Recreational Therapist - Casual

Summerset Holdings; Nelson; On-site; NZD 34,000 - 55,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Time and a half for overtime

Training opportunities for Diversional

First aid certificate support

Discounts from suppliers

Telus Healthcare (EAP)

Job summary

Summerset Holdings is seeking a Recreational Therapist for Richmond Village in Nelson. The role focuses on creating personalised recreation programmes that promote dignity, independence, and social connection for older adults in a care setting.

You will lead engaging activities, plan individual and group sessions, and collaborate with the care team to extend programs. The position is casual, offering flexible shifts and an opportunity to contribute to a vibrant village community while supporting

Qualifications

• Experience in activities, recreation, diversional therapy or related field is beneficial.
• Willingness to complete National Certificate in Diversional Therapy.
• 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.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Creativity

Compassion

Organisation

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Education

National Certificate in Diversional Therapy (preferred)

Tools

MS Office

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 Recreational Therapist at ourRichmond 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 role, working on an as-needed basis, with shifts often offered at short notice.

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:

• Previous experience in activities, recreation, diversional therapy, or a related field would be beneficial.
• The successful candidate must be willing to complete the National Certificate in Diversional Therapy.
• 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:

• 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
• Discounts from a wide range of suppliers and free access to Telus Healthcare (EAP)

Next Steps:

Applications for this role will close on 23rd September.