Occupational Therapist

New Zealand Government Joba; Wellington, Masterton District; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 119,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver

Job summary

New Zealand Government Joba invites applications for a part-time Occupational Therapist (0.8 FTE) to join our Learning Support team. You will observe and assess children with complex needs, support learning, and advise on environmental adaptations to enable inclusive education in schools and Kura.

The role emphasises partnership with ākonga, whānau and Kaiako, requiring strong intercultural communication and collaboration across disciplines. Salary range includes KiwiSaver; close 18 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

• Ability to engage with people from diverse cultures and communities.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tangatawhenuatanga.
• Knowledge or willingness to learn Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across diverse settings.
• Ability to translate knowledge into practical upskilling for adults around a child.

Responsibilities

• Observe, assess and work with children and young people with complex needs.
• Build capability of those who support learning.
• Identify and advise on environmental changes, support, equipment and technology.
• Enhance inclusive practices in schools and kura in a trans-disciplinary team.

Skills

Cross-cultural communication

Te Tiriti o Waitangi knowledge

Māori-language & tikanga understanding

Interpersonal skills

Collaboration across disciplines

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New ZealandHelp 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 part time Occupational Therapist (0.8 FTE) to be part of a team that maximises learning and promotes social inclusion for children and young people with learning needs. 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 complex needs
• Building and strengthening the capability of those who are best placed to support the learning of children
• 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 Kura. Working as part of a trans-disciplinary team where a child's needs are complex

Salary range: $69,966 - $119,450 per annum + KiwiSaver. 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:

• The ability to develop and interact effectively with people of other cultures focusing on relationships and recognising their identity, language and culture as a source of strength.
• The ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tangatawhenuatanga.
• Knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively with ākonga, whānau and Kaiako across a diverse range of settings.
• Ability to translate practitioner knowledge into practical information to upskill the adults around a child.
• Ability to co-ordinate service provision in a multi-agency, trans-disciplinary setting
• Experience working in Māori-medium settings or the ability to work across Māori informed practice models would be advantageous
• 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 and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Working in the Wairarapa offers the opportunity to have all the advantages of being close to a big city but also the benefits of a small town. We have no traffic lights in the Wairarapa! The rents and house prices are reasonable, we have easy access to beaches, rivers, tramping and cycling trails as well as award winning vineyards and restaurants! Our climate is warmer than Wellington and the people are very friendly. Our team use Fleet cars to travel to schools and early learning services. You will be joining a large supportive multidisciplinary team with the benefit of newly renovated office premises.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Mahau | Education Services The Education Services Group provides well-designed, integrated education services that support the impactful and effective operation of education settings to support student achievement and participation. The services help to remove barriers to participation and learning and provide regulatory advice, support and oversight to early learning providers, schools and kura.

The Group has three key priorities for Education Services:

Practice & Guidance: Managing practice and guidance to improve national coordination and consistency, whilst enabling regional autonomy for education service delivery.

Integration & Delivery: Providing education support directly to education settings via integrated regional and national services. This includes intervening when necessary to ensure a high standard of operation to support student outcomes and owning key stakeholder relationships to support schooling improvement and stronger outcomes for learners.

Monitoring & Improvement: Monitoring and advising on improvements to the effectiveness, efficiency and equity of services for achievement and progression, and attendance and participation. This includes monitoring education provider performance against regulations and intervening as required.

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

For further information, please contact Kerry McBride Service Manager [e-mail]. Applications close Midnight - Sunday, 18 October 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.