Occupational Therapist or Social Worker - Adult Community, Rural

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

Te āhuatunga a te tūrunga (About the role)

• Canterbury
• Permanent, part-time role (0.6 FTE, 24 hours per week)
• Rural Sector Adult Community Mental Health team
• New Zealand registration with the relevant professional board and current Annual Practicing Certificate is essential

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the role

The Rural Adult Community Mental Health Service has an exciting opportunity for an Allied Health Case Manager (Occupational Therapist or Social Worker) with mental health experience to join their team.

The team provides an assessment and treatment service for tāngata whaiora (consumers) experiencing moderate to severe mental health issues and works closely with their whānau (family) - both in the rural community and alongside inpatient services. The Rural team covers between Kaikoura to the north and the Rakaia River to the south, and there will be day travel to these locations.

Ko wai koe (About you)

We are looking for a professional and highly motivated Allied Health Case Manager to join our team. This is a generic case management role where you will hold a caseload, however you will have the opportunity to utilise your profession specific skills (such as functional performance assessments using OT processes, and cognitive and sensory performance components if you are an OT).

To be successful in our team, you will:

• display a positive attitude and enthusiasm for this area of work
• enjoy being part of a committed and diverse multi-disciplinary team
• work in collaboration with a group of professionals that recognises the importance of providing quality care and services to Whaiora, and whānau.

Interacting with a variety of stakeholders, you will have an ability to effectively manage and prioritise assessments, formulations and interventions in the community. 

OFFER

You will have the following skills and experience:

• It is essential that you have the ability to think on your feet, triage and prioritise tāngata whaiora's needs appropriately, and in a timely manner
• You will work alongside tāngata whaiora who you will proactively engage with and support to engage with their treatment and other holistic supports
• Highly developed risk assessment is important as is your ability to develop effective rapport with people who may be mentally unwell or distressed
• A minimum of two years' experience in a mental health setting is preferable
• New Zealand Registration as an Allied Health Professional with Annual Practicing certificate is essential

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

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

Te Tono (How to apply)

To apply please click 'apply now'. All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal by Friday, 13 November 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Lisa Gray, Recruitment Partner lisa.gray2@tewhatuora.govt.nz

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

We only accept online applications. Please apply via our website.

Ētahi atu mōhiohio (More information)