Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist, STAR 2

Palmerston North Hospital

Permanent Fulltime

Help people get back to doing the things that matter most.

Are you an Occupational Therapist who loves seeing the real-world impact of rehabilitation?

Do you enjoy helping people regain confidence, independence and the ability to get back to the everyday activities that matter to them?

If so, STAR 2 at Palmerston North Hospital could be the team for you!

We're looking for a passionate NZ Registered Occupational Therapist to join our friendly and supportive multidisciplinary team. You'll work alongside experienced health professionals to help adults recover following illness, injury or surgery — making a genuine difference to patients and their whānau every day.

Why you'll love this role

• Make a difference every day – support patients to regain independence and achieve meaningful goals
• Be part of a great team – work alongside a supportive and collaborative multidisciplinary team
• Keep growing – develop your clinical skills in a varied rehabilitation environment
• Have your ideas valued – we're open to new ideas and different ways of working
• Enjoy the lifestyle – great work-life balance, short commutes and an amazing region to call home
• Feel supported – access to tailored wellness programmes and a positive team culture

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.

About the Role

As an Occupational Therapist within STAR 2 (Treatment, Assessment & Rehabilitation), you'll work with adults aged 18+ who are experiencing disability, illness, injury or age-related challenges.

No two days will be exactly the same.

You'll use your occupational therapy expertise to assess, treat and rehabilitate patients, helping them maximise their functional abilities and regain independence.

You'll be involved in:

• Functional assessment and rehabilitation
• Goal setting with patients and whānau
• Developing practical strategies to support independence
• Equipment and environmental assessments
• Patient and whānau education
• Safe and effective discharge planning
• Working closely with the wider multidisciplinary team

This is a fantastic opportunity for an Occupational Therapist with experience in inpatient assessment, treatment and rehabilitation (ATR) services who enjoys working with people and seeing tangible outcomes from their work.

Your specialist skills could be a bonus!

Experience or accreditation in any of the following would be highly regarded:

•  Wheelchair assessment
•  Postural management
•  Basic housing modifications

Don't have all of these? That's okay! We're interested in your overall experience, attitude and willingness to learn.

About the Team/Service

 Based in the STAR (Treatment, Assessment & Rehabilitation) unit, Palmerston North Hospital. Our Occupational Therapy team plays a vital role in helping patients regain independence and quality of life after illness, injury, or surgery. We focus on holistic, patient-centred care, safe discharge planning and meaningful engagement in daily life.

Employing over 2500 people, MidCentral offers a supportive work environment that accepts and values all employees.  We actively seek Māori kaimahi into our workforce and provide an environment which delivers our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

MidCentral region offers an excellent lifestyle for families with scenic spots for hiking and mountain-biking, great schools and tertiary institutions.  With the mountains, city and sea at your doorstep, you'll get to taste the best of both worlds – the perfect blend of rural and city living.

About the Location

Manawatū offers the perfect blend of city convenience and rural charm. Whether you're drawn to peaceful village life, vibrant townships, or the buzz of the city, you'll find your ideal lifestyle here. It's a family-friendly region that's easy to live in and even easier to love. The region is also home to excellent schools and two tertiary institutions: Massey University and the International Pacific College.

Outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled for choice—beaches, ski fields, lakes, and mountains are all within reach, along with fantastic hiking and mountain biking tracks. With no traffic and a short commute to work, achieving true work-life balance is the everyday reality.

Our central location makes it easy to explore the rest of New Zealand, whether you're heading off on a road trip or catching a short flight.

For more information on living and working in the Manawatu click here

Working at Health New Zealand

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.  

How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.”  All applications must be submitted through our online careers' portal by the advertised date. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Tara Penketh, Allied Health Recruitment Advisor (Email: Tara.Penketh@tewhatuora.govt.nz)

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.