To apply for this position, visit on our website www.town.dennis.ma.us, click on “Employment Opportunities,” complete the online application, and attach a resume and a cover letter. Applications will be taken until position is filled.
The Town of Dennis is an AA/EOE.
Town of Dennis, Massachusetts
Position Title: Golden Age Program (GAP) Day Center Program Associate
Department: Council on Aging / Dennis Center for Active Living (DCAL)
Reports To: Golden Age Program Supervisor
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Employment Status: Part-Time
Hours: 6–19 hours per week
Schedule
The Golden Age Program operates Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM.
Typical staff shift: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, with occasional additional time required for training or special programming.
Position Summary
The Golden Age Program (GAP) Day Center Program Associate supports the daily operation of a supportive day program serving older adults experiencing cognitive impairment. Responsibilities include assisting with program activities, supporting participant safety and engagement, providing limited assistance with activities of daily living, assisting with meal service, and maintaining a safe and welcoming program environment. Work is performed under the supervision of the Golden Age Program Supervisor.
Essential Functions
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.
Program Operations
- Assist with daily program set-up and closing procedures
- Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming program environment
- Assist with routine facility upkeep, including kitchen and activity space sanitation
Participant Support
- Assist participants with program activities and encourage social engagement
- Provide limited assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) within program scope, including mobility support, eating assistance, grooming, and toileting support
- Maintain awareness of participant safety and whereabouts at all times
Program Monitoring and Communication
- Observe and report changes in participant physical, emotional, or cognitive status to supervisory staff
- Communicate effectively with program staff regarding participant needs
- Maintain confidentiality of participant and family information
Food Service Support
- Assist with light meal and snack preparation and service in accordance with food safety procedures
- Maintain kitchen sanitation and assist with meal clean-up
Administrative Support
- Complete required program documentation, checklists, and receipts
- Participate in staff meetings and required training related to program operations, safety, and dementia-capable care
Additional Duties
- Perform related duties as assigned to support program operations.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position does not have formal supervisory responsibilities but may assist in orienting or supporting volunteers, interns, or temporary staff.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
High school diploma or GED required. Experience working with older adults, dementia care programs, or human services programs preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to interact respectfully with older adults and individuals experiencing cognitive impairment
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and program procedures
- Ability to observe and report changes in participant status
- Ability to communicate effectively with staff and participants
- Basic computer and email communication skills
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of the position.
The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, speak, and hear. The employee may assist participants with mobility and routine activities. The position requires the ability to perform light cleaning tasks and lift or move objects weighing up to 30 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Work Environment
Work is performed in a community-based day program environment serving older adults with cognitive impairment. The work environment may include moderate noise levels, exposure to cleaning agents, and conditions typical of caregiving settings.
ADA Compliance Statement
The Town of Dennis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
