Diversional Therapist

Summerset Holdings; Hamilton; Hybrid; NZD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekend penalty rates

Overtime pay (time and a half)

Training opportunities

Health insurance

Job summary

Summerset Holdings in Hamilton seeks a Diversional Therapist to create a recreational programme for seniors in a care environment, leading a culture of engagement through therapeutic recreation.

You will develop personalised recreation plans, monitor resident progress, and work with the village team to extend activities across the community. The role requires Level 4 Diversional Therapy, strong planning and communication, and a valid driver’s licence; training and benefits are provided.

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.
• 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)

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

People skills

Communication

Time management

First Aid

Driver's licence

Education

National Certificate in Diversional Therapy (Level 4)

3+ years relevant work experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Mobility Van driving

Job description

Company 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

Next Steps:

Applications for this role will close on Thursday 17th September. This role may close early due to an increased number of applications.