Occupational Therapist

JobSpace; Manawatū-Whanganui; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is seeking an Occupational Therapist to deliver high‑quality care in a community mental health and addictions setting in Tararua, MidCentral. You will assess adults, develop recovery plans, and support independence through meaningful occupations.

You will work within a multidisciplinary team, applying evidence‑based therapies and culturally safe practices, with opportunities to contribute to Te Mātāpuna o te Ora philosophy and holistic wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Must hold NZ registration and a current practising certificate.
• Minimum of 2 years’ clinical experience, ideally in mental health.
• Experience in assessment, planning, and clinical reasoning is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide high‑quality assessments and personalised intervention plans.
• Support recovery through vocational, educational, and lifestyle interventions.
• Facilitate group programmes and whānau‑inclusive approaches.
• Promote occupational engagement, balance, and independence.
• Contribute to an integrated model of care focused on holistic wellbeing.

Skills

NZ registration

Practising certificate

Mental health experience

Assessment & planning

Clinical reasoning

Communication skills

Teamwork

Cultural safety

Education

NZ OT qualification

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Occupational Therapist – Mental Health & Addictions (Community)

Midcentral (Tararua)

Make a difference where it matters most — in people's everyday lives.

Make a real difference in your community

Are you a passionate Occupational Therapist looking to work in a dynamic, community-based mental health service? Join our dedicated team in Tararua and play a vital role in supporting people on their journey to recovery and wellbeing. This is your opportunity to be part of an evolving and innovative service, Te Mātāpuna o te Ora, delivering integrated, person and whānau-centred care across the MidCentral region.

Health 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.

About the Role

As an Occupational Therapist, you will provide high-quality, evidence-based care to adults experiencing mental health and/or addiction challenges within a community setting.

You’ll bring contemporary knowledge and skills in assessment and rehabilitation, supporting individuals to build independence, improve wellbeing, and reconnect with meaningful occupations.

Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will:

• Deliver comprehensive assessments and personalised intervention plans
• Support recovery through vocational, educational, and lifestyle interventions
• Facilitate group programmes and whānau-inclusive approaches
• Promote occupational engagement, balance, and independence
• Contribute to an integrated model of care (Te Mātāpuna o te Ora) focused on holistic wellbeing

About the Team/Service

Te Mātāpuna o te Ora (The Source of Wellbeing) provides specialist mental health and addiction services across MidCentral. Grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a bicultural model of care, our team is committed to equity, innovation, and culturally responsive practice.

You’ll be part of a supportive, collaborative environment that values:

• Te Korowai Āhuru – a safe and inclusive workplace

Employing over 2500 people, MidCentral offers a supportive work environment that accepts and values all employees. We actively seek Māori kaimahi into our workforce and provide an environment which delivers our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

About You

You are a motivated and compassionate Occupational Therapist who:

• Holds NZ registration and a current practising certificate
• Has at least 2 years' clinical experience, ideally in mental health
• Brings strong assessment, planning, and clinical reasoning skills
• Is confident working both autonomously and as part of a team
• Demonstrates a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally safe practice
• Has excellent communication and relationship-building skills

Experience with group work, vocational interventions, or evidence-based therapies (e.g. CBT, ACT, DBT) is an advantage.

About the Location

Manawatū offers the perfect blend of city convenience and rural charm. Whether you're drawn to peaceful village life, vibrant townships, or the buzz of the city, you'll find your ideal lifestyle here. It's a family-friendly region that's easy to live in and even easier to love. The region is also home to excellent schools and two tertiary institutions: Massey University and the International Pacific College.

Outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled for choice—beaches, ski fields, lakes, and mountains are all within reach, along with fantastic hiking and mountain biking tracks. With no traffic and a short commute to work, achieving true work-life balance is the everyday reality.

Our central location makes it easy to explore the rest of New Zealand, whether you're heading off on a road trip or catching a short flight.

For more information on living and working in the Manawatū:

Careers in Manawatū and Whanganui

Working at Health New Zealand

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