Occupational Therapist - Acute Inpatient Services

About the Role Live and work in Whakatāne, a welcoming coastal town with a gorgeous coastline and strong community spirit. Full‑time, fixed‑term position up until May 2027 (1.0 FTE). A varied acute role across medical, surgical, paediatric, and emergency settings. Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of TeTiritioWaitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all NewZealanders. Bring your Occupational Therapy skills into a dynamic acute hospital environment where variety and clinical challenge are part of every day. This role rotates across medical, surgical, and paediatric wards, with opportunities to contribute to service development within the Emergency Department and Acute Care Unit. Working as part of an interdisciplinary team, you will complete assessments, deliver interventions, and support discharge planning for patients with orthopaedic, neurological, and general medical needs. The focus is on enabling patients to return safely to their home environment, with strong coordination between hospital and community services. This position offers the opportunity to expand your clinical scope while contributing to the growth of acute occupational therapy services in Whakatāne. About the Team / Service / Location You will be part of the Acute Occupational Therapy team within TeKoru Rehabilitation, a well‑connected allied health service that includes rehabilitation, dietetics, pelvic health, outpatient physiotherapy, speech language therapy, podiatry, and hand therapy. The team is supportive, collaborative, and focused on delivering high quality, patient‑centred care across the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Based in Whakatāne, the area is surrounded by beaches, rivers, native bush, offering a lifestyle that supports both wellbeing and professional fulfilment. About You You are a NewZealand Registered Occupational Therapist who brings adaptability, sound clinical judgement, and a strong focus on patient outcomes. You work confidently across a range of clinical settings and value both independent practice and teamwork. Whether early in your career or experienced in acute care, you are motivated to develop your skills, contribute to service improvement, and support patients and whānau through meaningful rehabilitation. What you will bring Registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of NewZealand and a valid Annual Practicing Certificate Experience in rehabilitation and/ or acute hospital settings, preferred Strong clinical reasoning and problem‑solving skills Ability to work both autonomously and within an interdisciplinary team Excellent communication skills with colleagues, agencies, patients, and whānau Our Commitment Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of NewZealand. 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 Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. #J-18808-Ljbffr