An opportunity to bring your expertise to a senior clinical role with autonomy and professional support
We are seeking an experienced Senior Hand Therapist to take a leading role in delivering high-quality hand and upper limb rehabilitation at our Rapha House Hand Therapy Clinic.
This position offers substantial clinical autonomy and the opportunity to influence how the service develops. You will take ownership of your caseload, make independent clinical decisions and contribute your expertise to a collaborative rehabilitation team.
The role will suit an established hand therapist who is confident in managing complex presentations, communicating with referrers and overseeing the day-to-day clinical delivery of a hand therapy service. You will have the independence to organise your practice and guide rehabilitation, supported by colleagues who value sound clinical judgement, professional accountability and personalised care.
Clinical Focus & Scope of Practice
You will provide comprehensive assessment and rehabilitation for hand, wrist and upper limb conditions, supporting patients from acute injury and early post-operative care through to functional recovery and return to work, recreation and everyday activities.
Core practice areas include:
Post-operative rehabilitation: Manage rehabilitation following tendon repairs, fracture fixation, nerve procedures and other hand and wrist surgery, applying procedure-specific precautions and communicating with the treating surgical team.
Traumatic injuries: Assess and treat fractures, dislocations, ligament injuries, tendon injuries and soft tissue trauma.
Musculoskeletal conditions: Manage tendinopathies, osteoarthritis, overuse conditions, stiffness and persistent hand or wrist pain.
Peripheral nerve conditions: Assess sensory and functional changes, provide appropriate rehabilitation and recognise when further medical or surgical review is required.
Custom orthotic fabrication: Independently design, fabricate and adjust thermoplastic orthoses
Functional rehabilitation: Provide scar and oedema management, range-of-motion programmes, progressive strengthening, sensory rehabilitation and practical strategies for daily activities and work.
Clinical Autonomy & Leadership
You will be expected to practise independently within your professional scope and demonstrated competence, with the experience to manage a varied hand therapy caseload without routine clinical supervision.
Key responsibilities include:
Independently assess and diagnose patients, establish clinical priorities and develop individualised treatment plans.
Manage complex presentations using sound clinical reasoning and appropriate precautions.
Interpret surgical correspondence and rehabilitation protocols, seeking clarification when required.
Use objective measures to guide treatment progression and evaluate outcomes.
Recognise red flags, possible complications and unexpected recovery patterns, arranging timely escalation or referral.
Communicate clearly with patients, surgeons, GPs, other clinicians and relevant stakeholders.
Maintain accurate documentation, timely reports and an organised caseload.
Contribute to clinical standards, patient education resources and service improvement.
Help develop effective referral relationships and continuity of care.
Contribute to mentoring and clinical discussion as the team develops.
Essential Requirements
A recognised qualification in occupational therapy or physiotherapy.
Current registration with the relevant New Zealand professional board and a current Annual Practising Certificate before commencing clinical duties.
Established hand therapy experience at a senior level, with demonstrated ability to manage a caseload independently.
Strong experience in post-operative hand rehabilitation and custom thermoplastic orthotic fabrication.
Confidence in managing acute injuries and complex or persistent presentations.
Excellent clinical reasoning, written communication and interpersonal skills.
Effective organisation, time management and proficiency in clinical documentation and practice management systems.
Legal entitlement to work in New Zealand by the agreed commencement date.
Satisfactory professional references and pre-employment checks.
Professional Opportunities and Benefits
Annual Practising Certificate fees covered.
Birthday Leave
Professional development budget (external courses or certificates)
Paid study leave
Conference attendance funding
Overseas Applicants
We welcome applications from experienced overseas hand therapists interested in relocating to Palmerston North, New Zealand. In your application, please include your current professional registration, hand therapy qualifications, New Zealand work entitlement and anticipated relocation timeframe. A New Zealand Registered/Accredited Hand Therapist status, or an equivalent recognised overseas credential is highly desirable eg. Certified Hand Therapist
We understand that relocating to a new country is a significant step. During the interviews, we can discuss your professional registration pathway and anticipated start date. To help make your transition to New Zealand as smooth as possible, we can provide practical guidance and information on:
Accommodation in New Zealand
Transport: Public transport, driving and NZ driver's licence requirements.
Cost of Living: Helpful estimates to assist with financial planning before relocation.
Healthcare: Guidance on accessing healthcare services in New Zealand.
Local Support Services and Community Connections: Information about local
Further details about relocation guidance and employment arrangements can be discussed during the interview process.
Applications
Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your hand therapy experience, clinical strengths and experience working autonomously to [email protected]. All applications will be treated in confidence.