Occupational Therapist

Ministry of Education New Zealand; Auckland; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Education New Zealand is seeking an Occupational Therapist to support learning inclusion in Waitakere City. You will assess and work with children and young people with high needs while building capacity in families, teachers and communities.

The role focuses on enabling inclusive practices, coordinating multi‑agency support, and contributing to a positive educational environment across settings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy or equivalent required
• Registered with the Occupational Therapy Board and hold a current practicing certificate
• Ability to apply specialist knowledge in inclusive educational settings
• Paediatric experience preferable
• Ability to empower learners and support networks
• Coordinate service provision in a multi‑agency, trans‑disciplinary setting
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with diverse stakeholders
• Understanding and applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles

Responsibilities

• Observe, assess and work with children and young people with high needs
• Build capability of parents, teachers and families
• Identify and advise on environmental changes, equipment and technology needs
• Enhance inclusive practices in schools and educational settings
• Collaborate effectively as part of a trans‑disciplinary team

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Stakeholder engagement

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy

Current practicing certificate

Job description

Help shape the future of Education

excellent outcomes

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

As an Occupational Therapist you will play a critical role in our region’s Learning Support team by:

• Observing, assessing, and working closely with children and young people with high needs
• Building the capability of those who are best placed to support learning such as parents, teachers and families
• Identify, set up and provide advice about the environmental changes, support, equipment and technology a child or young person may need
• Enhance inclusive practices in schools and other educational settings
• Working effectively as part of a trans-disciplinary team.

Date advertised: 26 Aug 2026

Job Type: Permanent

Location: Waitakere City, NZ

Salary range: $69,966 - $106,016 per annum plus KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

About you | Mōhou ake

To be successful you will need:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy, or its accepted equivalent as required by the New Zealand Occupational Therapy Board
• To be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board and to hold a current practicing certificate
• Ability to apply specialist knowledge of occupational therapy theory and practice in the development of appropriate interventions in inclusive educational settings
• Paediatric experience preferableli>
• Ability to share knowledge and skills to empower both the individual learner and those supporting them
• Ability to co-ordinate service provision in a multi-agency, trans-disciplinary setting
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively with children, young people and their families and teachers across a diverse range of settings.
• The ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tirirti o Waitangi and tangata whenuatanga.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

At Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga, we work to provide services and support nationally, regionally and locally to the education sector, and in some cases, directly to ākonga and whanau.

We ensure that children and young people with additional needs are supported to achieve their full potential through education. Our Learning Support specialists work closely with families, whānau, caregivers, schools and early childhood educators in English and Māori medium settings and other agencies to help maximise learning outcomes and promote social inclusion.

Our specialists tell us they value:

• “The ability to make a positive difference in the lives of children, young people and their whānau and contribute to system wide change is a huge plus”
• “The Ministry offers a strong community of practice and the support of a large organisation, so I never feel isolated or alone”
• “I really value the ability to work closely with specialists from other disciplines. It enhances my own practice and thinking”.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

For further information, please contact at [e-mail]

Applications close: Midnight, Wednesday 9 September 2026.

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.