Registered Clinician

Occupational Therapist or HPCA-registered Health Practitioner

This is a fixed-term, part-time position working Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8.30am to 5:00pm, based in Rotorua. Fixed term contract is from 4 January 2027 to 30 August 2027.

You'll join our Whetū Marewa service — meaning 'rising star' — our access and choice programme for young people. The name reflects the potential within every taiohi and our belief that young people can achieve healthy, connected and fulfilling lives.

Whetū Marewa is a community-based, brief and early intervention service supporting taiohi who may be experiencing mild to moderate mental health challenges, or social stressors. You'll bring your experience, creativity and passion for working alongside taiohi, with a genuine belief in their strengths, potential and ability to create positive change.

You will bring:

• Current New Zealand clinical registration
• An understanding of local community issues and a commitment to tikanga Māori
• A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to upholding the mana of taiohi, whānau and the kaupapa
• Strong therapeutic skills and the ability to deliver effective brief and short-term interventions that achieve meaningful outcomes
• Experience in group facilitation, creating engaging and inclusive spaces where taiohi can connect, learn, share and build confidence
• A relationship-based approach that prioritises trust, connection, mana and the voice of the taiohi

We're looking for an experienced Occupational Therapist or HPCA-registered health practitioner (RN, Social Worker, DAPANZ, or similar). You'll be confident working within a brief and early intervention model and comfortable balancing clinical responsibility with a flexible, youth-centred approach.

Our preferred candidate will have:

• A current New Zealand practising certificate
• Experience working with young people/taiohi and whānau
• Experience in therapeutic interventions and group facilitation
• An understanding of local community issues and tikanga Māori
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills
• The ability to work independently and innovatively
• A full New Zealand Driver Licence
• A current first aid certificate
• Knowledge of, and demonstrable commitment to, the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi

We want our people to feel valued and supported, so you'll have access to a range of benefits, including:

• Discounted premiums with Southern Cross
• Perk & Perk Plus discount app
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Supportive team environment where creativity, innovation and wellbeing are valued

At REAL, connection matters. We're looking for someone who recognises each young person's strengths, adapts when the usual approach isn't working, and celebrates every step forward.

If you're an Occupational Therapist or HPCA-registered health practitioner who brings expertise, creativity, humour and a passion for helping taiohi flourish, we'd love you to join us.

Closing date: 12 November 2026. Please note, this job ad may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found.