National Lifestyle and Wellbeing Lead
Newmarket, New Zealand
Have you ever wanted a career with purpose?
Every day, in every way, we bring real heart to work. It’s what drives us to deliver our refreshingly different commitment to supporting the people who make a real difference in enriching the lives of our society’s most vulnerable. That is why we are seeking a National Lifestyle and Wellbeing Lead on a permanent, full-time basis at our Newmarket Support Office in Auckland. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture where you can make a difference while growing your career.
About the Role
This role oversees the development and strategic direction of lifestyle and wellbeing programmes across Bupa Villages and Aged Care (BVAC) homes. You will have oversight of the national delivery plan that supports person-first, therapeutic, recreational, and leisure programmes and resources to enrich residents' lives. You will champion innovation, while mentoring, training, coaching, and supporting our Activities Coordinators, Activities Assistants, and Village team members to deliver a holistic activities programme to our residents.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and drive the implementation of Bupa’s national lifestyle and wellbeing strategy to promote the physical, emotional, cultural, and social wellbeing of our residents.
- Design and develop a variety of therapeutic and recreational programme resources to support Activities Coordinators and those delivering activities to meet residents’ needs.
- Develop programmes that encourage participation in both group and one-on-one sessions, particularly for residents living with dementia or reduced mobility.
- Adapt programmes to reflect residents’ personal preferences and diverse cultural backgrounds and spiritual needs, including Māori, Pasifika, and other ethnic communities.
- Work closely with operations, clinical, and village teams to adapt and evaluate activities based on employee and resident feedback and wellbeing outcomes.
- Support national recruitment, onboarding, and development of Activities Coordinators.
- Support teams to develop and implement monthly lifestyle calendars with a diverse mix of arts, cultural, physical, and social activities that are inclusive of residents with dementia, physical disabilities, or sensory impairments.
- Participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives.
- Ensure programmes align with the Health and Disability Services Standards NZS 8134, meet the criteria of certification audits, and are designed to be delivered in a safe & respectful manner.
In this newly created role, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in ensuring positive outcomes for our residents by leading a nationally consistent approach for our lifestyle and wellbeing programmes. This role will work 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday and offers a hybrid work environment.
About You:
- National Certificate or Diploma in Diversional Therapy, or Level 5 Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (or equivalent).
- Proven experience in a diversional therapy, activities, or recreation role within aged care or health settings preferably with national, multi-site coordination experience.
- Excellent networks within the aged care and disability industry and the greater health care environment.
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of the complexities of the aged residential care journey and the principles of holistic wellbeing.
- Innovative and able to tailor programmes to suit a range of abilities.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to establish and build upon working relationships effectively, and balance multiple stakeholders’ needs.
- A demonstrated willingness to learn and a commitment to ongoing education.
- Familiarity with Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in a healthcare context.
- Experience working with Māori, Pasifika, and CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) populations.
- Strong documentation, organisational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
- An ability to use Microsoft suite along with previous experience using a CRM.
- Current full driver's licence and First Aid Certificate.
Extra Reasons to Belong:
- This role is a hybrid role (mix of in-office and work-from-home) where you will be based at our Newmarket, Auckland Support Office.
- Fully subsidised Southern Cross health insurance to our eligible permanent NZ employees and a discount on insurance cover for eligible family members.
- Wellbeing discounts and advice, EAP counselling services, study support, and cultural leave.
- Paid parental leave - in addition to standard parental leave, Bupa offers 12 weeks of paid leave for primary carers and 2 weeks for secondary carers.
- Refer-a-friend programme of $750 - $2,000.
- Professional Development – in-house and external training and development.
- Industry-competitive remuneration and benefits, and internal reward and recognition programmes.
- No matter who you are or where you come from, we encourage you to ‘Be You at Bupa.’
- An accredited employer with Immigration NZ that values its diverse employees.
- Fruit, snacks, tea, and coffee.
To express your interest, please submit an online application with your CV and we’ll reach out to chat about how you can progress your career with Bupa.
Through vision, passion, and sheer hard work, we’re one of New Zealand’s largest aged care and dementia care providers. As one of New Zealand’s leading healthcare organisations we employ more than 4,000 people: we’re brave, caring, and responsible. All united by one purpose – helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world.
Our Values | Ā mātou ūara
Brave | Māiatanga Caring | Manaakitanga Responsible | Haepapa
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, therefore may result in the role closing early if the right applicant is found.
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