Create meaningful moments. Build connections. Make a difference.
Hours: 34 hours per week, including occasional Sundays
We are looking for an Activities Programme Assistant to join our team at the Sam Beckman Centre, helping create welcoming, engaging and meaningful experiences for older people in our community.
If you’re warm, friendly and enjoy spending time with people, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference every day. You’ll support the delivery of activities, events and day services that help older people stay active, connected and engaged, while promoting independence, wellbeing and a strong sense of belonging.
About Jewish Care
Jewish Care’s Community Centres are at the heart of changing people’s lives for the better.
Our centres support older Jewish people to lead meaningful, connected and fulfilling lives by providing opportunities for social interaction, wellbeing support, activities and community engagement.
Community Services deliver a varied programme of activities, events and day services designed to support older people, helping them maintain independence, social connection and a strong sense of belonging within the Jewish community.
About the role
As an Activities Programme Assistant, you’ll be part of the frontline team delivering activities, events and community programmes for older people at the Sam Beckman Centre.
You’ll support the Senior Programme Assistant and Centre Programme Coordinator to plan and deliver a varied programme that reflects the interests and needs of our members.
You’ll help create a friendly, inclusive environment where people feel comfortable, valued and able to participate. From social groups and games to exercise, discussions and wellbeing activities, you’ll help make sure there is something for everyone.
The role is varied and hands-on, combining activity delivery, member support, customer service, volunteer support and day-to-day operational responsibilities.
What you’ll be doing
- Supporting the delivery of engaging activities, events and programmes for older people.
- Helping prepare and facilitate activities such as social groups, exercise sessions, games, discussions and wellbeing activities.
- Encouraging members to participate and adapting activities where needed to support different abilities and interests.
- Getting to know members and building positive, respectful and trusting relationships.
- Providing a warm, friendly and welcoming experience for members, families, visitors and volunteers.
- Supporting the Senior Programme Assistant and Centre Programme Coordinator with programme planning and delivery.
- Helping with the set-up and clear-down of activities and ensuring spaces are safe, welcoming and appropriately prepared.
- Supporting volunteers and helping maximise their involvement across activities and events.
- Working collaboratively with colleagues across Community Services to deliver successful programmes and events.
- Supporting member wellbeing and reporting any concerns appropriately.
- Maintaining accurate records and completing relevant administration and data entry using Jewish Care systems, including Dynamics.
- Supporting colleagues to meet key deadlines and service standards.
- Working collaboratively with Health & Safety, Catering, Customer Experience and operational teams.
- Contributing to safeguarding and following relevant policies and procedures.
- Supporting feedback and quality improvement to enhance the experience and quality of life of our members.
- Taking on other appropriate duties that support the smooth running of the service.
About you
We’re looking for someone who is warm, compassionate, positive and genuinely enjoys spending time with older people.
You don’t necessarily need to have worked in a community centre before. What’s important is that you are confident talking and socialising with older people and can build genuine relationships based on respect, empathy and kindness.
You’ll be customer-focused and understand the importance of listening to what people want and need. You’ll be able to work independently, use your initiative and remain calm and confident when situations become challenging.
You’ll also enjoy working as part of a team and be willing to learn and develop your skills.
We’re looking for someone who is:
- Experienced in socialising with or supporting older people, disabled people or people living with dementia, either personally or professionally.
- Warm, friendly and approachable.
- Empathetic, compassionate and respectful.
- Passionate about providing excellent customer service.
- Able to communicate confidently and sensitively with older people and their families.
- Comfortable working with people of all ages and abilities.
- Able to handle challenging situations gently, confidently and with integrity.
- Able to work independently and use your own initiative.
- A strong team player who can build trusting relationships.
- A good problem solver who can think clearly under pressure.
- Willing to take responsibility for your own learning and professional development.
- Committed to putting the needs, wishes and wellbeing of our members first.
A GCSE or equivalent is required. A relevant qualification in social care would be an advantage.
Experience of volunteering or working with volunteers would also be beneficial, as would knowledge of the Jewish community, including its diversity, local terminology and festivals.
Knowledge of dementia and awareness of the physical and mental health issues affecting older people is important for the role.
Why join us?
This is a rewarding opportunity to join our team at the Sam Beckman Centre and make a genuine difference to the lives of older people.
You’ll be part of a team that creates opportunities for people to socialise, try new things, stay active and feel connected to their community.
Every day brings the opportunity to make someone smile, help someone feel included or simply spend time with someone who values your company.
Occasional Sunday working will be required to support the service, with time off in lieu provided. The postholder may also be required to undertake other duties appropriate to the role and level of responsibility.
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.
Jewish Care operate a rolling recruitment process and reserve the right to close the advert once a suitable candidate has been identified.
