Occupational Therapist - Little Stars SMART Centre
Palmerston North | Full-Time | Start Date: End of 2026 / Beginning of 2027
An exciting opportunity is available for a dynamic and enthusiastic Occupational Therapist to join the team at Little Stars SMART Centre in Palmerston North. We are ideally seeking an Occupational Therapist with two or more years' experience, preferably in paediatrics.
Little Stars SMART Centre is a warm, family-centred charitable organisation providing intensive therapy and support for children and young people aged 6 months to 18 years with a range of developmental, physical, and sensory needs.
As part of our dedicated transdisciplinary team, you will work alongside Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, a Music Therapist/Conductor (Conductive Education), a Speech Language Therapist, Therapy Assistants, and whānau to support children to achieve meaningful outcomes.
About the Role
This role includes:
Assessment, programme planning, implementation, and evaluation
Supporting children and young people aged 6 months to 18 years
Working collaboratively with whānau as integral members of the transdisciplinary team
Delivering centre-based therapy programmes and supporting the transfer of skills into home, early childhood and school settings
Contributing to the development and delivery of training for families and professionals
Our service is guided by the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, which inform our practice and relationships with the children, young people, and whānau we support.
About Little Stars
Little Stars SMART Centre provides specialist, intensive programmes tailored to meet the unique needs of children and their families. We support children with:
Cerebral Palsy and other motor disorders
Genetic syndromes
Dyspraxia and sensory-motor challenges
Sensory processing difficulties
Autism
ADHD
Global Developmental Delay
Our services include individual therapy, parent and baby groups, toddler groups, preschool programmes, and ongoing support for school-aged children.
Little Stars is part of The Planet Ryan Family Foundation, a charitable organisation that also supports young adults aged 18 years and over. There may be opportunities to contribute to this service through assessment, programme planning, evaluation, and advisory support.
What We Offer
A supportive, passionate, and experienced team environment
Clinical supervision and mentoring from our highly experienced Clinical Lead, a senior Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Ongoing professional development and support to attend external training opportunities
The opportunity to work intensively with children and whānau and see meaningful progress
Opportunities to contribute new ideas and support service development
Scope for career advancement and developing management skills
The chance to make a genuine difference in the lives of children, families, and the wider community
Leave and Benefits
Four weeks' annual leave plus statutory holidays
The organisation is exploring additional leave provisions to recognise the intensity of the role and long-term commitment to the service
How to Apply
To express your interest, please email your CV and cover letter to [email protected].
For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Heather, Clinical Lead/Centre Manager, via the above email address.