Diversional / Activity Therapist

Burnviewhealthcare; Magherafelt; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A family-run care home group in Northern Ireland is seeking a part-time Diversional/Activity Therapist to design and implement recreational activities for residents. The role involves planning schedules, leading activities, and fostering resident engagement. Candidates should have an NVQ Level 2/3 in Health & Social Care and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills. The position offers competitive pay and training opportunities in a supportive environment that values care and community involvement.

Benefits

Competitive rates of pay

Full training

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience planning and delivering recreational activities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop weekly/monthly activity schedules.
• Organize and lead individual and group activities.
• Build relationships with residents to understand their hobbies and interests.

Skills

Relationship skills

Servicing skills

Nursing / Caring skills

Education

NVQ Level 2/3 in Health & Social Care

Job description

Job Description

Location: Marina Care Home, Shore Road, Ballyronan

Burnview Healthcare is a group of family run care homes which specialises in Dementia, Nursing, Residential, and Day care. Our emphasis is on creating a caring and secure environment where our residents know that they are ‘Living Amongst Friends.

Working as part of a team all our employees play a vital role in ensuring our residents are well cared for whilst promoting a positive and enjoyable working environment. In return, we offer our employees competitive rates of pay, full training both online and in person, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme.

We are currently recruiting for a part time Diversional/Activity Therapist to design, deliver and evaluate a variety of recreational and therapeutic activities that support residents' physical, mental, emotional and social well being in a person centred, inclusive environment.

Our Activity Therapists organise social events throughout the year and are involved in fundraising activities as needed.

Sponsorship is not available for this role.

About The Role

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Activity Planning & Delivery

• Develop weekly/monthly activity schedules that include physical, cognitive, emotional, and social engagement.
• Organize and lead individual and group activities such as arts and crafts, music therapy, games, physical exercise, reminiscence sessions, gardening, and outings.
• Adapt activities to meet the needs of residents with dementia, reduced mobility, sensory impairments, or mental health conditions.

Resident Engagement

• Build relationships with residents to understand their hobbies and interests to plan into the Activity Programme.
• Encourage participation and engagement, ensuring that all residents have access to suitable activities.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with the Home Manager when contacting external entertainers and organising events.
• Work alongside care staff, nurses, therapists, volunteers, and family members to support residents' holistic care.

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Maintain accurate records of resident participation, progress, and feedback.
• Regularly review and evaluate the effectiveness of activities and adjust plans accordingly.

Community Involvement

• Develop links with local groups, volunteers, and performers to enhance the range and quality of activities available.
• Organize intergenerational or multicultural events where appropriate.

An Enhanced Access NI check will be required for this position. If successful please be advised that we have a policy on the recruitment of ex‑offenders which is available from our HR Team. Having a criminal record will not necessarily affect you from working with Burnview Group and will be reviewed in line with our policy. In line with the Access NI Code of Practice we have a policy on the secure handling, storage and disclosure of Access NI information and both the Code of Practice and this policy are available from our HR Team on request.

Skills Needed

Relationship, Servicing, Nursing / Caring

Company Culture

In all our homes we aim to care for our residents in a way that promotes independence and autonomy whilst giving each resident the surety that we are there to care and assist with their individual needs. Being family run with nursing experience we pride ourselves in being active in the operation of our care homes. We have high standards and are driven along with our management team of highly experienced health care professionals to lead our excellent staff in providing the optimum in resident care. We pride ourselves in adhering to the principles of accountability, involvement and communication and as such operate an ‘open door communication policy’ to all.

Required Criteria

• Right to live and work in the UK
• NVQ Level 2/3 in Health & Social Care
• Experience planning and delivering recreational activities
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Desired Criteria

• Relevant Vocational Qualification (achieved/working towards)
• Experience working with older adults or people with dementia

Closing Date: Friday 13th February, 2026

Contract Type: Part-time

Salary: Based on Experience