Occupational Therapist – Youth Forensic Team

• Fixed term position (1.0 FTE) from March 2026
• Work within an experienced multidisciplinary team and develop your expertise as a Clinical or Child & Family Psychologist
• Provide mental health interventions for vulnerable young people in collaboration with external services

About the Role 

Are you ready for a change and creativity? Our supportive Youth Forensic Team at Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury has a fulltime (40 hours per week) fixed term vacancy for an experienced Occupational Therapist based out of Whakatata House in central Christchurch and covering Canterbury. Our vibrant Team works hard to make a difference for these vulnerable young people using an assertive outreach approach.

In this role, you will be responsible for:

• Undertaking comprehensive mental health and AOD screens and assessments utilising clinical interviewing, diagnostic, and behavioural assessment;
• Formulating and delivering appropriate intervention plans, as part of case management with young people aged 10 to 18 and their family/whanau;
• Providing profession specific assessment and intervention;
• Youth court liaison work – into Youth Court, Youth Drug Court, Te Kooti Rangatahi;
• Presenting assessments, management plans and materials to other groups;
• Providing consultation and interventions into Te Puna Wai o Tuhinapo (Youth Justice residence) and the Youth Wing at Christchurch Men’s Prison;
• Liaison with Youth Justice Agencies, Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s) and Regional services.

Are you motivated and flexible to work in this challenging area? Work both autonomously and as part of our team to develop professional relationships with our many community partners/agencies whom you will be liaising with. The ability to work in close collaboration with young people, their family / whanau, other team members as well as partnering organisations is imperative to effectively engage appropriate clinical interventions for this client group. 

The team has a range of skills and clinical expertise and are very supportive of staff new to the area. Opportunities for professional development are provided and encouraged to continue to build the expertise and resourcefulness of this team!

Please note this is a fixed term position from March 2026 for up to 12 months covering parental leave – the incumbent can give a one month notice of intention to return to work.

About You

You will have the ability to develop sound psychiatric assessment skills and a robust knowledge of relevant legislation including Oranga Tamariki Act, MHA, Criminal Justice Act. Your ability to accurately identify risk and planand advise appropriate management strategies will be highly skilled. 

Experience working within Child, Adolescent and Family services, Specialist Mental Health, is desirable for this role. Consideration would be given if you have familiarity working with youth, and families/whanau within a mental health context. Experience working with Maori and applying the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi to your practice is essential. Bring your professional experience to provide consultation and management advice to the Youth Justice Residential facility (Te Puna Wai o Tuhinapo), to assist with their interactions and care of the challenging young people admitted there. 

The successful candidate will be able to build strong effective relationships with outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, will be organised and methodical in their approach to administration and time management, and will have flexibility and adaptability to meet the changeable nature of our mahi.

Current NZ Registration and APC in your profession is essential.

A current full NZ Drivers Licence is required for this position.

This is a 1.0FTE, fixed term position, Mon – Fri.

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 Wednesday 11th February.

 If you have any questions about the role, please contact Recruitment Partner Lisa Gray on Lisa.Gray2@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.