Diversional Therapist

Glenroy and Coburg based
Permanent part time position, flexible working options including hybrid in office / work from home arrangements
Clinical support and professional development opportunities
$79,000 - $86,000FTE + super + salary packaging

Your new organisation

At Merri Health, we strive to enrich diverse communities through the provision of quality health care and support services. A career at Merri will see you contributing to a culture that affects change for our clients and the wider community. We are committed to supporting the talent and skills of our employees because we know their capability is the key to our success.

Your new role

The Diversional Therapist actively supports eligible consumers aged 65 or older (or 50 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders) through the provision of targeted social and recreational programs to improve and maintain social connections leading to improved wellbeing and increased community engagement, including pathways to volunteering.

The position is located within the Specialist Aged Service Team, a unique multidisciplinary allied health service which includes Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology, Social Work, Nursing and Geriatrician services which provides early intervention support for clients diagnosed with dementia or self-reporting cognitive decline utilising a strengths based framework.

The Diversional Therapist will manage referrals received via the My Aged Care Portal for Diversional Therapy services as well as internal referrals generated from the multidisciplinary Specialist Aged Services Team.

You will be responsible for

As a Diversional Therapist with the Specialist Aged Services team you will:
• Provide short term, effective, responsive, goal focused and outcomes-based support that promotes and empowers consumer participation and strengthens the management of activities of daily living
• In partnership with the consumer, plan and facilitate individual lifestyle activity programs based on assessed need to increase socialisation and, where possible, maintain community connections
• Explore consumer interests and develop their skills to improve lifestyle choices and motivate participation in one on one, group-based activities
• Support consumers to explore opportunities and pathways towards sustained community participation through volunteering

To succeed in the role you will have

• Tertiary qualifications in Diversional Therapy, Lifestyle and Leisure, Allied Health, Social Work, Aged Care or other relevant discipline
• Demonstrated experience supporting the social needs of older adults, preferably in a community-based setting
• Ability to plan and facilitate individualised lifestyle activity programs, including the skills necessary to motivate engagement and participation
• Experience in facilitation of group social activities for older adults
• An interest in working with people living with dementia
• Excellent interpersonal skills and highly developed communication (written and verbal) skills
• Strong organisational, planning, time management and prioritisation skills

What we offer

We offer a diverse, inclusive and flexible environment which encourages you to bring your whole self to work. As the successful applicant you’ll be joining an organisation where you will be supported to grow, learn and develop your skills to reach your potential.

You will also have access to generous salary packaging, purchase leave and flexible work arrangement options.

What you need to do now

Please start by reviewing the position description and take a few minutes to read about Merri Health on our website. If you would like to discuss this position further, please contact Team Leader - Specialist Aged Services, Isobel Sanger on 0393049216

Applications close 23/03/23

When you are ready to apply, please send through your CV and cover letter to: jobs@merrihealth.org.au

What else do I need to know

Preferred candidates will be subject to comprehensive reference and pre-employment background checking conducted by Merri Health prior to an offer of employment, including criminal record history check, NDIS worker screening and other employee screening and credential checks as determined by the position description.

All candidates must have the right to work in Australia. Merri Health is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to ensuring a safe environment for children and young people.

We encourage individuals of diverse backgrounds including but not limited to those from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse, the LGBTIQA+ community and those living with a disability to apply.