Professional Leader Occupational Therapy

Professional Leader Occupational Therapy Professional Lead – Occupational Therapy Palmerston North Shape the future of Occupational Therapy across MidCentral 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. This is an exciting opportunity to provide district-wide professional leadership for the Occupational Therapy workforce across physical health, mental health, and addictions services throughout the MidCentral region. About the role Reporting to the Chief Allied Health, Scientific & Technical Officer, you will provide strategic and professional leadership that supports excellence in Occupational Therapy practice. You will champion high-quality, culturally responsive care, strengthen professional governance, and support workforce development across a diverse range of services. Key responsibilities include: Providing professional leadership and guidance to Occupational Therapists across the district. Leading professional governance, practice standards, and quality improvement initiatives. Supporting workforce development, supervision, mentoring, and professional growth. Partnering with operational leaders to support effective service delivery and workforce planning. Driving innovation and service improvement initiatives that enhance patient outcomes. Promoting evidence-based practice and ensuring compliance with professional standards and legislative requirements. Supporting Health New Zealand's commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity, and Māori health outcomes. About you You will be a highly respected Occupational Therapist with a passion for leadership, workforce development, and service improvement. To be successful in this role, you will have: Current registration and Annual Practising Certificate as an Occupational Therapist in New Zealand. Significant clinical experience across hospital and/or community settings. Demonstrated leadership experience, including professional supervision and workforce development. A strong understanding of clinical governance and quality improvement. Experience implementing Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in practice. Excellent communication, relationship-building, and change leadership skills. A commitment to equity, cultural safety, and achieving better health outcomes for Māori and all communities. What we offer A meaningful leadership role with district-wide influence. Opportunities to shape the future direction of Occupational Therapy services. A supportive and collaborative Allied Health leadership team. Ongoing professional development and leadership growth opportunities. The chance to contribute to improving health outcomes for our communities. 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. Job details Job Reference: 1930240 Location: North Island - Manawatu / Whanganui - Palmerston North #J-18808-Ljbffr