Community Centre Programme AssistantNHS

Job summary

The Community Programme Assistant will play an important role within Jewish Cares Community Services team, supporting the delivery of welcoming, stimulating and person-centred day services for older people, including people living with dementia. Working 34 hours per week, the postholder will plan, prepare and participate in a varied programme of activities including chair-based exercise, discussion groups, card and board games, cultural activities and events. The role involves supporting members in line with their individual care plans, including personal care where required, promoting independence, dignity and quality of life, and ensuring people can participate safely. The postholder will also work closely with families, carers, Social Work colleagues, volunteers and external agencies, contribute to care planning and safeguarding, and support transport arrangements where needed. Travel to other sites may occasionally be required.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for a compassionate, creative and enthusiastic Community Programme Assistant to join our Dementia Day Centre team. You will help create a warm, inclusive and stimulating environment where older people, including those living with dementia, can enjoy meaningful activities, develop social connections and maintain their independence. You will support a varied programme including exercise, discussion groups, games, cultural activities and events, while providing person-centred support in line with individual care plans. You will build positive relationships with members, families, carers and volunteers and play an important role in ensuring everyone feels welcomed, valued and able to participate. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys working with people and wants to make a genuine difference to their wellbeing.

Job description

Make a real difference every day. Jewish Cares Community Centres are warm, welcoming spaces where older people come to connect, stay active and feel part of a vibrant community. Were looking for a Community Programme Assistant to help deliver meaningful, enjoyable experiences that truly enrich peoples lives.

About the Role

As part of our frontline team, youll support the delivery of daily activities such as chair-based exercise, discussion groups, card games, creative sessions, and social events. Youll also help develop and deliver a programme of wider community activities.

Youll work closely with our Centre Managers, Community Hub Managers and volunteers to ensure our centres are safe, engaging, and inclusive environments. The role includes some evening and Sunday work, with time off in lieu.

This post is working 34 hours per week and includes occasional Sundays, with time off in lieu.

What Youll Be Doing

• Delivering a wide range of activities and events for older people
• Helping plan and develop an engaging events programme
• Supporting volunteers and contributing to their wellbeing
• Ensuring centres run safely by working with Health & Safety and catering teams
• Facilitating activities across our Community Hubs
• Preparing and delivering day-centre sessions
• Assisting with daily setup and close-down of the Centre
• Supporting welfare-related admin and data entry on our membership system
• Helping the team meet KPIs and deadlines
• Using member feedback to improve service quality
• Following safeguarding guidance and raising any concerns appropriately

About You Youll be someone who genuinely enjoys connecting with people and supporting older members of the community. Youll bring warmth, patience, energy and confidence to every interaction.

You will need:

• Experience engaging with older or disabled people, including those living with dementia (E)
• Experience working in a team (E)
• Strong communication and customer service skills (E)
• Ability to remain calm, positive and respectful in all situations (E)
• Ability to work independently and use your initiative (E)
• Problem-solving skills and the confidence to think clearly under pressure (E)

It would be great if you also have:

• Knowledge of the Jewish community (D)
• Experience working with volunteers (D)
• A social care-related qualification (D)

Why Jewish Care? Joining Jewish Care means joining a team that believes in dignity, compassion and community. Youll be part of a service that has a direct, positive impact on the lives of older people every single day.

About us

Jewish Care is the largest health and social care charity serving the Jewish community in London and the South East. Every week, our services support more than 12,000 people, delivered by over 1,200 dedicated colleagues across residential care, nursing, retirement living, community support, social work, and mental health services. We provide care that is Jewish at heart, supporting older people and their families every step of the way while welcoming colleagues from all backgrounds. Guided by our values of Excellence, Integrity, Innovation, Compassion, and Inclusiveness, we are committed to delivering high-quality services where people feel valued, respected, and able to live meaningful lives.