Occupational Therapist - Whakatane Adult Inpatient

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

He Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the Role

We have an exciting position available for a dynamic, NZ Registered Occupational Therapist who is passionate about working alongside people in their recovery journey and is motivated to deliver an innovative and culturally effective acute mental health service within our Adult Inpatient Mental Health Unit in Whakatane Hospital.  

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys using their initiative, working autonomously within a supportive multi-disciplinary team in a fast-paced clinical environment. 

Ideally you have experience working in acute mental health settings, but the successful applicant will join a growing and supportive allied health team, working closely alongside social work, physio, pharmacy, psychology, and OT assistant colleagues.  You will be responsible for coordinating an established therapeutic group program, and there will be opportunity and support to develop this further.  Other key aspects of the role involve working collaboratively within the multi-disciplinary team to support discharge planning, functional assessments, psychoeducation, ensuring an effective Sensory Modulation programme, and taking a key role within the Zero Seclusion project team. 

This is a 0.8FTE vacancy working on a 12 month fixed-term basis to cover parental leave.

He Kōrero mōu - About You

Our ideal applicant will be an effective communicator, who is able to build partnerships with Tangata Whaiora and colleagues, with strong clinical reasoning.  We would prefer applications from Occupational Therapists with proven experience in acute mental health but would also consider people with a genuine desire to promote recovery and a commitment to continued service improvement.   

Mō Tātou – About Us

Situated in the sunny eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island, the Bay of Plenty really is just that, offering vast golden sand beaches, bush clad mountains, lush farmlands and more. Its pleasant climate means that the area has become a favourite for holiday makers, retirees and those looking for a different lifestyle outside of the main cities.

Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty is spread across a vast geographical area and centred across two hospitals based in Tauranga and Whakatāne.  We serve a population of approximately 308,000 for the major population centres of Tauranga, Katikati, Te Puke, Whakatāne, Kawerau and Ōpōtiki.  Te Whatu Ora Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty is one of the Bay of Plenty's largest employers with over 4000 staff.

Ko o tatou painga – Our Benefits

• Access to ongoing in-house professional development
• Commitment to staff wellness and healthy working practices (e.g. We support work life balance and flexible work arrangements whenever possible)
• Highly rewarding role and opportunity to make a difference!
• Be a valued member of a multidisciplinary team
• Subsidised onsite hospital gym membership
• Free flu vaccinations
• Free onsite parking
• Discounts (with local businesses)

Tō mātou whakahaere ki te tika, te rerekētanga, me te whai wāhi mai | Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

Our name, Te Whatu Ora, means ‘the weaving of wellness'. Whatu is the combining together of people, resources, organisations, thoughts and actions for the betterment and wellbeing of all. Whatu is also a direct reference to the pupil of the eye, and the vision required of the new entity and system.

At Te Whatu Ora we acknowledge and respect our people's diversity and spiritual needs, ensuring a safe workplace that is a whānau orientated and supportive environment. We are working towards a system that better meets the complex demands of a growing population, addresses the persistent inequalities experienced by Māori and ensures greater access, experience and outcomes for those traditionally not well served by the system – Māori, Pacific and Disabled People.

Tō tūranga i roto i Te Whatu Ora | Your place in Te Whatu Ora

When you join us, you become part of transforming the health system. This is a once in a life-time change, that will touch the lives of everyone in Aotearoa, and future generations. We want to see the real you in your application and welcome the real you on board if you come and work with us. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just in formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the ad, but the experience was gained through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter.

We particularly welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to Apply

You can view the position description below and to apply for the role please click “APPLY NOW.” For tracking and reporting purposes, all applications must be submitted through our online career's portal.  If you would like to learn about this role, please contact either the Clinical Nurse Manager, Jo Olsen Jo.Olsen@bopdhb.govt.nz or the Allied Health Lead, Andrew Neas Andrew.neas@bopdhb.govt.nz

Due to this position having contact with children and Te Whatu Ora Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty commitment to child protection, you will be subject to ‘safety checks' under the Children's Act at the time of hire and thereafter as per the relevant legislation.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so we encourage you to apply early.