Occupational Therapist - MHSOP

Community Mental Health Occupational Therapist Mental Health and Addiction Services for Older People (MHSOP) Permanent Part-time As part of Health New Zealand |Te Whatu Ora we offer an opportunity to Support Vulnerable Elderly living in the community who are experiencing mental health issues, addiction, cognitive impairment, and dementia with behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Health New Zealand |Te Whatu Ora Lakes provides healthcare from its two modern and progressive general hospitals in Rotorua and Taupo, New Zealand. The Lakes district is becoming the lifestyle destination of choice and is well‑known for its many outdoor recreational activities, family friendly beaches, and a growing multi‑cultural community. Working at Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora Lakes provides a great opportunity to balance an amazing lifestyle with a rewarding professional experience. As well as a supportive, inclusive and diverse work environment, Health New Zealand |Te Whatu Ora Lakes offer competitive salary, free staff parking, free flu vaccination, discounts (with local businesses), and access to Employee Assistance Program. About the Service We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Occupational Therapist to join our multi-disciplinary team at Mental Health & Addiction Service for Older People supporting vulnerable older adults in Rotorua, with some duties provided in Taupo. Our ideal candidate brings kindness, empathy and genuine respect for the dignity of every kāumatua and whānau we serve. These qualities align with our model of care Te Ara Tauwhirotanga: Pathways that lead us to act with kindness. Te Ara Tauwhirotanga was founded to guide the design and delivery of a new mental health and addiction inpatient unit and was subsequently adopted across all mental health and addiction services in the sector. Many voices, including consumer and whānau voices, contributed to its development and for many of us the values expressed in the model are very close to our hearts. In this role, you will walk alongside elderly individuals experiencing mental health challenges, addiction, and dementia with behavioural and psychological symptoms. You will offer clinical expertise grounded in patience, cultural understanding, and the ability to listen deeply. Your support will help people remain safe, connected, and empowered within their homes and communities. Your role will include: Conducting mental health, risk and wellness assessments Supporting individuals with mood disorders, psychosis, substance use concerns, and dementia‑related behaviours Developing person‑centred care plans in partnership with clients and whānau Providing psychoeducation, medication support, and brief therapeutic interventions Liaising across services to coordinate wraparound care Upholding cultural safety, tikanga, and partnership with Māori Advocating for the rights and wellbeing of vulnerable older people Participating in MDT discussions, case reviews, and service development. If you are committed to delivering holistic, person centred care and can build trusting relationships with those who need it most we would love to hear from you. About you We are seeking someone who embodies kindness, empathy, patience and the ability to listen deeply to those we support. You will be committed to the wellbeing of elderly Māori and non‑Māori, and confident in working with individuals who may present with complex mental health and behavioural needs. Essential qualities and skills Registered Occupational Therapist with current APC Experience in mental health, addiction, dementia care, or psychogeriatrics Strong communication and therapeutic engagement skillsAbility to work autonomously and as part of a team Respect for cultural values and a commitment to equitable outcomes for Māori A compassionate, non‑judgemental, and supportive approach Why join our team Work in a service that values whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and dignity Support some of the most vulnerable members of our community Be part of a collaborative, supportive and culturally grounded team Opportunities for ongoing training and professional development Make meaningful difference in the lives of elderly clients and their whānau If you are committed to delivering holistic, high‑quality care with heart, we would love to hear from you. 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr