Senior Activities Programme Assistant

Job Description

We are looking for a creative, compassionate and experienced Senior Activities Programme Assistant to join our Community Support team at the Michael Sobell Jewish Community Centre. This is an exciting opportunity to take a senior role across our established community centre and new Dementia Community Centre, helping shape and deliver a varied programme that supports social connection, wellbeing, independence and inclusion.

You will lead meaningful activities and events, adapt sessions for different abilities and needs, and use creative and dementia-friendly approaches to encourage participation. You will also guide colleagues and volunteers, support the Centre Coordinator and deputise when required.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys taking responsibility, supporting others and creating experiences that make a genuine difference to older peoples lives.

Job Responsibilities

• Designing, organising and delivering a varied programme of meaningful, person-centred activities and events.
• Developing activities that reflect members' interests, abilities, culture and individual needs.
• Using creative, reminiscence and sensory-based approaches, particularly when working with people living with dementia.
• Adapting communication and activities to support participation and engagement.
• Working flexibly across both centres to support continuity, consistent standards and effective handovers.
• Supporting the Centre Coordinator with the day-to-day operational coordination of the services.
• Deputising for the Centre Coordinator when required, supporting safe staffing, prioritisation and problem-solving.
• Providing guidance, coaching and support to Programme Assistants and volunteers.
• Supporting the day-to-day coordination of volunteers.
• Building positive and trusting relationships with members, families, carers and external professionals.
• Supporting a calm, welcoming and dementia-friendly environment.
• Responding sensitively to distress, changes in behaviour and individual triggers.
• Monitoring members' wellbeing and reporting changes in behaviour, mood, mobility or engagement.
• Providing personal support when required, in line with individual care plans and agreed procedures, always promoting dignity, choice and independence.
• Contributing to care planning discussions and working with colleagues, Social Work teams, families and external agencies to support members with higher support needs.
• Identifying and reviewing risks and hazards and supporting risk assessments for activities.
• Maintaining accurate records, including attendance, session notes, observations, follow-up notes and incident reports.
• Building relationships with therapists, entertainers, sessional workers and community professionals to broaden the range of experiences available to members.