Diversional Therapist

Summerset; Waitakere Ranges; On-site; NZD 34,000 - 52,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekend penalty rates

Supplier discounts

Career and training opportunities

Job summary

Summerset seeks a Diversional Therapist at Monterey Park village to create and lead therapeutic recreational programmes for seniors in a care setting, promoting dignity, independence and social connection.

You will develop personalised plans, run activities, and collaborate with staff to integrate programs across the village while reporting on progress and maintaining records.

Qualifications

• National Certificate in Diversional Therapy (Level 4) or 3+ years relevant work experience.
• Experience working with dementia care environments.
• Excellent planning and time management with a proactive mindset.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain.
• Full, clean driver’s license with ability to drive Mobility Van.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

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 to extend activities across the village.
• Monitor resident progress and maintain accurate records.
• Manage monthly activity programme budgets with Village Manager approval.

Skills

Dementia care experience

Planning & time management

Communication skills

First Aid

Driver's license

MS Office

Education

National Certificate in Diversional Therapy (Level 4)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

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 ourSummerset at Monterey Park 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 casual position working on an as needed basis.

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, and also bring:

• National Certificate in Diversional Therapy (Level 4) – or at least 3 years of relevant work experience
• Experience working within dementia care
• 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.

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
• Discounts from a wide range of suppliers
• Ongoing career and training opportunities with Summerset

Next Steps: Applications for this role will close on Wednesday 9th September.