Program Support Worker

Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Community Services; Maple Ridge; On-site; CAD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Community Services invites an empathetic Program Support Worker to lead therapeutic activation activities for seniors. You will craft engaging group experiences that support social connection, cognitive stimulation, emotional well-being, and physical engagement, enhancing overall quality of life.

The role involves planning group meals, coordinating volunteers, and tailoring activities to participants' interests and needs using a person-centered approach.

Qualifications

• Two-year Diploma or equivalent in social services or related field.
• Minimum two years of experience working with vulnerable seniors in community settings.
• Experience planning and facilitating therapeutic activation and group programs for seniors.
• Experience planning and providing group meals and accommodating dietary restrictions.

Responsibilities

• Assess participant interests, abilities, and support needs to promote engagement and quality of life.
• Create welcoming group environments that encourage active participation and reduce isolation.
• Plan, organize, and provide nutritious meals for sessions respecting dietary restrictions.
• Recruit, train, and support volunteers in a collaborative environment.
• Evaluate program outcomes and adjust activities based on participant feedback.

Skills

Group facilitation

Interpersonal skills

Program planning

Cognitive activities

Education

Two-year Diploma (social services/related)

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 this rewarding 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, orsupportive 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 vehicleavailable 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 adiverse workforce that represents the communities we proudly serve, whileencompassing the principles of equity, inclusion and diversity. We stronglyencourage applications from people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, persons withdisabilities, people of all gender expressions and sexual orientationsincluding queer, trans, and two-spirit people. In our words and actions, werecognize the challenges for those facing inequalities, while acknowledging ourprivilege, as we continuously strive to remove bias and reduce barriers thatindividuals may experience in the hiring and job-seeking process. We invitefeedback from all applications who apply for roles within the Agency.