Diversional Therapist - Part-Time

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Summerset seeks a part-time Diversional Therapist for Aotea village Porirua, 20 hours weekly across Mon Tue Wed Fri. You’ll design and lead purposeful activities for seniors, promote dignity and independence, and collaborate with the village team while monitoring progress and managing activity budgets with the Village Manager’s approval. Ideal candidates hold a National Certificate in Diversional Therapy (Level 4) or 3+ years’ experience, with strong planning, communication and Microsoft Office skills; First Aid (or willingness to complete), a full clean driver’s licence and ability to drive a Mobility Van. Benefits include weekend penalty rates, Southern Cross and PD opportunities. Apply by 7 July 2026 and tailor your CV to highlight programs, outcomes and budget experience.

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 Aotea 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 role is 20 hours per week to be worked across Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday.

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—including those with transferable skills from other industries. You may not tick all the requirements, and that’s okay; we value what you bring to the table and look at the whole individual. We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported to thrive.

Equal opportunity is at the heart of how we recruit, and we encourage you to bring your unique perspective and passion to our team.

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 
• Southern Cross Health Essentials Insurance
• Days assigned to professional development and access to external training
• Training opportunities 

Next Steps: Applications for this role will close on 7/07/2026. This role may close early due to an increased number of applications - apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment!