Clinical Leader Occupational Therapy, Kidz First Child Development Team

New Zealand Government; Auckland; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Te Whatu Ora in South Auckland is seeking an experienced lead Occupational Therapist to guide a dedicated clinical team in delivering high‑quality paediatric care. You will mentor clinicians, manage a small caseload, and help coordinate service delivery across the community and hospital settings.

The role emphasizes equity, cultural safety, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, with opportunities for professional development and leadership growth within a warm, collaborative team.

Qualifications

• NZ-registered Occupational Therapist with a current APC.
• 6+ years of experience in paediatrics or child development.
• Ability to mentor and build teams.
• Strong collaboration and clinical decision-making.
• Commitment to equity and culturally responsive care.
• Full NZ driver''s licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and inspire an Occupational Therapy team.
• Manage a small clinical caseload.
• Coordinate service delivery, streamline caseloads, and drive interdisciplinary excellence.
• Support children and their whānau with hands-on, meaningful care.
• Champion professional development and continuous learning within the team.
• Lead innovative quality improvement and service design initiatives.
• Embed cultural safety and uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi in everyday practice.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical decision-making

Collaborative spirit

Cultural safety

Education

NZ OT registration / APC

Job description

Lead with Heart. Shape Young Lives. Full-Time | Permanent | Salary as per PSA Allied Health MECAHealth New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

Why This Role?

This is more than a leadership role; it is an opportunity to be a change‑maker for children’s health and development in South Auckland. You’ll guide a team of dedicated clinicians while also keeping your clinical skills sharp by supporting children with complex needs. Your voice matters, your expertise is valued, and your passion for equity will be your compass.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a talented Occupational Therapy team
• Manage a small clinical caseload
• Coordinate service delivery, streamline caseloads, and drive interdisciplinary excellence
• Support children and their whānau with hands‑on, meaningful care
• Champion professional development and continuous learning within the team
• Lead innovative quality improvement and service design initiatives
• Embed cultural safety and uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi in everyday practice

What You Bring:

• NZ‑registered Occupational Therapist with a current APC
• At least 6 years of experience, ideally in paediatrics or child development
• A proven leader with a heart for mentoring and team building
• A collaborative spirit and strong clinical decision‑making skills
• A deep commitment to equity and culturally responsive care
• A full NZ driver’s licence

What We Offer:

• A warm & collaborative team culture
• Work alongside experienced clinicians, nurses, paediatricians, and more in both community and hospital settings
• Diverse & impactful work delivering therapy in homes, clinics, and via telehealth, supporting richly diverse communities especially Māori and Pacific whānau
• Robust professional development, ongoing training, and support for your leadership journey
• An inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity and is committed to equity, welcoming applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities