Occupational Therapist - Advanced Clinician ED

• Fixed term, part time 0.875FTE position covering parental leave through to December 2026
• Hours of work are 70 hours/ fortnight on a rotating roster
• Based at Christchurch Health Campus

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we’re building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability, whānau-centred care, and excellence.

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity to join the supportive Occupational Therapy team at Christchurch Hospital. We are looking for an experienced NZ Registered Occupational Therapist to join us on a fixed term basis working within the Emergency Department. You will join the existing ED team which includes an Expert Occupational Therapy Practitioner. As part of the team you will be further developing the ED service for Occupational Therapy and the wider Allied Health team.

The position is part time and will be rostered over a 7 day week between the hours of 0730 and 2000, as 7 x 10 hour shifts a fortnight, we operate a 4 week roster. 

You will have a minimum of 5 years clinical experience and have proven advanced clinical skills and knowledge of the acute hospital setting, and working with older people experiencing frailty related conditions. You will be able to demonstrate clinical leadership expertise and experience in leading quality improvement initiatives.

In this role, you will be responsible for:

• Working with patients In the ED area to deliver specific occupational therapy assessments which include a major focus on frailty and head injury assessment
• Comprehensive assessments will support the wider ED team to make sound decision on discharge to home or admission to the hospital for patients seen.  You will work as part of an IDT Allied Health team and will support further development of IDT working in this area
• Working with patients from diverse social and cultural backgrounds and working collaboratively with whanau, the wider multidisciplinary team to ensure the best outcomes
• Identifying, contributing towards and leading service improvement initiatives
• Being involved in transfer and discharge planning
• Mentoring and supervision of students and other colleagues within the wider Occupational Therapy service

About You

Your skills will include:

• Comprehensive clinical assessment, clinical reasoning/interpretation within scope and competency, and problem solving skills
• 5 years relevant clinical experience with experience/knowledge of working in acute care environment as well as older persons health
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively, to develop positive interpersonal relationships, and work flexibly within the inter-disciplinary team, with a team player attitude
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, to liaise effectively with health professionals both within the in-patient services and in the community
• Strong clinical reasoning skills and use of evidence informed practice
• Effective time management and organisational skills
• Strong prioritisation skills and experience with complex discharge planning
• Registration with the NZ Occupational Therapy Board and current Annual Practicing Certificate (or eligibility to obtain)
• A positive attitude and passion for this area of work

It is also expected that you will contribute to the ward weekend roster at times.

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is ‘the weaving of wellnesses. We're dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. The Equity Work Programme at Health NZ focuses on helping everyone in the health system think about equity when they do their work. It also promotes the cultural change needed for the whole system to reach equity in health outcomes.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Health New Zealand are committed to being good employers and honouring our equal employment opportunity obligations.

We particularly welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To view the position description and/or apply for the role please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59pm on Sunday 28th September. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Alex Jay at Alexandra.jay@tewhatuora.govt.nz or Clinical Manager Bronwyn Suzana on 0274 330 950 or Brownyn.suzana@cdhb.health.nz

Please note, we will be reviewing applications when received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.