Occupational Therapist

Ministry of Education New Zealand; Lower Hutt; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver (3%)

Permanent role

Job summary

The Ministry of Education New Zealand is seeking a full-time Occupational Therapist to join a team that maximises learning and promotes social inclusion for children and young people with learning needs, based in Lower Hutt.

You will observe, assess and work with children with complex needs, provide environmental adaptations and support to schools and families, and collaborate with a trans-disciplinary team to deliver inclusive education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy required.
• Registered with the NZ Occupational Therapy Board and hold a current Practising Certificate.
• Must have a full NZ driver’s licence and be willing to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Observe, assess and work with children/young people with complex needs.
• Advise on environmental changes, equipment and technology requirements.
• Promote inclusive practices in schools and other educational settings.
• Collaborate in a trans-disciplinary team to meet complex needs.
• Provide professional support to schools, teachers and families.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy

NZ Occupational Therapy Board registration

Practising Certificate

NZ driver’s licence

Job description

Help shape the future of Education

excellent outcomes

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

We are looking for a full time Occupational Therapist to be part of a team that maximises learning and promotes social inclusion for children and young people with learning needs.

Date advertised: 31 Aug 2026. Job Type: Permanent. Location: Lower Hutt, NZ.

Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

We are looking for a full time Occupational Therapist to be part of a team that maximises learning and promotes social inclusion for children and young people with learning needs.

• Observing, assessing and working closely with children and young people with complex needs
• Identifying, setting up and providing advice about environmental changes, support, equipment and technology a child or young person may require
• Enhancing inclusive practices in schools and other educational setting
• Working as part of a trans-disciplinary team where a child’s needs are complex
• Providing professional support and guidance to schools, teachers and families and building the capacity of those who are best placed to support the learning of children and young people.

This position is based out of the Lower Hutt Ministry of Education office and supports the Pōneke/Wellington area (city and surrounds).

Salary range: $69,966 - $118,450 per annum + 3% kiwi saver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For more details about the role, you can view the job description here.

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
• New Zealand Occupational Therapy Board registration
• Hold a current annual Practicing Certificate
• A full New Zealand drivers licence as travel is a requirement of this role.

You will also have

• The ability to apply specialist knowledge of occupational theory and practice in the development of appropriate interventions in inclusive educational settings
• The ability to share knowledge and skills to empower both the individual learner and those supporting them
• The ability to contribute your specialist skills and co-ordinate service provision within multi-agency 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 Tiriti o Waitangi and tangata
• To be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Learning Support is a critical part of the Te Mahau, Te Tai Runga. We are charged with leading the education sector in ensuring that children and young people with additional learning 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.

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

For further information, please contact Amanda Serci at [e-mail]. Applications close Midnight – Sunday, 06 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.