Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist - Acute

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Permanent Full-time
• Work and play in the sunny Eastern Bay of Plenty
• Professional development and support + Wellbeing programme 

Join Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora at a key time of change where you will meaningfully contribute to our kaupapa of creating a more equitable, accessible, cohesive and people-centred health system. This is mahi that will improve the health and well-being of everyone in Aotearoa, and we've got an opportunity for you to be part of it. 

He Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the Role

The Occupational Therapy Clinical Lead role provides clinical support for the staff Occupational Therapists across Emergency; Acute Care Unit; medical, surgical and paediatric wards; inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation at Whakatāne Hospital.  

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced Occupational Therapist wanting to develop their leadership capabilities. This is an opportunity to advance your skills in: 

• Provision of clinical leadership, coordination, and support for the acute Occupational Therapy team
• Supervision and development of new and existing staff
• Fostering a culture of clinical excellence, innovation and strategic thinking
• Development of relationships through close liaison with other services both internal and external
• Facilitation of clinical practice development within the multidisciplinary team 

In this role you will carry a clinical caseload as required across the hospital setting, while providing day to day coordination for a small team. You will also work collaboratively with other clinical leads across the district, the Occupational Therapy Professional Lead, and Whakatane Acute Allied Health Services Team Lead. Leadership support and training will be provided as well as regular professional development and collegial support.  

Please click here for more information on Whakatane and what it has to offer. 

He korero mōu - About You

We are looking for a person with New Zealand Registration and current Annual Practicing Certificate from the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand. 

Our preferred candidate will have:

• At least four years' experience 
• Evidence of strong clinical and leadership skills.
• Experience in teaching and mentoring other health professionals.
• Have excellent listening, verbal and written communication skills, and able to work with a wide range of people from a variety of backgrounds.
• A commitment to achieving equitable outcomes for Māori
• Knowledge of quality improvement principles and processes 

Mō Tātou – About Us

Boasting some of the most sunlight hours in New Zealand, Whakatāne offers award winning beaches for both surf and fun. Be still and listen to the native bird chorus in our bush clad walkways, plus swim in the cleanest freshwater lakes around. Come join our team who are already enjoying a uniquely rewarding lifestyle outside of the main cities. Whakatāne is small but mighty, featuring all the things you need whilst remaining within easy travel to Tauranga and Rotorua for that little bit extra. 

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty is spread across a vast geographical area and centred across two hospitals based in Tauranga and Whakatāne.  We serve a population of approximately 308,000 for the major population centres of Tauranga, Katikati, Te Puke, Whakatāne, Kawerau and Ōpōtiki.  Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty is one of the Bay of Plenty's largest employers with over 4500 staff. 

Ko o tatou painga – Our Benefits

• In-house career development
• Competitive remuneration
• Flexible working practices (e.g. we support work life balance and flexible work arrangements whenever possible)
• Highly rewarding role and opportunity to make a difference!
• Be a valued member of a multidisciplinary team
• Subsidised hospital gym membership & wellbeing programme
• Free flu vaccination
• Discounts (with local businesses) 

Tō mātou whakahaere ki te tika, te rerekētanga, me te whai wāhi mai - Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

Our name, Te Whatu Ora, means ‘the weaving of wellness'. Whatu is the combining together of people, resources, organisations, thoughts and actions for the betterment and wellbeing of all. Whatu is also a direct reference to the pupil of the eye, and the vision required of the new entity and system. 

At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora we acknowledge and respect our people's diversity and spiritual needs, ensuring a safe workplace that is a whānau orientated and supportive environment. We are working towards a system that better meets the complex demands of a growing population, addresses the persistent inequalities experienced by Māori and ensures greater access, experience and outcomes for those traditionally not well served by the system – Māori, Pacific and Disabled People. 

Tō tūranga i roto i Te Whatu Ora - Your place in Te Whatu Ora

When you join us, you become part of transforming the health system. This is a once in a life-time change, that will touch the lives of everyone in Aotearoa, and future generations. We want to see the real you in your application and welcome the real you on board if you come and work with us. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just in formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the ad, but the experience was gained through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter. 

We particularly welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. 

Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to Apply

You can view the position description below and to apply for the role please click “APPLY NOW.” 

For tracking and reporting purposes, all applications must be submitted through our online career's portal.  For additional information or to arrange a confidential chat, contact Kylie Wilson, Acute Allied Health Leader, via email kylie.wilson@bopdhb.govt.nz.

Please note applications will be processed as they are received so we encourage you to apply early, as the advert may be removed before the closing date. 

Please review the Allied Health and Technical PSA MECA for employment terms and conditions. 

Children's Act 2014

Due to this position having contact with children and Te Whatu Ora Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty commitment to child protection, you will be subject to ‘safety checks' under the Children's Act at the time of hire and thereafter as per the relevant legislation.