Hours: Minimum 12 hours per week
 Days:   TBC
 Reports to: Community Groups Senior Lead   
 Responsible for: Dementia Group Assistant Organiser, Dementia Group Assistants, Volunteers                                             

Main purpose of the job:
To develop and provide a stimulating and fun weekly programme of activities which follow the principles of Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST) for groups of older people diagnosed with mild to moderate dementia. 

·     Provide a programme of activities following Cognitive 
      Stimulation Therapy principles appropriate for the group
      members

·     Promote the project to attract suitable participants
·     Establish referral pathways and connections with relevant
      agencies 
·     Take referrals and undertake home visits to assess potential
      group members
·     Liaise with family, carers and statutory services as
      appropriate
·     Be prepared and willing to deliver the sessions using video
      conferencing, where appropriate.

Staff & Volunteer Training & Supervision

·   Responsible for day-to-day management of dementia group
     assistant & volunteers, including training, regular staff
     supervision and appraisals

    Ensure compliance with the organisation’s lone working, equal
    opportunities, health & safety and safeguarding vulnerable
    adults policies and procedures

Work with other Age UK Staff
·       Liaise with other Age UK staff in relation to member’s needs,
        and to develop awareness of all services available

Monitoring
·       Maintain members records on a database.

·       Provide line manager or other staff with the necessary
       statistics and progress information for monitoring, reports
      etc. by the required deadlines.

·       Maintain own professional competence, including attending
        training as necessary, and be subject to an annual appraisal
·       Attend regular supervision sessions, team meetings, away
        days and other similar events.
·       Support the organisation in any fundraising or promotional
        events that may be held, as appropriate.
       The nature of the work can mean that tasks and   
       responsibilities can be unpredictable and varied.  All
       employees are therefore expected to work in a flexible way
       and if necessary, to take on tasks which are not detailed in
        their job description

 
Equal Opportunities

The postholder will be expected to adhere to the Organisation’s Equal Opportunities Policy in all aspects of their work       
Confidentiality     
The postholder will be expected to adhere, at all times, to Data Protection Legislation and the organisation’s Confidentiality & Data Protection Policies.
Health & Safety         

The postholder will be required to abide by the organisation’s Health & Safety Policy and the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act
 Disclosure & Barring Service Check

Confirmation of appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory DBS check
 
Person Specification

Age UK B&NES does not intend for, or regard, this job description to be contractually binding on the Charity and reserves the right to review, amend and update to meet the demands of the organisation.

The following criteria will be assessed from information provided on your completed application form &/or at interview &/or by your referee: 

Criteria: Essential/Desirable
Education & Training  Good standard of literacy and numeracy   A qualification in Social Care, counselling certificate, group work qualification, Dementia and Cognitive Stimulation Therapy  Training in Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults   
Experience Work with people living with dementia  Work with groups, including group activities  Relationship building with referral partners  Safely handling sensitive personal information  Devising and implementing appropriate activity programmes for older people  Providing training for staff / volunteers 
Skills
Strong IT skills with MS Office and using the internet for groups (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams)  Able to make independent decisions, problem solve and know when to ask for support  Good communication skills, including with those with communication barriers  Clarity of professional and personal boundaries Motivation skills  Understanding of good nutrition   
Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge of the issues faced by older people with dementia  Understanding of and commitment to Safeguarding Adults at Risk legislation and procedures  Understanding of and commitment to Equality and Diversity legislation  Understanding of Health & Safety issues and of risk assessment   
Other job- related requirements
Able to work outside normal office hours when necessary, on occasion.  Able to drive within B&NES.