Occupational Therapist – Burwood Spinal Unit

• Permanent part-time position 0.5FTE (20 hours per week)
• Available January 2027, based in Burwood Spinal Unit 
• Registration and a current APC is essential

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

An opportunity now exists for an Occupational Therapist to work within the inpatient’s services at Burwood Hospital.

In this role you will work with patients to enable optimum safety and function during this phase of their recovery.

You’ll work with clients from diverse social and cultural backgrounds and need to bring your holistic skills, enthusiasm and passion to achieve the best outcome for your patients.

You will need to demonstrate your excellent communication skills and build rapport with patients and their whānau. 

Burwood Hospital offers the opportunity to be part of both the ward team and the wider Occupational Therapy Department and take the opportunities to access professional development through, in-service training and clinical supervision.

About the Service

As one of two national spinal units in New Zealand, we support people living with Spinal Injuries from Invercargill to New Plymouth.  

This role is working with acute spinal cord injured patients who have been admitted to Burwood Hospital. This is an opportunity to work in one of two national and internationally recognised units, and gain specialised skills in this field.  This role includes the ability to rehabilitate people who have experienced a life changing event to become independent and return to the community. Your day would include upper limb rehabilitation, ADL rehabilitation, wheelchair and seating assessment and provision and complex discharge planning.

About You

This role requires an individual with experience with upper limb rehabilitation and rehabilitation following tendon and nerve surgeries.  An understanding of the long term health concerns for people with spinal cord injuries would be beneficial. 

In these roles, you will be responsible for:

• Undertaking Occupational Therapy assessments and developing and implementing treatment plans, considered within a holistic approach;
• Providing education and resource, where appropriate, to the client and their family/whanau, as well as the wider team;
• Prioritising, organising and managing a case load while allocating time appropriately;

Skills and Experience

Your skills will include:

• Comprehensive clinical assessment and problem-solving skills,
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively, to develop positive interpersonal relationships, and work flexibly within the team, with a team player attitude
• Excellent skills working within teams and maintaining relationships with service providers in the community;
• 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
• A positive attitude and enthusiasm for this area of work
• Enable NZ Equipment accreditation or willingness to obtain;
• Registration with the NZ Occupational Therapy Board and current Annual Practicing Certificate
• A minimum of 2 years’ post-qualification experience;
• As local travel is required, a full driver’s license is essential.

Working at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

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 03/09/26. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Courtney Bell at Courtney.bell@cdhb.health.nz

Applications sent via email will not be accepted. We encourage you to apply early as we will be reviewing applications as we receive them and reserve the right to close this advertisement early.

Position description Apply now

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