māori approaches, particularly as they apply in healthcare settings.
Experience working in a health care setting.Passion for making a difference to the lives of our tangata whaiora and whanau.Motivation and drive.Ability to demonstrate a high level of interpersonal and communication skills.Hold a current full NZ drivers license. Working at Health New ZealandHealth 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 ApplyTo apply please click Apply online or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here.All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59 pm on 28 June 2026.
If you have any questions about the role, please contact Amanda Lewis- Wilson at amanda.lewis-wilson@waikatodhb.health.nz We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.