New Graduate Occupational Therapist

About the Company At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, we are dedicated to serving all New Zealanders while firmly adhering to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Our mission is to build a health system rooted in partnership, equity, sustainability, whanau-centered care, and excellence. We believe in the power of integration and collaboration to provide exceptional healthcare. About the Role We are thrilled to invite New Graduate Occupational Therapists to join our inpatient services team at Burwood Hospital, with positions commencing in January 2026. In this role, you will work closely with patients to promote optimum safety and functionality during their recovery process. You will engage with clients from various social and cultural backgrounds, utilizing your holistic skills, enthusiasm, and passion to achieve the best outcomes for your patients. At Burwood Hospital, you will have the opportunity to be an integral part of both the ward team and the wider Occupational Therapy Department. We offer professional development opportunities, including in-service training and clinical supervision, and you may also have the chance to rotate to our Christchurch campus for further clinical growth. Your responsibilities will include working with: - Older individuals requiring hospital admission and rehabilitation to facilitate their return home or to community facilities. - Orthopaedic surgical patients recovering from elective or traumatic surgical procedures. You will collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to assess and meet patient goals and outcomes. Your daily tasks will include activities of daily living (ADL) assessments, cognitive assessments and treatment, as well as complex discharge planning. As a new graduate or occupational therapist in the early stages of your career, you will receive support from a dedicated Clinical Coach, enabling your growth and development in clinical practice. About You We are looking for enthusiastic New Graduate Occupational Therapists who are eager to start their careers within our Public Health system. You should possess excellent communication skills and the ability to build rapport with patients and their whanau. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong prioritization skills, a collaborative team spirit, and the capacity to manage a caseload effectively. You should also be able to demonstrate: - Comprehensive clinical assessment and problem-solving abilities. - The capability to work both independently and as part of a team, fostering positive interpersonal relationships and adapting flexibly. - The ability to establish and maintain relationships with community service providers. - Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with health professionals in both inpatient services and the community. - Proficient clinical reasoning skills and the application of evidence-informed practices. - Excellent organizational and time management skills. - A positive attitude and enthusiasm for this field of work. - Enable NZ Equipment accreditation or a willingness to obtain it. - Registration with the NZ Occupational Therapy Board and a current Annual Practicing Certificate. As local travel is required, a full driver’s license is essential. We also value competency with te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori or a commitment to starting your learning journey in these areas. Experience in projects that embody the principles of Te Tiriti and apply Matauranga Māori and Kaupapa Māori approaches in healthcare settings is highly regarded. Working for Health New Zealand At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, we prioritize the well-being of our people. Our Equity Work Programme aims to ensure that all individuals in the health system consider equity in their work, promoting the cultural shifts necessary for achieving equitable health outcomes. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and honoring our equal employment opportunity obligations. We particularly encourage applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. How to Apply To view the position description or apply for this role, please visit our online careers portal and submit your application before 11:59 PM on Monday, September 1st. If you have any questions regarding the role, please feel free to contact Alex Jay at alexandra.jay@tewhatuora.govt.nz.