Occupational Therapist

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 | Mō tēnei tūranga

This is a Fixed-term, Part time position (0.6) role based in Timaru.

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

• Build and strengthen the capability of those who are best placed to support learning such as parents, teachers and families.
• Identify, set up and provide advice about the environmental changes, support, equipment and technology a child or young person may need.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with a range of professional partners, community and sector groups and support agencies to ensure that services are coordinated and effective
• Enhance inclusive practices in schools and other educational settings.
• Work effectively as part of a transdisciplinary team.
• Provide 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. (https://hepikorua.education.govt.nz/)

Salary range: $69,966 - $118,450 per annum plus KiwiSaver.  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 | Mōhou ake

To be successful you will need:

• A Bachelor of Occupational Therapy or equivalent as approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand.
• To be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand and hold a current practicing certificate.
• An ability to translate specialist knowledge of occupational theory and practice in the development of appropriate interventions in inclusive educational settings.
• An ability and willingness to work in collaborative partnership with other professionals, agencies, families, and the sector.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively with ākonga | learners, whānau | families and kaiako | teachers across a diverse range of settings.
• To demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori.
• 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 drivers licence.
• A genuine commitment to evidence-based interventions, which demonstrate inclusive education practice and contribute to raising student achievement.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Mahau | Education Services

The Education Services Group provides well-designed, integrated education services that support the impactful and effective operation of education settings to support student achievement and participation. The services help to remove barriers to participation and learning and provide regulatory advice, support and oversight to early learning providers, schools and kura.

The Group has three key priorities for Education Services:

• Practice & Guidance: Managing practice and guidance to improve national coordination and consistency, whilst enabling regional autonomy for education service delivery.
• Integration & Delivery: Providing education support directly to education settings via integrated regional and national services. This includes intervening when necessary to ensure a high standard of operation to support student outcomes and owning key stakeholder relationships to support schooling improvement and stronger outcomes for learners.
• Monitoring & Improvement: Monitoring and advising on improvements to the effectiveness, efficiency and equity of services for achievement and progression, and attendance and participation. This includes monitoring education provider performance against regulations and intervening as required.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei 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 Karen Pearce, Service Manager at Karen.Pearce@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Tuesday, 21 April 2026.

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.