POSITION DESCRIPTION
DIVERSIONAL THERAPY COORDINATOR
PD NUMBER
REPORTS TO
APPLICABLE
AWARD/AGREEMENT
STATUS
APPROVED BY
DATE
REVISION DATE
6.0.3.9
Director of Care
Health & Allied Services – Private Sector Victoria 1998 Award & St
John’s Village Inc. ANF & HSUA Certified Agreement 2009-2013
Part Time 3 days per week (45 hours)
Director of Care
February 2014
February 2016
JOB PURPOSE SUMMARY
The Diversional Therapy Coordinator assists, develops and implements programs that meet the
spiritual, physical, social and psychological needs of all aged care clients.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential
 Diversional Therapist Level 1.
 Current registration with Diversional Therapy Association of Australia.
 Current First Aid Certificate Level 2.
 Excellent communication skills.
 Experience in Aged Care.
 Ability to plan, lead and coordinate resident activity programs.
 An understanding and a commitment to Quality Improvement.
 Proficient computer skills.
Desirable
 Knowledge of the Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI) in particular the areas related to
Activities.
 Ability to use Resident Care computer systems.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Diversional Therapy Coordinator is responsible and accountable for tasks including, but not limited
to:
 Plan, implement and evaluate the program of Leisure and Lifestyle activities which is designed
to meet the individual needs of the residents.
 Ensure all residents are encouraged and supported to participate in a wide range of activities
of interest to them.
 Ensure the residents, families and staff are aware of the range of activities available and
maintain interaction with residents and families to ensure the provision of a comprehensive and
multi-faceted therapy program.
 Provide and maintain Sundowning Program and Dementia specific activities to assist with
challenging behaviours.





















Ensure all residents are assisted to achieve maximum independence, maintain friendships and
participate within the internal and external communities of St John’s Village.
Ensure individual interests, customs, beliefs, cultural and ethnic backgrounds are valued and
fostered.
Ensure Leisure and Lifestyle programs are appropriate to the individual needs and interests of
the residents in consultation with the resident, family and Leisure and Lifestyle team.
Mentor, coach and lead the Leisure and Lifestyle team by promoting a team approach to the
delivery of the Leisure and Lifestyle program.
Assist with the recruitment and supervision of Volunteers.
Foster and develop community liaison to optimise social contacts for residents in response to
significant days, events, celebrations etc. which can be shared with the broader community.
Ensure all activities and outings undertaken by staff meet the guidelines as outlined in the
Policies and Procedures of St John’s Village.
Ensure resources are used appropriately.
Assist and coach the Leisure and Lifestyle team in accurate and appropriate documentation and
in undertaking regular evaluation of the programs offered to ensure the program is meeting
the needs of the residents.
Assist with the development of a monthly/weekly activities calendar and monthly newsletter.
Assist with development, recruitment and coordination of the Volunteer Program.
Assist with the orientation of new volunteers and staff members.
Participate in and attend Resident meetings.
Document and minute the Bi monthly Leisure and Lifestyle meetings.
Ensure Leisure and Lifestyle team assist with Quality Improvement activities and
Accreditation.
Assist with St John’s Village Leisure and Lifestyle Policy and Procedures review.
Develop a professional rapport with residents and their families, providing feedback to the
Director of Care and Departmental Managers.
Assist with the development of surveys/questionnaires and provide assistance to the Leisure
and Lifestyle team to act upon feedback to maintain positive direction.
Maintain effective communication skills with all team members.
Participate in Continuing Professional Development and Compulsory Education.
Assist with performance coaching and Performance Appraisals of the Leisure and Lifestyle
team.
PHYSICAL STANDARDS



Walk or stand 70-100% of the time.
Bend, squat, kneel up to 25% of the time.
Push residents in a wheelchair 5-10% of the time.
PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Staff performance reviews will be conducted after 3 months of employment, then annually by
Departmental Manager. Review criteria will be based on applicable KPI’s, Organisational
Responsibilities and related duty statements.
STAFF SUPERVISED


Leisure and Lifestyle Officers
Volunteers
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPI’S)
Professional Conduct
 Demonstrates a high standard of personal appearance and conduct, that is: clean, neat, tidy,
punctual, and respectful language and manner towards customers, visitors and other staff
members.
 Maintains confidentiality of residents and staff and at no time discusses with anyone other
than the relevant staff member providing service.
 Maintains a stimulating and comprehensive Leisure and Lifestyle program in accordance with
resident’s needs, the Organisation’s documented Policies and Procedures, and the legislative
requirements relevant to the role.
 Maintains Continuing Professional Development and competency standards in accordance with
Diversional Therapy Association of Australia.
 Demonstrates and upholds the staff Code of Conduct.
 Demonstrates high level of interpersonal skills.
 Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills.
 Demonstrates use of initiative with a flexible and enthusiastic attitude toward undertaking a
variety of tasks within a team environment.
 Demonstrates and maintains the ability to prioritise work load and time management skills.
 Coaches, mentors and supports Leisure and Lifestyle team members under their responsibility.
 Demonstrates and participates in facilitating a team approach.
 Demonstrates and maintains empathy with a genuine interest in working with older people.
 Maintains knowledge and understanding of Accreditation Principles.
 Participates in annual Performance Appraisal
Quality Improvement
 Engages in the Continuous Improvement process to identify opportunities for improvements to
the residents Leisure and Lifestyle program.
 Actively participates in Quality Improvement meetings.
 Actively participates and contributes to Quality Activities which promote quality improvement
to services provided, such as meetings and working parties.
 Participates, conducts and delegates where appropriate, documenting and monitoring Key
Quality Indicators including concerns, compliments and suggestions.
 Monitors and evaluates the outcomes of the strategies implemented.
 Assists with developing, maintaining, monitoring of resident social profiles, Diversional Therapy
programs, Lifestyle assessments, Care Plan formulation and reviews.
 Completes an Improvement Form when there is an identified need to improve.
 Assists in the evaluation of new products and new equipment.
Lifestyle Program
 Leads, supervises and participates with the Leisure and Lifestyle team to plan, implement and
evaluate a lifestyle program that provides a range of individual, group and community activities
according to residents individual assessed mental, physical, social, emotional, cultural and
spiritual needs and preferences.

Assists with and or initiates a plan of care that addresses individual residents lifestyle needs
and identifies patterns of the residents past lifestyle and leisure interests.

Fosters and promotes the development of the Leisure and Lifestyle team to identify individual
interests, customs and cultural beliefs to assist in individual programs being developed to
enable residents to settle.




Facilitates collaborative Leisure and Lifestyle programs with St John’s Village.
Resident outcomes that reflect Best Practice are demonstrated.
Maintains and promotes an effective Sundowning Program and/or Dementia program.
Conducts and completes care plan documentation and reviews and communicates changes to
Care Services Manager and other staff.



Plans and implements daily/weekly activities based on the residents identified needs.
Monitors resident participation in the Leisure and Lifestyle program.
Assists the Leisure and Lifestyle team in documenting, monitoring and recognising resident’s
behaviour, and responses are monitored throughout each intervention and documented.


Plans are communicated effectively with all team members.
Plans and conducts activities according to the documented program, policies and procedures
and individual resident’s needs and preferences.


Assist to recruit suitable volunteers and to provide support to volunteers on a day to day basis.
Encourage community access and involvement within and outside St John’s Village e.g.
Community Visitors Scheme, visiting schools program.
Professional Care Practice
 Participates in the completion of social profiles and the development, implementation and
evaluation of resident care plans for leisure, interests and activities using the Autumn Care
system.


Documents resident participation following each activity.
Exceptions to the care plan are verbally communicated to the Care Service Manager and
documented in the resident’s individual file as soon as possible.




Establishes and maintains positive relationships with residents and family members.
Establishes and maintains positive relationships with team members.
Demonstrates respect for residents, family members and team members.
Desired outcomes and changes to Leisure and Lifestyle program are coordinated in response to
Resident and Family Survey results.





All activities are delegated with the team members or volunteers level of competence.
Provides assistance and coaching to team members as required.
Adhere to and monitor Annual Resource Budgets.
Plans and utilises Organisational resources to achieve care plan goals.
Consults with Director of Care when additional resources are required to fulfill the Leisure and
Lifestyle program.
ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Professional Conduct
 Compliance with St Johns Village’s Policies, Procedures and Code of Conduct.
 Communicates appropriately and respectfully with all residents, resident representatives,
visitors, volunteers and all staff members.
 Establishes and maintains good working relationships with residents, resident representatives,
visitors, volunteer and all staff members.
 Demonstrates a high standard of personal appearance and conduct.
 Maintains confidentiality of residents and staff members at all times.
 Works as part of a team with enthusiasm and flexibility.
 Pursues continuous improvement of knowledge and skills through training and development.
 Actively participates in the Organisations Quality Improvement Program.
 Participates in staff meetings.
Workplace Culture
 Acts in a manner which is reflective of St Johns Village’s Philosophy, Vision, Mission and Values.
 Works in an open, supportive and cooperative manner with all other staff.
 Values the views of other staff members and encourages the free exchange of ideas and
suggestions.
 Displays courtesy to all residents, resident representatives, visitors, volunteers and all staff
members at all times.
 Treats all residents, resident representatives, visitors, volunteers and all staff with respect
and dignity.
 Refuses to engage in harassment, bullying or discriminatory behaviour.
Team Work
 Demonstrates awareness of role and respects the role of others.
 Works cooperatively and inclusively with other staff members to achieve team goals.
 Demonstrates commitment to working positively within a team environment.
 Assists Managers in the identification of team goals.
Occupational Health & Safety
 Maintains the work area in a clean, tidy and safe condition.
 Ensures that at all times a safe and homelike environment is maintained for all residents.
 Ensures all incidents and accidents to residents, resident representatives, visitors, volunteers
and staff members are reported immediately by completing the appropriate forms.
 Identifies strategies for reducing any potential or actual injury in consultation with OH&S
Coordinator.
 Attends all mandatory training related to Workplace Health & Safety.
Quality Improvement
 Is committed to and demonstrates an understanding of the Charter of Residents Rights and
Responsibilities.
 Is committed to and demonstrates an understanding of the Quality Improvement Process and
Aged Care Accreditation Standards.
 Participates in and assists with auditing processes.
 Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing self-development.
 Assists in the implementation and evaluation of new products and equipment.
 Attends all mandatory training related to Quality Improvement.
AGREEMENT
I have read this document and agree to undertake the duties and responsibilities as listed above. I
also acknowledge that I may be required to undertake additional duties and responsibilities from time
to time that are not detailed herein.
Name:
Signature:
Date:
/
/