Occupational Therapist – Mental Health

Hours are between

• and
• , Monday - Friday

0.9FTE Permanent role (36hrs / week)

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders.

Through integration and collaboration, we are building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability, whanau-centred care, and excellence.

My strength is not the strength of one, but the strength of many

About us

The Allied Health team is seeking a NZ-registered Occupational Therapist with a specialist interest in Mental Health to join our team of enthusiastic and dedicated multidisciplinary professionals.

Within the wider Allied Health team, we have a small group of Occupational Therapists who work together to provide a generalist service.

Our team offers a range of inpatient and community-based health services.

This role will give you the opportunity to further your experience across various specialties and enhance your practical skills.

The West Coast is renowned for its beauty, wilderness, and outdoor activities.

The resilient people of this area have a strong community spirit.

Living on the West Coast offers a superb lifestyle and a great work-life balance.

No city congestion—bike or walk to work.

If you enjoy the outdoors, mountains, sea, rivers, and lakes await you.

Christchurch is only a three-hour drive away.

There are real opportunities to step onto the housing ladder, as recent employees can attest.

As an Occupational Therapist in Mental Health, you will provide assessment, education, and treatment using a patient-centred model of care for patients of all ages, including those with physical and mental health conditions.

This role spans our Manaakitanga Mental Health Inpatient Unit and community settings, offering a diverse and rewarding workload.

Travel to other locations throughout the West Coast will be part of the role.

What you'll do with your time :

Assess and treat Manaakitanga Mental Health inpatients with appropriate goal setting and outcome measures

Support transition from inpatient to community care

Work as an integral part of inpatient and community interdisciplinary teams

Liaise with health professionals and agencies to achieve the best outcomes for patients

Provide education for families / whanau and carers as necessary

About you

We are seeking an experienced Occupational Therapist with at least 3 years of experience within a mental health scope of practice to join our multidisciplinary team.

Essential skills and qualifications include :

Minimum 3 years of experience as a Mental Health Occupational Therapist

Ability to work effectively under pressure

Strong teamwork skills and recognition of its importance

Ability to work independently and seek support when needed

Excellent communication skills and cultural awareness

Flexibility and excellent time management

Competency with te ao Maori, tikanga, and te reo Maori, or a commitment to learning and growth in these areas

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for all.

Our Equity Work Programme promotes thinking about equity in healthcare and cultural change across the system.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do.

We are committed to being good employers and honoring our equal employment opportunity obligations.

We particularly welcome applications from Maori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To view the position description and apply, please click "apply now."

All applications must be submitted through our online portal.

For questions, contact Alex Jay at

Note : We review applications as received and may proceed with recruitment before the closing date.

We encourage early applications.

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