Locum Physiotherapist

• Fixed Term 3 months (from mid-April)
• Supportive team environment with professional development
• Monday-Thursday (32 hours/week)

At Waipuna Hospice, we're passionate about providing specialist palliative care to our communities in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty. Our goal is to deliver a responsive, compassionate, and person-centred care to individuals living with life-limiting illnesses. Our services are tailored to meet the unique and evolving specialist palliative care needs of each patient, ensuring dignity, comfort, and quality of life throughout their journey both in our inpatient unit and community settings.

We help with a wide range of services, including nursing and medical care, counselling, social work, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, companion visits, equipment loans, respite care, carer education – and so much more!  Thanks to funding from Te Whatu Ora, along with the incredible mahi of our fundraising team and the support of our charity shops, we’re able to keep these essential services going.

We’re proud of our positive team vibe, supportive work environment, and the values that shape everything we do. At Waipuna Hospice, we know that great care starts with great teamwork – and that’s exactly what sets us apart.

If you're looking for a role where you can make a real difference in our community as well as being part of a passionate and caring team – this is the place for you. Come join us!

ABOUT THE JOB

We’re looking for an experienced Physiotherapist to join our Allied Health team on a fixed-term basis, providing cover during extended staff leave. This is a Monday–Thursday role (32 hours per week), working as part of a supportive interdisciplinary team (IDT).

In this role, no two days are the same. You’ll be out in the community, working directly with patients and their whānau in their homes. Your work will include triaging referrals, problem-solving complex needs, educating patients and families on therapeutic modalities, and coaching strategies to manage breathlessness and fatigue — all with a strong focus on enabling comfort, dignity, and quality of life.

This position goes beyond traditional rehabilitation.

You’ll be supporting patients and whānau through end-of-life care, so a gentle, responsive, and empowering communication style is essential. Your ability to build trust, instil confidence, and adapt your approach will help patients live as well as possible, and make every moment count.

You’ll be well supported by a collaborative interdisciplinary clinical team and a range of allied health professionals. We offer excellent clinical education opportunities to keep your skills current, and you’ll work closely alongside an Occupational Therapist — there’s always someone nearby to share ideas, problem-solve, and learn together.

ABOUT YOU

You are an experienced, compassionate Physiotherapist with a strong interest in palliative care. You enjoy working in the community, supporting patients in their own homes to maximise comfort, function and quality of life.
You will bring:

• A New Zealand Registered Physiotherapist with current Annual Practicing Certificate
• A full and current driver’s license
• At least 3 years’ clinical experience post-graduation
• Clinical experience in a community setting
• A genuine interest in further developing skills in palliative care
• Strong experience in functional mobility, including equipment prescription
• Knowledge of fatigue and breathlessness management
• A gentle, responsive and empowering communication style
• Proven ability to educate and support patients, families and whānau, building confidence and understanding
• Experience working with people from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds
• A patient-centred approach with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to work both independently and effectively within an interdisciplinary team (IDT)

WHAT WE OFFER

At Waipuna Hospice we are fully committed to provide ongoing professional development opportunities for all staff. We pride ourselves on having a fun, friendly and supportive team environment and excellent working conditions.  Staff wellness is a priority for Waipuna Hospice, we provide an ongoing wellness programme and access to our Employee Assistance Programme. First impressions are important, so on starting with Waipuna you will be supported with a comprehensive orientation programme. 

We offer a competitive remuneration package, discounts to local gyms, pharmacy’s and health insurance and free onsite parking.

THE WAIPUNA WAY

Our Purpose:  To champion equitable end-of-life care for our communities.

Our Vision:     A world where there is compassionate end-of-life care for all.

Our Values:   

We are inclusive  I  Kotahitanga

Everyone matters

We are courageous  I  Kia Mānawanui

Be brave

We make it simple  I  Kia Ngāwari

Make it easier

We are guardians  I  Kaitiakitanga

Caring about today and tomorrow

COME AND JOIN US

We are committed to working with local Iwi and promoting equity and inclusivity across the organisation in support of our values. We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Waipuna Hospice acknowledges and respects individual diversity and spiritual needs, ensuring a safe and supportive environment. In your application we want to see the real you, share your story and become part of ours.

TO APPLY

If you're ready to join a dynamic team and make a real difference, apply now! Our application process might include interviews, job testing, reference checks, and pre-employment screening (we want to make sure you're as awesome as we think you are!).

We review the applications as they come in and continue until the position is filled.