Occupational Therapy/Social Work - New Entry to Specialist Practice (NESP)

Exciting opportunities await New Graduate Occupational Therapists and Social Workers.

We are looking for motivated and passionate Occupational Therapists and Social Workers to join the Allied Health New Entry to Specialist Practice (AH NESP) programme within Specialist Mental Health Service (SMHS), Waitaha Canterbury. 

These positions are supernumerary for 11months, providing opportunity to work alongside experienced and skilled Occupational Therapists and Social Workers to consolidate and develop your clinical skills. 

With allocated study days, your study and learning will be applied to your clinical practice. 

At SMHS we are committed to building equity for tāngata whai ora and our Māori and Pacifica workforce. One of these supernumerary positions has been prioritised for a Māori or Pacifica clinician. We also welcome applicants with lived experience of mental health. 

 These supernumerary NESP roles provide:

• Up to 2 rotations through different clinical areas within SMHS.
• Thorough orientation and training package.
• Provision of a workplace mentor.
• Regular individual and group clinical supervision.
• Completion of the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science (Allied Mental Health and Addictions). For more info: https://www.tepou.co.nz/initiatives/new-entry-to-specialist-practice-allied-mental-health-and-addiction/48 
• Fixed term, 11months (January – December)
• Ongoing communication of permanent role opportunities throughout 2027. 

You must be:

• Either a new graduate Occupational Therapist or Social Worker, or a clinician with less than 2 years’ experience within mental health.
• Registered OR provisionally registered with OTBNZ or SWRB.
• Committed to learning and developing your professional practice in mental health domain.
• A New Zealand resident, with a full driver’s license. 

Your application must include:

• A copy of your CV, including the names and contact details of two referees.
• A one page covering letter stating, “Why you want to develop a career in Mental Health, and what particular qualities and experiences you would bring into SMHS”. 

Please apply online, or for further queries, contact:

Aleisha Anderson Clinical Lead for Occupational Therapy, SMHS aleisha.anderson@cdhb.health.nz Mob: 0211975974

Emily Cassels, Clinical Lead for Social Work, SMHS emily.cassels@tewhatuora.govt.nz Mob: 0211993138

Apply now

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