Program Support Worker

Program Support Worker – Therapeutic Activation Program

Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Community Services is seeking a friendly, compassionate, and community-oriented individual 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 social connection, cognitive stimulation, emotional well-being, physical engagement, and overall quality of life. Using a person-centered and strengths-based approach, you will create meaningful group experiences tailored to participants' interests, abilities, and needs through activities such as cognitive games, reminiscence and storytelling, creative arts, wellness activities, adapted recreation, and opportunities for social engagement.

You will foster a welcoming, inclusive environment that encourages participation, reduces social isolation, and promotes a sense of purpose and belonging. In addition, you will plan, arrange, and serve lunch during each session, creating positive mealtime experiences that encourage conversation, relationship-building, and community connection among participants.

This role is ideal for someone with experience supporting vulnerable seniors through therapeutic activation, group facilitation, and meaningful engagement programming 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, and quality of life.
• Experience creating welcoming group environments that reduce social isolation, foster meaningful relationships, and encourage active participation.
• Experience planning, organizing, and providing nutritious meals and refreshments for vulnerable seniors, including accommodating dietary restrictions and creating positive mealtime experiences that encourage social connection and community.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, support, and retain volunteers in a collaborative, participant-focused environment.
• Creative, flexible, and responsive approach to program delivery, with experience evaluating program outcomes and making improvements based on participant feedback and engagement.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

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

QUALIFICATIONS

EducationandExperience:

• (2)two-year Diploma or other post-secondary training in social services, therapeutic recreation, gerontology, community support, health care, human services, or a related field.
• Minimum two (2) years of recent related experience working directly with vulnerable seniors in community, health, recreation, social service, or supportive care settings.
• Experience planning and facilitating therapeutic activation, wellness, recreational, social, or engagement-focused group programs for vulnerable seniors.
• Experience planning and providing group meals for vulnerable seniors, including accommodating dietary restrictions and creating welcoming, socially engaging dining experiences.
• Experience recruiting, orienting, supporting, and retaining volunteers.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

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, including setting up program spaces, transporting supplies, and assisting with program and meal-related activities.
• Membership in the applicable union is required.

*Shift/Schedule/Hoursper*week:**14 hours per week; Group activities are scheduled on Mondays and Tuesdays, 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.