Recreational Activity Officer

Columbia Aged Care; Sydney; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Aged Care is seeking an enthusiastic Recreational Activity Officer to lead our lifestyle department and design end-to-end health and leisure programs for residents.

You will drive innovative activities, monitor wellbeing, and document progress to support residents’ dignity and autonomy. This role emphasizes person-centred care, safety, and community building in a supportive facility.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to design and deliver person-centered lifestyle plans.
• Experience working with older adults, including dementia care.
• Strong communication to document assessments and progress notes.

Responsibilities

• Complex Care Planning: Develop and implement person-centered lifestyle plans with complex needs, including those living with dementia or specialised cognitive requirements.
• Program Innovation: Design, facilitate, and evaluate a diverse calendar of group and individual activities that promote physical movement, mental stimulation, and social connection.
• Health Monitoring: Conduct regular checks on physical health status and emotional wellbeing, ensuring all activities are safe, appropriate, and beneficial.
• Clinical Documentation: Maintain accurate, confidential records of participation and progress in accordance with the Aged Care Quality Standards and facility protocols.
• Community Building: Lead group excursions and in-house events, creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages autonomy and choice.

Skills

People skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Group facilitation

Empathy

Dementia care experience

Education

Certificate IV in Leisure and Health

Tools

First Aid Certificate

National Criminal History Check

Job description

As our Recreational Activity Officer, you will be the driving force behind our lifestyle department. You will be responsible for the end-to-end design and delivery of innovative health and leisure programs that cater to the diverse needs of our residents. Your work directly impacts the quality of life for our older people, fostering a sense of belonging and joy every single day.

Key Responsibilities

• Complex Care Planning: Develop and implement person-centered lifestyle plans with complex needs, including those living with dementia or specialised cognitive requirements.
• Program Innovation: Design, facilitate, and evaluate a diverse calendar of group and individual activities that promote physical movement, mental stimulation, and social connection.
• Health Monitoring: Conduct regular checks on physical health status and emotional wellbeing, ensuring all activities are safe, appropriate, and beneficial.
• Clinical Documentation: Maintain accurate, confidential records of participation and progress in accordance with the Aged Care Quality Standards and facility protocols.
• Community Building: Lead group excursions and in-house events, creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages autonomy and choice.

• Previous experience as a Lifestyle or Recreational Activity Officer within the Aged Care sector is preferred.
• A minimum of a Certificate IV in Leisure and Health (or equivalent).
• Hold a Current First Aid Certificate.
• Demonstrated experience in a similar role particularly working with people living with dementia.
• Proven track record to deliver both high-energy group activities and intimate, meaningful one-on-one sessions.
• Has full working rights in Australia and a valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (or willingness to obtain).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to document assessments, care plans and progress notes.
• A deep, infectious passion for enhancing the lives of older adults and a commitment to their dignity and rights.