Diversional Therapist

Summerset - Care; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekend penalty hourly rates

Training opportunities

Health insurance

Job summary

Summerset is seeking a Diversional Therapist for the Rototuna village in Hamilton, NZ. You will design and lead therapeutic recreation programmes to promote independence, dignity, and social engagement for residents.

Responsibilities include planning activities, supporting social participation, collaborating with staff, and tracking progress. A level 4 Diversional Therapy credential or equivalent experience is required, with driving ability for mobility vans and MS Office proficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-like description not required; candidates must hold National Certificate or equivalent experience.
• Strong planning and time management skills are essential.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required.
• First Aid certificate or willingness to complete a two-day course.
• Full, clean driver’s licence and ability to drive a Mobility Van.

Responsibilities

• Plan and run individual and group activities that are purposeful and enjoyable.
• Support residents to participate in social life within the Care Centre and village.
• Collaborate with team members to extend activities across the village.
• Monitor progress and maintain accurate activity records.
• Manage monthly activity programme budgets with Village Manager approval.

Skills

Planning

Time management

Communication

First Aid

Driving

MS Office

Education

National Certificate in Diversional Therapy (Level 4)

Tools

MS Office

Job description

You can help bring our villages to life!

At Summerset, from the moment we start developing a village, to when our residents call it home, it’s the passion and dedication of our people that brings our villages to life. We are one team united by being part of something bigger – to bring the best of life to our residents.

Job Description

As a Diversional Therapist at our Rototuna village, you’ll be empowered to create a recreational programme for seniors living in a care supportive environment. You will be leading a culture of purposeful engagement which promotes dignity and independence through the therapeutic recreation process. Through personalised recreation plans and engaging activities, you’ll help residents maintain independence, dignity, and connection with others.

Typical duties include:

• Planning and running individual and group activities that are purposeful and enjoyable
• Supporting residents to participate in the social life of the Care Centre and wider village
• Collaborating with other team members to extend activities across the village as appropriate
• Monitoring and reporting resident progress and maintaining accurate activity records
• Managing monthly activity programme budgets with approval from the Village Manager

This is a permanent full-time role working a roster of Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.30pm.

Qualifications

You’ll be creative, compassionate, and highly organised – with a genuine interest in enhancing the lives of older people through social connection and therapeutic engagement.

You’ll bring with you:

• National Certificate in Diversional Therapy (Level 4) – or at least 3 years of relevant work experience
• Excellent planning and time management skills, with a proactive mindset
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• First Aid Certificate (or willingness to complete a two-day course)
• A full, clean driver’s licence & ability to drive a Mobility Van.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

At Summerset, we believe diversity strengthens our team and enriches the care we provide. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and walks of life.

Additional Information

Summerset's known for its excellent benefits and strong sense of values around care, teamwork and drive for excellence. With some of the best benefits in the sector, some of these include:

• Weekend additional penal hourly rates apply
• Time and a half for all work or shifts over 8 hours in a day
• Training opportunities - we will support you to achieve your National Certificate in Diversional Therapy (Level 4) and first aid certificate
• Southern Cross Health Essentials Insurance

Applications for this role will close on Thursday 17th September.