Pou Maia - Occupational Therapist
Stand Childrens Services Tu Maia Whanau
Stand Tū Māia | Manukau City, Auckland
He karanga mōu kia mauri ora ai te ao o ā tātou tamariki me ō rātou whānau.
A call to you to help create a world where children and families are valued and flourish.
- Location: Manukau City, Auckland
- Employment: Permanent, full-time
- Hours: 40 hours per week, between 7am and 6pm
- Salary: $75,000 - $85,000 per annum
About Stand Tū Māia
At Stand Tū Māia, we are committed to creating a world where children and families are valued, supported and able to flourish. Our work focuses on supporting children who have experienced trauma and adversity, strengthening their wellbeing, resilience and connections with their whānau and communities.
Our approach is grounded in trauma-informed practice, meaningful relationships, cultural responsiveness and a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
About the Role
We are seeking a qualified and experienced Occupational Therapist to join our team in Manukau City, Auckland in a full time permanent capacity.
Working directly with children who have experienced trauma and adversity, you will provide therapeutic care, education and practical support to promote their emotional, social, physical and developmental wellbeing.
The role involves implementing individual care plans, delivering structured therapeutic programmes, supporting children's daily routines and development, and working collaboratively with families, whānau and other professionals to achieve positive outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver trauma-informed therapeutic care and education programmes tailored to individual children's needs.
- Contribute to the assessment, development, implementation and review of individual child and family care plans.
- Support children with daily routines, personal care, emotional regulation, learning and life skills.
- Build positive, trusting relationships with children, parents, caregivers and whānau.
- Support children's emotional, physical and social development, confidence, resilience and independence.
- Plan and facilitate individual and group therapeutic, educational and recreational activities.
- Monitor, document and report children's progress, behaviours, wellbeing and identified concerns.
- Maintain a safe, nurturing environment and comply with child protection, safeguarding and health and safety procedures.
- Work collaboratively with families, schools, health professionals and external support agencies.
- Maintain accurate case records, assessments and child and family plan documentation.
- Participate in professional supervision, training and continuous improvement activities.
To be considered for this position, you will need:
- Current registration as an Occupational Therapist in New Zealand and a current Annual Practising Certificate. Or the ability to become a NZ registered OT
- A minimum of two years' relevant work experience as an Occupational Therapist supporting children.
- A full driver's licence.
- Knowledge and practical understanding of trauma-informed care, child development, attachment and the impacts of childhood trauma.
- Demonstrated experience working with children and families experiencing complex needs and family dynamics.
- Ability to develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with children, families and caregivers.
- Experience implementing care plans, conducting assessments and maintaining accurate case records and documentation.
- Strong communication, interpersonal and collaborative working skills.
- Ability to work independently, applying appropriate professional frameworks, tools and theories to inform practice.
- Understanding of child protection, safeguarding, confidentiality and professional boundaries.
- Ability to respond calmly and appropriately to challenging situations and changing needs.
- Ability to engage effectively with people from diverse cultural and social backgrounds.
- Openness to understanding and valuing Te Ao Māori, with a commitment to bicultural practice and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
- Commitment to professional supervision, ongoing learning and maintaining professional standards.
What We Offer
At Stand Tū Māia, you'll be part of a supportive and collaborative team committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their whānau.
We offer good working conditions, a genuine commitment to employee wellbeing, and opportunities for ongoing training, professional supervision and development. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can be their true selves.
As an employee of Stand Tū Māia, you will be a Pou Māia nō Tū Māia. This means standing together, side by side and shoulder to shoulder, to achieve our shared vision. Together, we are resilient, strong and confident pillars of the house of Stand Tū Māia.
How to Apply
To download the PD, and to apply for this job go to: https://standtumaiajobs.co.nz/Vacancies & enter ref code: 6942974.
Applications close 11 November 2026
Please submit your CV and a covering letter addressing the key competencies and requirements of the role.
For further information or a confidential discussion, contact: Pene Frost - Regional Manager / Pou Toko Phone: 09 534 4017 or via email: pene.frost@standtumaia.nz
Applications close: 11 Nov 2026