Occupational Therapist, Advanced Practitioner

**_New Permanent 1.0 FTE position is now available for experienced Occupational Therapists to join our team working in the Emergency Department, Christchurch Hospital. _**:

- **_We'll offer you an attractive relocation package covering flights, belongings, and short term accommodation as you settle into your new city*._**:

- **_ Excellent results on team engagement._**:

- **_ Improve your work-life balance._**:

- **_ Registration with the NZ Occupational Therapy Board and an Annual Practicing Certificate is essential._**

**Why Christchurch?**

With nature and adventure on the doorstep, a revitalised city centre, short commutes, affordable housing, quality education and opportunity for career growth, life in Christchurch offers a work-life balance that is top notch.

We boast 2143 hours of annual sunlight, 14 ski areas, 35 wineries, 350km of walking tracks, 700+ gardens and parks, and an average of 19 mins commute time.

**_ The Team: _**What we do**

We have a new exciting opportunity to join the supportive Occupational Therapy team at Christchurch Hospital. We are looking for an experienced NZ Registered Occupational Therapist to join us on a permanent basis working within the Emergency Department. This is a newly funded Advanced Practitioner role and they will join the existing ED team which includes an Expert Occupational Therapy Practitioner. As part of the team you will be further developing the ED service for Occupational Therapy and the wider Allied Health team.

The positions is 1.0 FTE and will be rostered over a 7 day week between the hours of 0800 and 2000. This may be able to be worked as 5x 8 hours shifts or 4x 10 hour shifts.

You will have a minimum of 5 years clinical experience and have proven advanced clinical skills and knowledge of the acute hospital setting, and working with older people experiencing frailty related conditions. You will be able to demonstrate clinical leadership expertise and experience in leading quality improvement initiatives.

**_The Role:_** Where you fit in;**

In this role, you will be responsible for:

- Working with patients In the ED area to deliver specific occupational therapy assessments which include a major focus on frailty and head injury assessment.
- Comprehensive assessments will support the wider ED team to make sound decision on discharge to home or admission to the hospital for patients seen. You will work as part of an IDT Allied Health team and will support further development of IDT working in this area.
- Working with patients from diverse social and cultural backgrounds and working collaboratively with whanau, the wider multidisciplinary team to ensure the best outcomes;
- Identifying and contributing towards service improvement initiatives.
- Being involved in transfer and discharge planning.
- Mentoring and supervision of other colleagues within the wider Occupational Therapy service

Your skills will include:

- Comprehensive clinical assessment, diagnostic reasoning./interpretation within scope and competency, and problem solving skills
- Minimum of 5 years relevant clinical experience, with experience/knowledge of working in acute care environment as well as older persons health.
- Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively, to develop positive interpersonal relationships, and work flexibly within the inter-disciplinary team, with a team player attitude
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, to liaise effectively with health professionals both within the in-patient services and in the community
- Strong clinical reasoning skills and use of evidence informed practice
- Effective time management and organisational skills
- Strong prioritisation skills and experience with complex discharge planning
- Registration with the NZ Occupational Therapy Board and current Annual Practicing Certificate (or eligibility to obtain);
- A positive attitude and passion for this area of work;
This role is a permanent role of 80 hours per fortnight.

It is also expected that you will contribute to the ward weekend roster at times.

**Ngā** **hua | Benefits of working at Te Whatu Ora [Health New Zealand]**

When you work at the Te Whatu Ora, you are part of a wider whānau that will support you along your journey. We offer great coaching, mentoring and learning outcomes for all staff. We are always improving our facilities across all campuses and have amazing discounts from select retailers, restaurants and business.

We have a range of clinical and non-clinical roles at Health New Zealand, there could be a place for you

Please visit our careers website for other roles and find your ideal fit within Health New Zealand.

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