Occupational Therapist - Child Development Services

Canterbury District Health Board; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading health organization in the United Kingdom is seeking a part-time Occupational Therapist to join their multidisciplinary child development team. The role involves providing assessments and interventions to help children with disabilities reach their developmental milestones. Ideal candidates will have a New Zealand Practicing Certificate, experience with children, and the ability to work autonomously. Candidates must embrace diversity and inclusion in a pro-equity health environment.

Qualifications

• Current New Zealand Practicing Certificate required.
• Experience working with children and their families is a must.
• Ability to plan and work autonomously is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide Occupational Therapy-specific assessments and interventions.
• Promote and facilitate children's developmental pathways.
• Work primarily in the child's home with education providers.

Skills

Clinical experience working with children

Ability to plan and work autonomously

Team player mentality

Education

New Zealand Practicing Certificate

Tools

Driver's Licence

Job description

Occupational Therapist - Child Development Services

• Permanent – Part Time 0.5 FTE

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 & Service

We are looking for an Occupational Therapist to join our enthusiastic and multidisciplinary child development team. This team includes Occupational Therapy, Dietetics, Orthotics, Physiotherapy / Neurodevelopmental Therapists, Speech & Language Therapy, Social Work, Clinical Psychology, and a team of Pediatricians.

This role will suit someone with experience and a special affinity for working with children and their families, who is enthusiastic about helping children reach or develop milestones, independence and/or wellbeing.

This position is supported by the wider multidisciplinary team. The primary responsibility is to provide Occupational Therapy‑specific assessments and a variety of interventions primarily in the child’s home, with close links with education providers.

The aim of the service is to promote and facilitate each child’s developmental pathway so that their maximal potential is attained through their development and growth.

About you

The person in this role will provide appropriate and evidence‑based assessment and therapy interventions for children who have disabilities, or who are not achieving developmental milestones. If you strive to achieve the maximum potential for each child, then this role is for you.

As a registered Occupational Therapist the ideal candidate will have:

• A current New Zealand Practicing Certificate
• Demonstrated clinical experience working with children and their families
• Ability to plan and work autonomously
• Hold a current and valid New Zealand Driver's Licence
• Right to work in New Zealand
• Desire to be a team player

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 applications 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 serve our community. We are a pro‑equity health organisation, with a particular focus on Māori, Pacific Peoples, and the Disability Community.

We look forward to receiving your application directly via our Careers Site.

Applications Close: Wednesday 14 th January 2026.

Review of applications will commence: Thursday 22 nd January 2026.

Closing Date: Wednesday, 14 January 2026