With the introduction of new Aged Care Standards highlighting person-centred care, quality of life, and meaningful engagement, we are committed to ensuring best practice across our services. To support our team of Leisure and Wellness Coordinators and meet these evolving expectations, we are seeking a State Leisure Wellness and Engagement Lead.

This pivotal role will drive standardisation, innovation, and best practice, enhancing resident well-being, ensuring compliance, and providing strategic leadership in embedding leisure, wellness, and engagement programs across our homes, including Independent Living Units (ILUs).

As a​ State Leisure, Wellness and Engagement Lead, ​your role specifically will work with the Services to:

• Lead state-wide implementation of leisure, wellness, and engagement strategies (all streams).
• Develop policies, procedures, and training materials aligned with aged care standards.
• Collaborate with the Services teams to enhance resident experience and engagement.
• Monitor and report on program effectiveness, compliance, and resident outcomes.
• Advocate for lifestyle and engagement priorities at a state level
• Model of Care support and guidance

KEY PERFORMANCE CAPABILITIES

Leisure & Engagement Programs

• Develop and implement innovative recreational and social programs tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.
• Oversee lifestyle and activity coordinators across multiple aged care facilities to ensure consistency in program delivery.
• Supporting L&W coordinators to ensure recreational and social programs are tailored to individuals based on their background, culture, diversity, beliefs and life experiences.
• Oversee the implementation of culturally safe, trauma aware and healing informed evidence based practice.
• Incorporate evidence-based approaches to enhance cognitive stimulation, mobility, and emotional wellbeing.
• Introduce intergenerational programs and community partnerships to promote resident inclusion and socialisation.

Health & Wellness Promotion

• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to integrate holistic wellness initiatives, including exercise programs, mindfulness sessions, and nutrition awareness.
• Ensure leisure and wellness programs align with aged care accreditation standards and person-centred care models.
• Promote innovative approaches such as music and art therapy, pet therapy, and sensory gardens to support resident wellbeing.

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead a team of leisure and lifestyle coordinators, providing guidance, training, and support to ensure best practices.
• Develop strategic plans to enhance leisure and wellness offerings across aged care facilities.
• Evaluate program effectiveness through feedback, data collection, and performance metrics, making recommendations for continuous improvement.

Stakeholder & Community Engagement

• Build relationships with families, volunteers, and local organisations to foster community involvement in aged care settings.
• Advocate for resident rights and ensure all activities are inclusive, culturally sensitive, and meaningful.
• Organise events and celebrations that bring together residents, families, and the broader community.

THE IMPORTANT DETAILS

Qualifications:

• Tertiary qualifications in an appropriate and relevant discipline or equivalent experience 

Your experience ticks the following boxes:

• Experience in hospitality, aged care, or customer service, with a focus on leisure, wellness and engagement.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a passion for enhancing the quality of life for older people.
• Ability to lead and train staff, fostering a supportive and positive environment.
• Excellent communication skills and a resident-focused approach to problem-solving.

Core Competencies:

• You operate with personal integrity and a values base that aligns with Uniting’s
• You succeed through excellent communication skills and a high service orientation
• You are an exceptional team player
• You thrive on helping others to succeed;
• You have a high level of energy and enthusiasm.
• You engage successfully with a wide range of stakeholders
• Computer skills

Who is Uniting?

When you’re part of Uniting NSW.ACT, you’re part of a diverse, purpose-led team of people who are really making a difference to the world around them.

We contribute to the work and mission of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. We provide care and support for people through all ages and stages of life, with a focus on people experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice.

Uniting leaders and employees work together to create a culture that is safe, inclusive and person-centred. We bring this to life every day through our values: compassionate, respectful, imaginative and bold.

Uniting acknowledges the continuing sovereignty and rich cultural diversity of Australia’s First Peoples. We pay our respects to all Elders – past, present, and emerging – and to all First Peoples on whose lands we live and work. 

Uniting is a Child Safe Organisation committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people. 

How to apply

If this opportunity is of interest, then we’d love to hear from you. Just click on the 'Quick Apply' button in this ad, fill out your details and submit.

We encourage applications from people who identify as a part of the Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Community. 

What to expect

Please know that employment with Uniting will require a National Police Check, and Reference Checks.