National Certificate in Diversional Therapy (Level 4)

The National Certificate in Diversional Therapy (Level 4) [Ref: 0727] is designed for people working as diversional therapists (also known as activities officers) in a community, residential home, or hospital setting.

Diversional therapy is defined as a professional practice which recognises and facilitates purposeful recreational, leisure, and pleasure activities for individual consumers. The diversional therapist focuses on choices made by consumers, with the aim of enhancing their independence and physical, intellectual, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing in a supportive environment.

Holders of this qualification will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the philosophy, purpose, and benefits of diversional therapy; the role of the diversional therapist; and the application of principles of quality assurance to diversional therapy practice.

This qualification recognises the skills required to: develop, implement, evaluate, and adapt diversional therapy careplans for individuals, groups, people with identified health conditions, and people experiencing grief and loss; develop a diversional therapy resource manual, identify safety concerns, assess risk, and develop appropriate risk management strategies; and provide support to people, in particular people living with dementia and/or exhibiting challenging behaviour patterns, in a person-centred, culturally appropriate manner.

This qualification forms part of an integrated pathway of progressive knowledge and skills acquisition. The pathway begins with the National Certificate in Health, Disability, and Aged Support (Foundation Skills) (Level 2) [Ref: 1291], which leads to the National Certificate in Health, Disability, and Aged Support (Core Competencies) (Level 3) [Ref: 1327], the prerequisite for award of this qualification. Candidates may choose to work towards the National Certificate in Health, Disability, and Aged Support (Core Competencies) (Level 3) [Ref: 1327] at the same time as this qualification.

Start a career and contribute to New Zealand’s social good The growing and vital health and wellbeing sectors have a shortage of qualified workers. There are significant employment opportunities for young people to start a lifelong, rewarding career. Through on-the-job training such as an apprenticeship, there’s an opportunity to earn while you learn, get practical skills and work towards achieving a nationally recognised qualification without taking on a student loan.

Careerforce is the Industry Training Organisation (ITO) for the health, wellbeing, social and community sectors, we support New Zealand workplaces to run workplace training programmes for their staff.

Visit the Careerforce website for more information: https://www.careerforce.org.nz/