Employment Status: Permanent Full Time

Position Summary

The Day Therapy program is a component of the Aged Care continum of care model that has a focus on early intervention and maintaining older people in the community for as long as possible.

The position of Diversional Therapist coordinates and provides diversional therapy services which meet the individual and group needs of community clients referred to the Day Therapy Program through multi-disciplinary ACAT assessment. The Diversional Therapist will have a well developed understanding of the complex needs of older people, be motivated and will engage those older people whose capacity to engage in activity and ability to socialise has declined, be able to design and implement a variety of inspiring and interactive activities that will promote the wellbeing of older people with increased frailty, physical, and psychological problems. The day therapy program has a focus on mental stimulation and exercise, including Tai Chi for Arthritis, gentle exercise, and strengthening exercises. The aim of the group is to enhance physical function and mobility, prevent the incidence and prevalence of depression, and allow older people to establish meaningful social relationships with their peers. This position works across two areas of health care 0.6FTE Community Day Therapy (frail aged) and 0.4 FTE in the Dementia Assessment and Management unit (Yathong Lodge).

The Dementia Behavioural Assessment Management program provides Diversional activities which meet the individual needs of clients admitted to the inpatient unit.

The Diversional Therapist develops and designs activities appropriate to each individual client and small groups as part of the strategies for the management and reduction in behaviours.

The Diversional Therapist provides support and advice to residential aged care facilities and carers on the development of therapy programmes focused on the management of clients with dementia and challenging behaviours.

The Diversional Therapist supervises and provides direction to the Therapy Aide to ensure effective provision of individual and group activities.

Selection Criteria

Tertiary qualifications in Applied Science (Diversional Therapy) or other relative discipline

Demonstrated successful experience as a Diversional Therapist working with frail older people and people with a dementia.

Demonstrated ability in designing and implementing therapeutic and recreational activities which enhance the quality of life and independence of older people.

Demonstrated ability to work as an effective member of a multidisciplinary team in the provision of Diversional Therapy services to clients.

Demonstrated highly developed verbal and written communication skills focused on customer service and quality outcomes for the client target group.

Demonstrated alignment with the philosophy of client-focussed care, which supports dignity, independence and informed consultative decision-making.

Demonstrated well developed computer skills - wordprocessing and data base.

Current drivers licence.

Principal Responsibilities

To provide appropriate day therapy services and activities to community clients, as well as clients admitted to the Transitional Care and the Assessment and Rehabilitation programs who are progressing to discharge back into the community.

To provide diversional therapy actvities appropriate to the needs of the Dementia Assessment and Management inpatient unit (Yathong Lodge)

To provide therapeutic and recreational activities which promote an enhanced quality of life.

Provide an activity program for each client which encompasses their area of need/interest, considering social, physical, emotional, cultural and cognitive needs.

Provide therapy programme planning, management and review of clients, with a focus on multi-disciplinary assessment;

Provide effective supervision of the therapy aide.

Support education programmes to enhance the skills of other health professionals and residential aged care facility staff to achieve effective outcomes for the care and management of clients with dementia and challenging behaviours.

Follow Diversional Therapy intervention, ensuring that communication and documentation are an integral part of the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation process.

Ensure that programs are available to inform support staff and volunteers of weekly/monthly activities.

Maintain client care plans and medical progress notes/ clinical notes on the electronic client record or/and hard copy medical record.

Ensure that a quality service is provided that is appropriate and responsive to the needs of the client, the aged care service.

Ensure that professional practice is consistent with current professional standards and any relevant legislation.

Maintain a current knowledge of new initiatives within Diversional Therapy and participate in professional development.

Contact Name: Mary Saligari

Contact Email: mary.saligari@gsahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Contact Phone: 0269323002