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Posted 26 August, 2026

Occupational Therapists - New Entry to Specialist Practice -Graduate programme (Mental Health)

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora
Porirua, WGN, NZ Full Time
Reference: 40c4eda4f9c422d3

Job Description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey. Occupational Therapists - New Entry to Specialist Practice -Graduate programme (Mental Health) Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora – Porirua, North Island 12h ago , from Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand Location: MentalHealth, Addiction and Intellectual Disability Services (MHAIDS).Wellington, Hutt Valley, Porirua Contract: FixedTerm (12months), 0.9FTE Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora isfirmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated toserving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we'rebuilding a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability,whānau-centred care, and excellence. About the Role This is an exciting opportunity for new graduate OccupationalTherapists. We have positions available in 2027 for the MHAIDS AH-NESP (AlliedHealth - New Entry to Specialist Practice) programme. The programme is open tonew graduate occupational therapists and social workers who would like todevelop specialist skills in mental health and addictions. Successful applicants (AH-NESPs) will be employed 0.9 FTE for 12months. During this time, you will work 72 hours per fortnight inclusive ofpaid study leave to complete the academic requirements of the programme. 96% of previous AH-NESPs havesuccessfully secured permanent occupational therapy and social work roleswithin MHAIDS on completion of the AH-NESP programme About theTeam/Service Location You will work in two rotations within the MHAIDS clinical sectors,which may include inpatient, community, adult, forensic rehabilitation, youngerpersons, specialist Māori and Pacifika services. You will be supported to complete a Postgraduate Certificate inHealth Science (Mental Health & Addictions) at Auckland University ofTechnology. This qualification focuseson recovery-oriented mental health practice. You will have invaluable support throughout your AH-NESP term,receiving expert clinical mentorship on the job, weekly clinical supervisionand regular tautoko from the AH-NESP coordinator. You will also have peer support opportunitieswith the other AH-NESP clinicians and specific professional tautoko from ourMHAIDS occupational therapy and social work groups. About you applicants must be registered (or provisionally registered) withOTBNZ be able to work and study in 2027 have a full drivers licence have a passion for the mental health and addictions field ofpractice Working at HealthNew Zealand Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is'the weaving of wellness'. We're dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare forthe people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Our people are at the heart ofeverything we do. Health New Zealand are committed to being good employers andhonouring our equal employment opportunity obligations. We embrace diversityand welcome application from all people, including all gender identities, ages,ethnicities, sexual orientations, and disability. A workforce that is diverseand inclusive means that we are better positioned to understand and service ourcommunity. We are pro-equity health organisation, with a particular focus onMāori, Pacific Peoples, and the Disability Community. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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