Occupational Therapist – Acute Inpatient (Oncology/Renal)

Location: Wellington Regional Hospital 

Contract: Permanent, Full Time (0.9 FTE / 36 hours per week)

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we’re building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability, whānau-centred care, and excellence. 

About the Role 

This role is primarily working on acute oncology/renal ward at Wellington Hospital and offers a unique opportunity to develop specialist skills within oncology and renal care while maintaining the variety and pace of an acute inpatient setting. You will support patients with complex medical needs, including those undergoing cancer treatment, living with chronic kidney disease, receiving dialysis, or managing the functional impacts of serious illness. As part of the wider inpatient occupational therapy service, you will also play an important role in supporting patient flow across Wellington Regional Hospital, helping to facilitate timely discharge planning, optimise bed utilisation, and enable acute services to respond effectively to changing patient demand. 

The role involves comprehensive occupational therapy assessment, equipment prescription, discharge planning, cognitive and functional evaluation, and working closely with patients and whānau to support safe transitions from hospital. You will be part of a highly collaborative multidisciplinary team, contributing to patient-centred care that prioritises quality of life, independence, and equity of access. This is an excellent opportunity for an occupational therapist who enjoys building strong clinical relationships, managing complex presentations, and making a meaningful impact during a pivotal stage of a person's healthcare journey.

About the Team/Service Location 

Our inpatient occupational therapy team is made up of 22 occupational therapists, including 9 rotational clinicians working across a range of specialties and settings of care across the district. We are an enthusiastic, supportive, and collaborative team committed to delivering patient-centred care within a fast-paced tertiary hospital environment. Our focus is on assessing and treating patients to maximise independence, facilitate safe and timely discharge, and support patient flow across Wellington Regional Hospital.

We are part of the wider ORA (Older Persons, Rehabilitation and Allied Health) service, providing opportunities to connect with occupational therapists working across inpatient, outpatient, rehabilitation, and community settings. Within the inpatient service, occupational therapists work closely alongside physiotherapists, speech-language therapists, social workers, dietitians, nursing staff, and medical teams. Sharing a common clinical workspace fosters strong interdisciplinary relationships, creates excellent opportunities for learning and professional development, and ensures a truly team-based approach to patient care. If you are looking for a role where you can build your clinical expertise while being supported by knowledgeable and approachable colleagues, our team offers a fantastic environment in which to grow and thrive.

About you 

We are looking for a motivated and adaptable occupational therapist who enjoys working in a busy acute care environment and thrives as part of a multidisciplinary team. You will be a clinician with strong assessment, clinical reasoning, and communication skills, who can confidently manage competing priorities and make sound decisions in a fast-paced setting. You will have a patient-centred approach and be committed to supporting equitable health outcomes for the diverse communities we serve.

Whether you are an experienced acute clinician or looking to further develop your skills within a tertiary hospital, you will bring a willingness to learn, collaborate, and contribute positively to team culture. You'll enjoy building relationships with patients, whānau, and colleagues, and be motivated by the opportunity to help people maximise their independence while supporting safe and efficient patient flow across the hospital. Most importantly, you will be a team player who values continuous learning, embraces new challenges, and is committed to delivering high-quality occupational therapy services.

Working at Health New Zealand 

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is ‘the weaving of wellness’. We're dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. 

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Health New Zealand are committed to being good employers and honouring our equal employment opportunity obligations. We embrace diversity and welcome application from all people, including all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and disability. A workforce that is diverse and inclusive means that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We are pro-equity health organisation, with a particular focus on Māori, Pacific Peoples, and the Disability Community. 

How to Apply 

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Philip.Adamson@tewhatuora.govt.nz 

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advertisement.

Position description Apply now

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