Occupational Therapist - MHSOP

Community Mental Health Occupational Therapist
Mental Health and Addiction Services for Older People (MHSOP)

Rotorua & Taupo Hospital

Permanent Part-time

About the Service

As part of Health New Zealand |Te Whatu Ora we offer an opportunity to Support Vulnerable Elderly living in the community who are experiencing mental health issues, addiction, cognitive impairment, and dementia with behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).

Health New Zealand |Te Whatu Ora Lakes provides healthcare from its two modern and progressive general hospitals in Rotorua and Taupo, New Zealand. The Lakes district is becoming the lifestyle destination of choice and is well-known for its many outdoor recreational activities, family friendly beaches, and a growing multi-cultural community. Working at Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora Lakes provides a great opportunity to balance an amazing lifestyle with a rewarding professional experience.

As well as a supportive, inclusive and diverse work environment, Health New Zealand |Te Whatu Ora Lakes offer competitive salary, free staff parking, free flu vaccination, discounts (with local businesses), and access to Employee Assistance Program.

For more information on living and working in Rotorua and Taupo click here

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Occupational Therapist to join our multi-disciplinary team at Mental Health & Addiction Service for Older People supporting vulnerable older adults in Rotorua, with some duties provided in Taupo.

Our ideal candidate brings kindness, empathy and genuine respect for the dignity of every kāumatua and whānau we serve. These qualities align with our model of care Te Ara Tauwhirotanga: Pathways that lead us to act with kindness. Te Ara Tauwhirotanga was founded to guide the design and delivery of a new mental health and addiction inpatient unit and was subsequently adopted across all mental health and addiction services in the sector. Many voices, including consumer and whānau voices, contributed to its development and for many of us the values expressed in the model are very close to our hearts.

In this role, you will walk alongside elderly individuals experiencing mental health challenges, addiction, and dementia with behavioural and psychological symptoms. You will offer clinical expertise grounded in patience, cultural understanding, and the ability to listen deeply. Your support will help people remain safe, connected, and empowered within their homes and communities.

Your role will include:

Conducting mental health, risk and wellness assessments
Supporting individuals with mood disorders, psychosis, substance use concerns, and dementia-related behaviours
Developing person-centred care plans in partnership with clients and whānau
Providing psychoeducation, medication support, and brief therapeutic interventions
Liaising across services to coordinate wraparound care
Upholding cultural safety, tikanga, and partnership with Māori
Advocating for the rights and wellbeing of vulnerable older people
Participating in MDT discussions, case reviews, and service development.
If you are committed to delivering holistic, person centred care and can build trusting relationships with those who need it most we would love to hear from you.

About you

We are seeking someone who embodies kindness, empathy, patience and the ability to listen deeply to those we support. You will be committed to the wellbeing of elderly Māori and non-Māori, and confident in working with individuals who may present with complex mental health and behavioural needs.

Essential qualities and skills:

Registered Occupational Therapist with current APC
Experience in mental health, addiction, dementia care, or psychogeriatrics
Strong communication and therapeutic engagement skills
Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team
Respect for cultural values and a commitment to equitable outcomes for Māori
A compassionate, non-judgemental, and supportive approach
Why join our team

Work in a service that values whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and dignity
Support some of the most vulnerable members of our community
Be part of a collaborative, supportive and culturally grounded team
Opportunities for ongoing training and professional development
Make meaningful difference in the lives of elderly clients and their whānau
If you are committed to delivering holistic, high-quality care with heart with heart, we would love to hear from you.

Click here for Position Description

Click here for Collective Agreement (if applicable)

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. 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.

How to Apply

To apply please click apply now. All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before end of posting date. If you have any questions about the role, please contact vacancy@lakesdhb.govt.nz.

The selection process starts from the date of advertising. Due to the fast-paced nature of our roles, the vacancy close date may be subject to change.