Occupational Therapist

Ngā mōhiohio e pā ana ki tēnei mahi (About this position)

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.

Te āhuatunga a te tūrunga (About the role)

We have a permanent, part-time (0.6FTE) Occupational Therapist vacancy at our Nelson Office, which is within the Nelson Marlborough West Coast region.

Furthermore, as an Occupational Therapist at the Ministry of Education you will:

• Provide high quality learning support services to facilities, learners, parents/caregivers and to other service users in accordance with the guiding principles of the NZ Curriculum Framework
• Respond to referrals, provide assessment and through direct or indirect intervention implement school based occupational therapy programmes to meet the needs of identified learners
• Develop and implement, either individually or as a member of a team, inclusive programmes by working collaboratively with parents, whanau, caregivers, teachers/educators and other professionals

For more details about the role, you can view the job description here.

Ko wai koe (About you)

You will offer:

• A track record of bringing people together and leading, coaching and mentoring others to achieve outcomes
• Postgraduate experience with at least one year in paediatrics or neurology
• A commitment to ongoing personal and professional development
• Ability to apply specialist knowledge of occupational therapy theory and practice in the development of appropriate interventions in inclusive educational settings
• Ability to undertake a range of formal and informal assessment procedures using a range of assessment tools and to interpret the results
• Ability to translate specialist knowledge into practical information that will assist in the development, provision and support of individual programmes in order to overcome barriers to learning
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct

OFFER

The group has three key priorities for education services:

• Practice and guidance: Managing practice and guidance to improve national coordination and consistency, whilst enabling regional autonomy for education service delivery
• Integration and 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 and 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

Ngā huanga o tēnei mahi (The benefits of this position)

Te Tono (How to apply)

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 Leanne Greep, Service Manager, Nelson on 027 213 8576 at leanne.greep@education.govt.nz

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 12 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.

Ētahi atu mōhiohio (More information)