Diversional Therpaist- Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Central Gippsland Health (CGH) is a sub-regional health service and the major provider of health and aged care services in the Wellington Shire. We are located in the City of Sale which is 215 km east of Melbourne. The City of Sale is an ideal access point for the magnificent Gippsland Lakes, 90 Mile Beach and the Victorian Alps.

Diversional Therapist – Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Lead care that sees the person, not the diagnosis.

- Employment type: Permanent Full-Time

- Classification: As per Agreement

- Location: Wilson Lodge, Sale

Central Gippsland Health is creating a new Specialist Dementia Care Unit within Wilson Lodge—and we are looking for an experienced and passionate Diversional Therapist to help bring it to life.

This is a unique opportunity to shape a specialist service from the beginning.

Your expertise is to provide social, recreational, diversional and intellectual activities and programs which reflect the assessed needs of residents within the service in conjunction with both internal and external stakeholders.

About the role

As the Diversional Therapist, you will provide expert dementia-care within the SDCU.

Working closely with the multi-disciplinary team including our Dementia CNC & Geriatrician, residents, families and staff, you will:

- Lead contemporary, evidence-based and person-centered dementia care.

- Conduct lifestyle assessments for new residents and the families/ carers, including gathering lifestyle histories, interests and social engagement preferences and person-centred programs

- Work collaboratively with all members of the multidisciplinary team to facilitate integrated person-centred care leading to enhancement of resident’s quality of life.

- Champion positive behaviour support and non-pharmacological approaches to distress and unmet need.

- Promote residents’ dignity, identity, choice, independence and supported decision-making.

- Build trusted partnerships with residents, families and representatives.

- Help create a positive, accountable and psychologically safe team culture.

About you

You are an experienced Diversional Therapist with advanced dementia-care knowledge and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of older people.

You will bring:

- Certificate IV in Lifestyle and Leisure or equivalent.

- Experience supporting people with complex dementia-related care and behavioural support needs.

- Team player with strong communication and problem-solving skills.

- A compassionate and respectful approach to working with residents, families and staff.

Why join CGH?

At CGH, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to a new specialist service while working within a connected regional health service.

You will be supported to:

- Influence the development of the SDCU’s model of care from its earliest stages.

- Build and lead specialist dementia-care practice within a dedicated team.

- Develop meaningful partnerships across aged care, health and specialist dementia services.

- Access ongoing professional development and contribute to innovation and service improvement.

- Make a tangible difference for residents and families within the Central Gippsland community.

If you are ready to lead with expertise, curiosity and compassion—and want to help create a service where every resident is known, valued and supported—we would love to hear from you!

For further information, please contact Amanda Bain at [email protected] or 5143 8717. Alternatively reach out to HR to request the position description at [email protected] / 03 5143 8530.

Applications must include a current CV and a cover letter addressing the key requirements of the role.

Shortlisting may occur before the close date so apply early!

Apply now and help shape the future of specialist dementia care at Central Gippsland Health.