Program Support Worker

Comservice; Maple Ridge; On-site; CAD 33,000 - 47,000; Part time

Job summary

Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows CommunityServices is seeking a friendly, compassionate Program Support Worker to run therapeutic activation programs for seniors. You will plan and facilitate activities that support social connection, cognitive stimulation, emotional well-being, and physical engagement, including serving lunch during sessions.

You will assess participant interests and needs, adapt activities for engagement, recruit and support volunteers, and create inclusive environments.

Qualifications

• Diploma or equivalent in social services, therapeutic recreation, gerontology or related field.
• Minimum two years of recent experience with vulnerable seniors in community, health, recreation, social services or supportive care settings.
• Experience planning and facilitating therapeutic activation and engagement-focused group programs for seniors.
• Experience planning and providing group meals for seniors, accommodating dietary restrictions and creating social dining experiences.
• Experience recruiting, orienting, supporting and retaining volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Assess participant interests, abilities and support needs; adapt activities to promote engagement and quality of life.
• Foster welcoming group environments that reduce social isolation and encourage active participation.
• Plan, organize and provide nutritious meals/rehe refreshments for participants.
• Recruit, train and retain volunteers in a collaborative, participant-focused environment.
• Evaluate program outcomes and implement improvements based on feedback.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Group facilitation

Program planning

Volunteer management

Education

Two-year diploma in social services or related field

Job description

Program Support Worker – Therapeutic Activation Program

Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows CommunityServices is seeking a friendly, compassionate, and community-orientedindividual to join our team as a Program Support Worker for our seniors'programs.

In thisrewarding role, you will work directly with groups of vulnerable seniors,planning and facilitating therapeutic activation programs that support socialconnection, cognitive stimulation, emotional well-being, physical engagement,and overall quality of life. Using a person-centered and strengths-basedapproach, you will create meaningful group experiences tailored toparticipants' interests, abilities, and needs through activities such ascognitive games, reminiscence and storytelling, creative arts, wellnessactivities, adapted recreation, and opportunities for social engagement.

You will fostera welcoming, inclusive environment that encourages participation, reducessocial isolation, and promotes a sense of purpose and belonging. In addition,you will plan, arrange, and serve lunch during each session, creating positivemealtime experiences that encourage conversation, relationship-building, andcommunity connection among participants.

This role isideal for someone with experience supporting vulnerable seniors throughtherapeutic activation, group facilitation, and meaningful engagementprogramming designed to enhance participants' overall well-being.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Ability to assess participant interests, abilities, and support needs,and adapt activities to promote engagement, independence, inclusion, andquality of life.
• Experience creating welcoming group environments that reduce socialisolation, foster meaningful relationships, and encourage active participation.
• Experience planning, organizing, and providing nutritious meals andrefreshments for vulnerable seniors, including accommodating dietaryrestrictions and creating positive mealtime experiences that encourage socialconnection and community.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, support, and retain volunteersin a collaborative, participant-focused environment.
• Creative, flexible, and responsive approach to program delivery, withexperience evaluating program outcomes and making improvements based onparticipant feedback and engagement.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-buildingskills, with the ability to build trust and meaningful connections withvulnerable seniors.
• Experience planning and facilitating therapeutic activation programsthat support cognitive, emotional, physical, and social well-being throughactivities such as reminiscence, cognitive stimulation, creative arts,wellness, and adapted recreation.
• Strong understanding of the diverse strengths, challenges, and supportneeds of vulnerable seniors, using person-centred, strengths-based,trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

EducationandExperience:

• (2)two-yearDiploma or other post-secondary training in social services, therapeuticrecreation, gerontology, community support, health care, human services,or a related field.
• Minimumtwo (2) years of recent related experience working directly withvulnerable seniors in community, health, recreation, social service, or supportive care settings.
• Experienceplanning and facilitating therapeutic activation, wellness, recreational,social, or engagement-focused group programs for vulnerable seniors.
• Experienceplanning and providing group meals for vulnerable seniors, includingaccommodating dietary restrictions and creating welcoming, sociallyengaging dining experiences.
• Experiencerecruiting, orienting, supporting, and retaining volunteers.
• Anequivalent combination of education, training, and experience may beconsidered.

Additional Requirements:

• Successful completion of a clear Criminal Record Check.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Current Food Safe certification.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver's Licence with a safe, reliable vehicle available for work-related duties.
• Satisfactory Driver's Abstract, provided annually.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, includingsetting up program spaces, transporting supplies, and assisting with programand meal-related activities.
• Membership in the applicable union is required.

Shift/Schedule/Hoursperweek:

14 hours per week; Group activities are scheduled on Mondays andTuesdays, remaining hours are flexible

Expected Start Date:

ASAP

Wage/Salary:

$29.22

Grid Level:

11

Application Deadline:

This position will remain open until filled

We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the communities we proudly serve, while encompassing the principles of equity, inclusion and diversity. We strongly encourage applications from people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, people of all gender expressions and sexual orientations including queer, trans, and two-spirit people. In our words and actions, we recognize the challenges for those facing inequalities, while acknowledging our privilege, as we continuously strive to remove bias and reduce barriers that individuals may experience in the hiring and job-seeking process. We invite feedback from all applications who apply for roles within the Agency.