National Therapeutic Recreation Lead

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Summerset is seeking a National Therapeutic Recreation Lead, a senior role that shapes standards, mentors Diversional and Recreation Therapists nationwide, and drives person centred programs for residents including those with dementia. You’ll champion innovation, technology, and professional development while aligning with care centre leaders across Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington. Essential: registered Diversional Therapist with NZSDRT, extensive aged care or therapeutic recreation experience, strong coaching and communication skills, and comfort with MS Teams and digital training tools. Highlight your leadership successes, evidence based program development, and pathways for qualification and APC registration. Apply by March 3 and showcase impact, collaboration, and a passion for making a difference.

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 – bringing the best of life to our residents.

If you’re a Registered Diversional Therapist with a talent for leadership, innovation, and empowering others - this could be your next big step.

Job Description

About our role

In this pivotal national role, you will provide expert leadership, guidance and vision for therapeutic recreation. You’ll shape best practice standards, support Diversional & Recreation Therapists across the country, and ensure our programs deliver meaningful, person centred outcomes for residents - including those living with dementia.

You’ll be the champion for innovation, technology adoption, and professional development - all while helping Summerset continue to evolve as a leader in aged care.

Location of work is negotiable, ideally you’ll be located nearby to one of our CBD offices in either Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington. Where required there will also be some travel requirements

Role responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop and implement evidence based therapeutic recreation standards
• Maintain and update policies, resources, and RT/DT training materials
• Evaluate program effectiveness nationwide and drive continuous improvement
• Support recruitment, onboarding and professional development of DTs/RTs
• Encourage qualification pathways and national registration (APC)
• Build strong relationships with Care Centre Managers
• Advise on future focused strategies for recreation and dementia specific programming
• Serve as a key liaison for therapeutic recreation students and training providers

About you?

As our national subject matter expert, you will also bring forward the following skills/attributes:

• Registered Diversional Therapist with current NZSDRT registration
• Substantial aged care or therapeutic recreation experience
• Deep understanding of person-centred care and recreational therapy best practice
• Strong communication, coaching, and influencing skills
• Familiarity with innovation and technology in recreation therapy
• Ability to work autonomously across multiple sites
• Confident user of MS Teams and digital training tools
• Commitment to ongoing learning and sector leadership

Additional Information

Why Summerset?

When you join Summerset, you’re joining a team that values you – your contribution, your growth, and your wellbeing.  

If you’re passionate about aged care, this will be the exciting challenge you crave. You'll get excellent remuneration, the support of a friendly, knowledgeable team, and all the satisfaction of making a real difference in people's lives.

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:

• A unique opportunity to recruit and build your team in a brand-new facility for an award-winning care provider
• Free Southern Cross health insurance (covering up to 75% of charges for GPs, dentists, physios and more)
• Birthday leave, so you can take your special day off on us
• Opportunities to grow your career in one of NZ’s fastest-growing aged care providers

If this sounds like you then please apply today. Applications close on the 3rd March