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Diversional Therapist - Fixed Term
contractChristchurch

Summary

Location

Christchurch

Type

contract

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About this role

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 Casebrook 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.

This is a fixed term role for 6 months covering maternity leave. Hours are Tuesday to Sunday 0900 - 1730.

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

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 rates of an additional 40% on your hourly rate
  • 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 the 10th February. This role may close early due to an increased number of applications - apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment! 

  • Employee Type: Fixed Term
  • Work Location: Casebrook
  • Other facts

    Tech stack
    Creative,Compassionate,Organized,Planning,Time Management,Communication,Interpersonal Skills,First Aid,Driver's License,Microsoft Office

    About Summerset

    Summerset is one of New Zealand's leading retirement village operators, and more than 8,000 New Zealanders call Summerset home. Our vibrant villages focus on bringing the best of life to our residents, and we offer a continuum of care to provide peace of mind should the care needs of our residents’ change.
    Our recent expansion into Australia includes two retirement villages in development and five more in the works in Victoria.

    Across Australasia Summerset provides a range of living options and care services to more than 8,000 residents and employs more than 2,800 staff. Summerset has corporate offices located in Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and Melbourne.

    We offer a range of careers, from development and design through to care, village and property management, and corporate functions such as finance and marketing.

    Team size: 1,001-5,000 employees
    LinkedIn: Visit
    Industry: Hospitals and Health Care
    Founding Year: 1997

    What you'll do

    • As a Diversional Therapist, you will create recreational programs for seniors and lead activities that promote dignity and independence. You will also monitor resident progress and manage activity budgets.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does a Diversional Therapist - Fixed Term do at Summerset?

    As a Diversional Therapist - Fixed Term at Summerset, you will: as a Diversional Therapist, you will create recreational programs for seniors and lead activities that promote dignity and independence. You will also monitor resident progress and manage activity budgets..

    Why join Summerset as a Diversional Therapist - Fixed Term?

    Summerset is a leading Hospitals and Health Care company.

    Is the Diversional Therapist - Fixed Term position at Summerset remote?

    The Diversional Therapist - Fixed Term position at Summerset is based in Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.

    How do I apply for the Diversional Therapist - Fixed Term position at Summerset?

    You can apply for the Diversional Therapist - Fixed Term position at Summerset directly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process. You can also learn more about Summerset on their website.