SENIOR ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME ASSISTANT

Jewish Care; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 34,000 - 43,000; Part time

Job summary

Jewish Care seeks a Senior Activities Programme Assistant to design, organise and deliver meaningful activities for older people across our centres, including dementia care. You’ll work with the Centre Coordinator to ensure smooth day‑to‑day operation, support staff and volunteers, and promote a warm, inclusive environment.

You’ll lead; you’ll coach others, maintain records, and help shape person‑centred experiences that foster wellbeing, independence and social connection for members and carers

Qualifications

• Experience planning and delivering group activities or programmes.
• Ability to adapt activities to meet different needs and abilities.
• Confident coaching and supporting colleagues and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver a varied programme of meaningful activities for older people, including those living with dementia.
• Support day‑to‑day running of the centres and deputise for the Centre Coordinator when required.
• Provide guidance and training to Programme Assistants and volunteers; oversee records and communications.

Skills

Older people experience

Group activities planning

Dementia experience

Communication skills

Education

Social care qualification

Job description

Lead meaningful activities. Build connections. Make a difference.

Hours: 30 hours per week, Monday to Thursday.

We are looking for a Senior Activities Programme Assistant to join our team and play a key role in creating meaningful, engaging and person-centred experiences for older people across our services.

If you’re creative, compassionate and confident supporting others, this is an exciting opportunity to take a lead role in developing and delivering activities across our Michael Sobell Community Centre and new Dementia Community Centre.

You’ll help shape and deliver a varied programme that supports social connection, wellbeing, independence and inclusion, while ensuring activities are adapted to meet the needs of people living with dementia and older people with a range of abilities and support needs.

You’ll also support the day‑to‑day running of the centres, provide guidance to Programme Assistants and volunteers, and deputise for the Centre Coordinator when required.

About Jewish Care

Jewish Care’s Community Centres are at the heart of our strategy, providing safe, stimulating, engaging and supportive environments for older people in our community.

Our centres offer meaningful activities, social opportunities and appropriate support that enhance the quality of life and wellbeing of our members. Working within our Campus model, you’ll have the opportunity to support people across our Michael Sobell Community Centre and new specialist Dementia Community Centre, helping create a welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone.

Our centres are also a vital source of respite and reassurance for families and carers, knowing their loved ones are supported, valued and engaged in a warm and inclusive community.

About The Role

As a Senior Activities Programme Assistant, you’ll take a lead role in designing, organising and delivering a varied programme of culturally specific activities and events for older people, including people living with dementia.

You’ll work closely with the Centre Coordinator and wider team to ensure the smooth day‑to‑day operation of both centres, maintaining consistent standards and supporting effective communication and handovers between teams.

You’ll also act as a positive role model for Programme Assistants and volunteers, providing guidance, coaching and practical support to help ensure members receive a consistently high-quality experience.

Where required, you’ll deputise for the Centre Coordinator, supporting staffing, prioritisation and day‑to‑day problem‑solving.

What You’ll Be Doing

• 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.
• Supporting members with transport arrangements where required.
• Working collaboratively with the wider Community Services team to share best practice across Community, Digital, Dementia and Programming.
• Monitoring activity resources, materials and stock and supporting the set‑up and clear‑down of furniture and equipment.

About You

We’re looking for someone who has energy, creativity, compassion and experience in working with older people and people living with dementia.

You’ll have experience of planning and delivering group activities or programmes and be confident adapting activities and communication to meet different needs.

You’ll also enjoy supporting others and be comfortable providing guidance and coaching to colleagues and volunteers. You’ll be able to take responsibility, use your initiative and remain calm and organised when priorities change.

A relevant qualification in social care, health and social care, or equivalent experience would be beneficial.

You’ll Be

• Experienced in working with older people and/or disabled people.
• Experienced in planning and delivering group activities or programmes.
• Experienced in working with people living with dementia.
• Confident adapting activities and communication to support engagement.
• Able to support and guide colleagues and volunteers.
• Knowledgeable about dementia and its impact on individuals.
• Knowledgeable about safeguarding and person‑centred practice.
• Confident working independently and using your own initiative.
• A strong communicator who builds positive relationships with members, families and professionals.
• Organised and able to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Calm, friendly and positive, even when under pressure.
• Committed to dignity, inclusion, equality and respect.
• Willing to undertake training and continued professional development.
• Committed to working in line with Jewish Care’s values.
• Knowledge of Jewish values, culture and festivals would be an advantage.

Why join us?

This is an exciting opportunity to take a senior role in our Community Services team as we develop our new Dementia Community Centre alongside the Michael Sobell Community Centre.

You’ll have the opportunity to use your creativity and experience to shape activities that genuinely make a difference — while supporting colleagues and helping create services where older people feel connected, valued and included.

Every day will be different, but the purpose will always be the same: helping people have meaningful experiences, build connections and enjoy their time with us.

Lead meaningful moments. Build connections. Make a difference.

We’re looking for a Senior Activities Programme Assistant — could you be the person we’re looking for?

Jewish Care is the largest provider of health and social care services for the Jewish community in the UK. Every week, we touch the lives of 10,000 people. We provide services to a range of people including older people, people with mental health needs and people living with dementia.

Our five values are at the heart of the way we work. They drive how we act as individuals and as an organisation and shape our culture. We value Excellence, Integrity, Innovation, Compassion, and Inclusivity.