Occupational Therapist (Mental Health)
Healthcare & Medical
Closing date: 11/3/2026
Download Job DescriptionApply onlineJob description
Te Whāinga | Our Purpose is
Te Hono Tangata - Te Huringa Ora.
Ka hono a Te Tūao Tāwāhi i ngā tūao pūkenga ki ngā whakahaere me ngā hapori i te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa me tua atu, hei tautoko i ngā wawata kua tautuhia ā-rohe, ā, kia tutuki ai te panoni toitū.
Connecting People – Transforming Lives.
Volunteer Service Abroad connects skilled volunteers with organisations and communities in the Pacific and beyond to support locally identified aspirations and achieve sustainable change.
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role
This is your opportunity to become a VSA Volunteer to share your experience, skills and knowledge to serve and build capacity in the Cook Islands. Work alongside our local partner organisation to plan and create a brighter future for all.
We are looking for an experienced Occupational Therapist o r someone with the right level of transferrable skills, who understands and shares the spirit of volunteering, with a keen interest in building capability in the Pacific (while embracing a new cultural experience).
The length of this assignment in the Cook Islands will be 12 months .
VSA will support you by funding and organizing your flights, visas, insurances, accommodation, living allowance and utilities while you are on assignment.
Our Partner Organisation: Te Marae Ora - Ministry of Health
Te Marae Ora is the main healthcare provider in the Cook Islands, responisble for setting national health policy and managing the day-to-day delivery of health services.
The Cook Islands workforce strategy has highlighted the need for continuing professional development and strengthing of the mental health unit to help people and their families with a wide range of mental health needs. This includes mothers and babies with depression through to older people with dementia and everything inbetween - such as anxiety, depression or psychosis.
The Assignment
You will be working alongside the Cook Islands Ministry of Health to support the development of occupatonal therapy services within mental health care.
Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the occupatuinal Therapist will assess and support indivuduals experiencing mental health challenges. As well as promoting independence, delivering terhapreutic interventions and collaberating with families and community stakeholders. This will ultimately strengthen long term mental health outcomes across the cook islands.
Ngā tino Pūkenga/Wheako – Essential skills/experiences for the role
If you are interested in this opportunity, below are some of the key skills and experiences that we’re looking for.
- Experience working in clinical environments, family intervention settings and therapy spaces.
- Current practicing certificate in Occupational Therapy.
- Proven experience in developing and facilitating trainings and workshops in learning environments.
- Sucessful work within cross-cultural contexts and with indigineous peoples.
Important note
: Due to our VSA funding requirements, our volunteers must be a NZ citizen or NZ Permanent Resident to progress further in our recruitment process.
The Country – Cook Islands
The Cook Islands has 240 square kilometres of land, comprising 15 islands spread across 2.1 million square kilometres of ocean. The islands are self-governing in "free association" with New Zealand.
This means Cook Islands nationals are citizens of New Zealand, and New Zealand (in consultation with the Cook Islands government) has responsibility for external affairs such as defence.
The economy is mainly based on tourism and marine resources. Agricultural products include copra, fruit and vegetables, coffee, pigs and poultry. Economic development is vulnerable to environmental factors and global economic trends, with economic growth limited by environment, infrastructure constraints and a labour shortage. The Islands have a trade deficit (importing, mainly from New Zealand, far more than they export).
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply: Apply for this opportunity through our website.
For more information or if you have any questions on this assignment, email volunteer@vsa.org.nz.
For a copy of the Assignment Description, please click the apply button which will direct you to the VSA website. You will be able to download a copy from the advertisement.
What’s included
Included when you join us
VSA organises and fully funds return economy-class international flights between New Zealand and your host country, plus any approved domestic travel connected to your assignment.
You’re covered under VSA’s comprehensive travel and medical insurance policy, which also includes emergency evacuation and personal belongings coverage. Before departure, you’ll receive full information on what’s covered and how to access support.
VSA arranges and funds safe, furnished accommodation throughout your assignment, whether you're in a capital or rural location. A housing checklist ensures your needs are met for comfort and security.
You’ll receive a modest monthly living allowance, paid into a local bank account, designed to cover essentials like food, transport, and utilities. This is in line with VSA’s cost-of-living support for volunteers.
Before you leave, VSA provides a multi-day residential briefing in Wellington, fully funded by VSA. This includes cultural orientation, language training, health and safety guidelines, and logistical preparation to get you deployment-ready
From your first day on assignment, you’ll have strong in-country support from VSA staff, Programme Managers and Coordinators, who provide orientation, security briefings, pastoral care, and ongoing assistance throughout your placement.
Preparation
How to prepare?
Be prepared for a comprehensive recruitment journey. This includes initial screening, background checks, and two interviews, one of which is a panel interview with a subject matter expert. Only after successfully completing these steps will you receive a provisional offer and begin the onboarding process. It’s essential to wait for VSA’s confirmation before making significant life changes, such as resigning from your job or selling property, as there may be delays in immigration or medical clearances.
Once accepted, you'll be invited to attend a multi-day residential briefing in Wellington. This course equips you with tools for success, covering cultural orientation, safety protocols, health preparation, and assignment logistics. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with other outgoing volunteers.
Volunteering abroad can be both deeply rewarding and personally challenging. Conditions may be unfamiliar, and change is often constant. Bring flexibility, a sense of humour, and a willingness to learn from others, you’ll grow alongside the community you’re there to support.
You’ll need to complete a health screening and ensure all required vaccinations are up to date. VSA provides medical and travel insurance, but you are also responsible for managing your day-to-day wellbeing. Think about how you'll maintain mental and physical health while overseas.
VSA asks volunteers to become ambassadors for the kaupapa. You will be asked to fundraise $1,000 to support the programme and raise awareness about your assignment. We provide resources and guidance to help you share your story and connect your networks with the impact of your work.
The platform we ask you to use is Raisely.
From visa applications to police checks and health forms, there are a few critical administrative tasks before departure. Our team will guide you through the steps to make sure everything is completed on time and with ease.
