Recreation Therapist (Funded Services)

Head Office – North Melbourne

Casual Basis

• Work with a rapidly growing not for profit organisation committed to social justice
• Competitive base rate (depending on experience and qualifications)
• ​Access to NFP Salary Packaging, EAP + discounts to leading retailers
• Casual Basis allowing for flexibility
• Based at our Head office in North Melbourne (VIC)

About us

Wintringham is a specialised non-religious not-for-profit welfare organisation. We are committed to providing older people who are at risk or have experienced homelessness with a range of high-quality care, housing and services. We employ more than 1,000 staff across Victoria and Tasmania.

Your new role

We are looking for a passionate candidate who is seeking Casual employment in the Recreation team within our Head Office in North Melbourne. In this role you will play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life of Wintringham clients by coordinating and continually developing tailored recreation programs that meet each client's individual goals, interests, and needs.

The Recreation Therapist will also supervise student placements as well as facilitating and leading a community of practice and reflection, aimed at fostering professional development, sharing best practices, and problem-solving among the internal team.

Your responsibilities and duties will also include:

• Develop and oversee the implementation of Recreational Therapy assessments and plans for individuals.
• Ensure programs comply with relevant funding requirements and restrictions.
• Supervise and support student placements to ensure high-quality and innovative recreational outcomes.
• Assist clients with initial assessments, identifying risks and needs, and planning activities in conjunction with Case Managers and Site Managers.
• Facilitate and lead a community of practice and reflection, aimed at fostering professional development, sharing best practices, and problem-solving among the internal team. The Recreation Therapist will be responsible for organising the sessions, setting agendas, and guiding discussions to ensure productive outcomes. This reflection piece will involve summarising key takeaways and developing actionable plans to enhance practice.
• Ensure compliance with funding and legislative requirements.
• Understand HCP and NDIS funding models.
• Plan activities and support coordinators in allocating staff to facilitate these activities in accordance with their skills and experience.
• Support Program Managers, Recreation Coordinators, NDIS workers, and other stakeholders in planning and promoting Recreational Therapy programs.
• Liaise with clients’ support networks and family members to support program facilitation.
• Participate in team meetings and practice development across the portfolio.
• Monitor budget expectations, including client packaged funds.

What in in it for you?

We are committed to offering an enjoyable, safe and flexible workplace that provides a work-life balance. When you are working with Wintringham, you will have access to the following benefits:

• Access to exclusive not-for-profit salary packaging: salary package your personal expenses up to the amount of $15,900.
• Continuous development: we believe in giving our staff the skills they need and will keep you up to date with yearly qualifications such as behaviour management, first aid, CPR and manual handling. We offer growth opportunities and have a strong internal recruitment program.
• Free access to wellbeing services + discounts to retailers: When you are employed at Wintringham, you will have access to our Employee Assistance Program, Staff wellbeing portal as well as discounts to some of Australia’s leading retailers.

We are looking for candidates with the following:

• A current Victorian motor car driving licence
• Degree in Therapeutic Recreation or equivalent
• Must be a Certified Member with the Australian Recreation Therapy Association (ARTA)
• An understanding of the Housing and Homelessness Service sector My Aged Care, NDIS and other relevant service systems
• An understanding of recreation principles and the importance of leisure and lifestyle outcomes, diversional therapy or recreation therapy
• Well-developed communications skills and the ability to engage with people from varying backgrounds

This sounds great! How do I apply?

For more information about this role, a copy of the Position Description here.

Please address your responses to the key selection criteria (located in the position description) in your cover letter.

Applications to be directed to Jan Dean and submitted via our website.

Please upload your documents in PDF Format

Applications close on Tuesday 29^th of April 2025 at 5pm.

We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences, our Inclusion Statement may be accessed here. We encourage applications from First Nations people, people living with disability, LGBTIQA+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at inclusion@wintringham.org.au

Successful applicants may be required to undergo a NDIS Worker Screening Check and Police Records check. Refusal to provide your information to both parties will prevent Wintringham from being able to continue with your application.

Applicants who have lived in a country other than Australia for a period longer than 12 months in the last 10 years may be required to undergo an International Police Check.

Successful candidates will be required to comply with the Wintringham Health and Immunisation policy including having three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine as well as the 2025 Influenza Immunisation before commencing employment, and must provide evidence.