At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engaging activities for older residents, promoting independence and social connections.
- Company: Join Friends of the Elderly, a caring charity with over 120 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, career development, wellbeing support, and retail discounts.
- Other info: Flexible part-time hours in a beautiful setting with opportunities for community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of older people every day.
- Qualifications: Creative, compassionate individuals with excellent communication skills and a full UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 15.24 - 15.24 £ per hour.
Hourly Pay: £13.85 to £15.24 per hour
Contract Type: Permanent - Part Time (21 hours per week)
Working Pattern: Days, Weekends (3 days one week, 4 days the following week - working alternate weekends)
Friends of the Elderly (FotE) is a not-for-profit charity dedicated to providing excellent care with a family feel, we have been supporting older people for over 120 years. The charity provides care home and day care services for older people, as well as grants for older people in financial difficulty.
Redcot, specialising in residential care, is set in the delightful town of Haslemere, Surrey. Overlooking beautiful gardens and surrounded by countryside, much of which is owned by the National Trust, Redcot is blessed with a unique, tranquil setting.
As an Activities Coordinator, you will lead and encourage residents to join in meaningful activities whilst maintaining their independence, choice and dignity, to enable them to lead as full and active life as possible. In this rewarding role, you will create a stimulating and varied programme of leisure activities and social events, inside and outside of the home, for residents to enjoy.
Working with each new resident to understand their likes/dislikes, abilities and needs, you will put together an individual social care plan and evaluate it regularly. You will play a key role in engaging with the local community by initiating contact with community groups and enabling residents to partake/continue with hobbies and interests as desired. You will also help to recruit a network of volunteers to provide a variety of desired appropriate social opportunities as identified by the residents.
We're looking for a friendly and creative individual who is passionate about improving the lives of older people. You'll have a person-centred approach, excellent communication and organisational skills, and the ability to encourage and motivate others to participate in meaningful activities. A full UK driving licence is essential, along with a willingness to drive residents on outings and events.
This isn't just a job; it's about making a difference to older people's lives every day. We really value the hard work and commitment of all of our staff, and offer:
- Learning, development, and career progression.
- Wellbeing support through various initiatives including an employee assistance programme offering up to 10 counselling, 4 life, 4 leadership, 3 financial coaching sessions per person, per issue, per year.
- Retail discount schemes to make your salary go further.
- Access to loans at affordable rates, saving directly from salary and advance pay already earned.
- Health cash plans for you and your family.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Long service awards, that increase with length of service.
- Refer a friend to work for us and receive a £200 bonus.
- Group Pension Plan, with a 6% contribution from us.
- Paid breaks in our care homes and day care services for care staff.
- Free DBS checks.
Safeguarding: Keeping everyone safe is one of the charity's core values and is central to everything we do at Friends of the Elderly. All staff follow our Safeguarding Policy & Procedures and, if they see or suspect abuse, we expect staff to report it straight away.
Criminal record checks: As this role involves dealing with vulnerable adults, successful applicants will undertake an enhanced DBS check, and any offer of employment will be dependent on a satisfactory outcome. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar a person from working for us, this will depend on the circumstances and background of any record.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: Friends of the Elderly strives to treat all staff equally and be a diverse and inclusive workplace, where everyone can be themselves and everyone accepts each other's differences. Our ambition is to ensure equality and celebrate diversity, all working together to create an inclusive workplace, which attracts and retains the best people.
We currently do not provide sponsorship but we welcome applications from those who have the right to work in the UK. Don't delay in sending your application as we may need to close the vacancy early if we manage to appoint before the advertising closing date. We interview applicants as they apply.
Please refer to the job description upon submitting your application.
Activities Coordinator employer: Friends of the Elderly
At Friends of the Elderly, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of older people. Our supportive work culture fosters personal growth and development, offering comprehensive training and wellbeing initiatives, alongside competitive benefits such as paid breaks, retail discounts, and a group pension plan. Located in the picturesque Malvern area, our care homes provide a nurturing environment where compassionate individuals can thrive while delivering person-centred care to our residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Activities Coordinator
✨Get Involved in Local Initiatives
Dive headfirst into local community projects and social enterprises! This not only builds your experience but also connects you with like-minded folks who may know about part-time opportunities. Plus, many nonprofits announce openings through their events and volunteer activities, so keep your ears to the ground!
✨Join Social Impact Networks
Look for networks and forums centred around social impact – think local charity groups or online platforms where changemakers hang out. These places are goldmines for job leads, especially for part-time roles like the ones at Friends of the Elderly. Engaging in discussions can also help you make meaningful connections with potential employers!
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re still in uni, tap into career services that may have exclusive listings for part-time roles in nonprofits. They often host job fairs or info sessions where you can meet representatives from organisations like Friends of the Elderly directly. It’s a great way to make an impression beyond your CV!
✨Check Out Online Opportunities
Websites like Idealist or CharityJob specifically showcase part-time positions in the nonprofit sector. Make sure to check these regularly while keeping an eye on Friends of the Elderly’s own job listings on our website. Being proactive here can put you ahead of the curve!
We think you need these skills to ace Activities Coordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:For a role like Activities Coordinator at Friends of the Elderly, your cover letter is your chance to shine a light on why social impact matters to you. Share any personal experiences or volunteer work that highlight your commitment to the cause. We want to see your genuine enthusiasm!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure your CV showcases any nonprofit work or projects you've been involved in, even if they were part-time or volunteer roles. Emphasize skills like project management, fundraising, or community engagement. These are key in the nonprofit sector, and we want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Tailor Your Application:When applying for the Activities Coordinator, customise your documents to fit the vibe of Friends of the Elderly. Use our language, reflect our values, and connect your personal goals with our mission. This shows us you’ve done your homework and you're excited to join the team in this part-time capacity.
Don’t Forget Your Availability:As this is a part-time position, clearly outline your availability in your application. Whether you're a student balancing studies or have other commitments, we appreciate transparency. Just pop your available hours in your cover letter or CV so we can see how you fit into our schedule.
How to prepare for a job interview at Friends of the Elderly
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When applying for a part-time role in the nonprofit sector, it's essential to convey your genuine enthusiasm for the mission of Friends of the Elderly. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that highlight why social impact matters to you and how you align with their goals.
✨Bring Tangible Examples of Impact
Nonprofits often look for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to create meaningful change. Prepare examples from your past experiences—whether in volunteering, projects, or academic work—that showcase your skills in making a positive impact. Use metrics if possible; it's all about showing how you’ve really contributed.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to encounter scenario-based questions during your interview. These will assess how you handle real-world challenges in the nonprofit space. For example, how would you deal with limited resources or navigate a conflict with team members? Think through your past experiences to give thoughtful responses.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
Since it's a part-time role, they might dig into your availability during the interview. Be open and clear about your schedule and how it can align with Friends of the Elderly's needs. They’ll want to know that you can commit without compromising your passion for the work!
