Return to Work Specialist in Canterbury

ACC is a trusted and high-performing organisation, providing care, supporting recovery and promoting injury prevention, now and into the future.

We are looking for skilled Return to Work Specialists to help us deliver on that vision by supporting early, safe, and sustainable return-to-work outcomes for our clients.

As a Return to Work Specialist, you will play a vital role in supporting the effectiveness of our Recovery Coordinators and Team Leaders. You will provide expert guidance on workplace-based rehabilitation, support engagement with employers and providers, and help shape recovery-at-work approaches that support clients to return to work safely and confidently.

In this role, you will:

• Provide expert advice to Recovery Coordinators on individual claims to support quality engagement with stakeholders and early RTW planning.
• Build Recovery Coordinator and Team Leader capability in understanding job demands, environmental risks, and barriers that influence return to work.
• Coach Recovery Coordinator and Team Leaders on best-practice medical certification that supports early return to work, identifying and addressing psychosocial risks and barriers, and supporting effective conversations with employers to support early recovery at work or return to work (including identifying suitable duties).
• Support Recovery Coordinators to develop effective return-to-work strategies and assist in planning to overcome barriers to a return to work.
• Strengthen relationships with local vocational rehabilitation providers to promote timely outcomes.

This is a role where you can truly influence how we support people through recovery, while also helping uplift skills and confidence across the organisation.

The appointing salary for this role will sit between $101,287 and $119,161 and we offer an additional 9% superannuation contribution. ACC offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes an advantageous superannuation scheme with features like 0% contribution required by you, optional life and income protection insurance, and the flexibility to change to a locked plan at any time, ensuring your financial security now and in retirement.

We are looking for someone with:

• A qualification in occupational therapy, physiotherapy, or a related discipline or equivalent work experience.
• Experience in injury management and workplace rehabilitation, particularly early return-to-work facilitation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence, coach, and negotiate.
• An understanding of core rehabilitation practices and principles like the health benefits of work, early intervention, person-centred approaches and coordinating key stakeholders to work together to achieve early safe return to work.
• Knowledge of common musculoskeletal injuries, usual treatment and rehabilitation, and indications for recovery and return to work.
• An understanding of psychosocial factors that impact recovery and how to influence them.

At ACC, we live by three values that guide how we work:

• We are proud to serve: We support our clients and each other; upholding the confidence of Aotearoa, New Zealand and protecting the scheme for future generations.
• We are courageous and own our actions: We speak up and listen in the moments that matter; we stand behind our decisions and each other to deliver positive outcomes.
• We are better together: We are united in our shared purpose, trusting each other to do our best mahi. Through collaboration and partnership, we achieve more - together.

At ACC, we embrace the rich tapestry of Aotearoa New Zealand's cultures and are dedicated to providing equitable opportunities. We know that a diverse and inclusive team helps us meet the needs of our customers, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, age, and those with diverse abilities. It is important to us that people are free to be themselves at work. Here are some ways we encourage that:

• Employee networks to support our colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
• The option to explore flexible working that suits your needs and ours.

Please attach your CV and cover letter telling us why you would be a great fit and what strengths you would bring to the role.

Applications will run through to 11:55pm Thursday 19th February 2026 however please note that if an ideal candidate is found during this time we will move forward with screening and interviewing sooner.

Applications can only be accepted when submitted through our ACC Career Website. If you encounter accessibility issues when submitting your application, or if you have any questions about the role please email HRHelp.