Allied Health New Entrant Specialist Practice (Fixed Term)

Nelson Marlborough Health; Nelson; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora invites applications for Allied Health – New Entrant to Specialist Practice (NESP) at Nelson/Wairau Hospital. This fixed-term, full-time 12-month role offers two six-month rotations across Mental Health and Addictions, with comprehensive orientation, supervision and a funded Postgraduate Certificate through AUT, Te Pou.

Join a supportive multidisciplinary team and gain specialist clinical skills while working with experienced colleagues in a well-structured

Qualifications

• Newly qualified or recently graduated Social Worker or Occupational Therapist.

Responsibilities

• Complete two six-month rotations across Mental Health and Addictions services.
• Receive supervision and mentoring throughout the programme.
• Participate in a structured NESP programme with other new graduates and nurses.
• Fully funded Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science (Mental Health and Addictions) through AUT.
• Develop specialist knowledge while working with multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Social Worker or Occupational Therapist qualification

Job description

Allied Health – New Entrant to Specialist Practice(NESP), Nelson/ Wairau Hospital, Fixed-Term, Full-time (12 months)

• Launchyour career in Mental Health and Addictions through a well-establishedgraduate programme designed specifically for newly qualified OccupationalTherapists and Social Workers.
  
• Growyour skills with confidence through structured rotations, dedicatedsupervision, postgraduate study support, and a welcoming multidisciplinaryteam that is committed to your success.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principlesof Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system thatserves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

As an Allied Health New Entrant to Specialist Practice(NESP), you will:

• Completetwo six-month rotations across our Mental Health and Addictions services,which may include community, inpatient, infant, child and adolescent, oraddictions teams.
• Receivecomprehensive orientation, supervision, mentoring and professional supportthroughout the programme.
• Participatein a structured NESP programme alongside other new graduate Allied Healthprofessionals and nurses.
• Besupported to complete the fully funded Postgraduate Certificate in HealthScience (Mental Health and Addictions) through AUT, funded by Te Pou.
• Developspecialist knowledge and clinical skills while working alongsideexperienced multidisciplinary teams.

This is a fixed-term, full-time position for 12 months,working 80 hours per fortnight (1.0 FTE). Hours are generally Monday to Fridaybetween 8.00AM and 4.30PM.

Please view the position description for furtherinformation.

About the Team/Service/ Location

Join a passionate and supportive team where you'll beencouraged to learn, contribute and grow. We value collaboration, celebratesuccess together, and are committed to helping early-career clinicians developthe confidence and skills needed for a rewarding career in Mental Health andAddictions.

For more information on living and working in Nelson,Marlborough and Tasman click here

About you

To be successful in this role, you will:

• Be arecently graduated or newly qualified Social Worker or OccupationalTherapist or an experienced Social Worker or Occupational Therapist new toMental Health/ Addictions
• Havea genuine interest in Mental Health and Additions practice;
• Demonstratestrong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Takea person-centred approach to supporting individuals, whānau andcommunities;
• Bringenthusiasm, resilience, initiative and a willingness to learn;
• Enjoyworking collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team;
• Havea positive attitude, good sense of humour and the ability to buildeffective professional relationships.

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in NewZealand or hold a valid NZ visa at the time of applying.

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuringexcellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce thatis diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand andservice our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori,Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

18 October 2026