Occupational Therapist

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand

Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.

About this role | Mo tenei turanga

• Exciting Occupational Therapy role where no two days are the same!
• Permanent, full-time position.
• Based in Pahiatua or Masterton office working in the Tararua local area.

We are looking for an Occupational Therapist to be part of a close-knit, community-focused team that maximises learning and promotes social inclusion for children and young people with learning support needs.

As an Occupational Therapist, you will play a critical role in our region's Learning Support team by:

• building and strengthening the capability of those who are best placed to support learning such as parents, teachers and families
• identifying, setting-up and providing advice about the environmental changes, support, equipment and technology a child or young person may need
• developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with a range of professional partners, community and sector groups and support agencies to ensure that services are coordinated and effective
• enhancing inclusive practices in schools and other educational settings
• working effectively as part of a transdisciplinary team
• providing high quality learning support in line with the practice framework, He Pikorua's guiding principles and content of the curricula delivered in Aotearoa New Zealand

Salary range: $69,966 - $118,450 per annum + 3% kiwi saver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For more details about the role, you can view the job description here.

About you | Mohou ake

To be successful in this role, you will need to have the following capabilities and competencies:

• a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy or equivalent as approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand
• be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand and hold a current practicing certificate
• the ability to translate specialist knowledge of occupational theory and practice in the development of appropriate interventions in inclusive educational settings
• the ability to co-ordinate service provision in a multi-agency, trans-disciplinary setting
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively with akonga/learners, whanau/families and kaiako/teachers across a diverse range of settings
• the ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tirirti o Waitangi and tangata whenuatanga
• the ability to develop and interact effectively with people of other cultures focusing on relationship and recognising their identity, language and culture as a source of strength
• a full current NZ driver licence as travel within the region is a requirement of this role
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Matau ropu ake

Te Mahau | Te Tai Runga provides leadership and integrated services to the education sector and others. This includes learning support; education advice and regulation functions for schools and early learning services; and advice and support with curriculum. We also share practice and learnings collaboratively with other Te Mahau and Ministry groups to support insights driven guidance, design, and policy.

Our Learning Support specialists work closely with families, whanau, caregivers, schools and early childhood educators in English and Maori medium settings and with other agencies to help maximise learning outcomes and promote social inclusion.

To learn more about Learning Support, the roles we offer, frequently asked questions, and more click here.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mo tenei mahi?

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the `apply' button. In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values, or anything else you'd like to share. We're keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For further information, please contact Kerry McBride (Service Manager, Tararua) at kerry.mcbride@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight - Monday 2 June 2025.

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.