About this role
Program Assistant
Adult Day Program | John Knox Village of Florida
Pompano Beach, FL
Make a Meaningful Difference Every Day
At John Knox Village of Florida (JKV) , we believe every person deserves to live with purpose, dignity, connection, and joy. We are seeking compassionate, energetic, and relationship-focused Program Assistants to join a unique Adult Day Program designed specifically for older adults living with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, and related cognitive changes.
Unlike traditional adult day programs, this innovative neighborhood-style model provides a welcoming, homelike environment where members come together to build friendships, engage in meaningful experiences, and remain connected to their community. At the same time, we provide caregivers with valuable respite and peace of mind.
If you are passionate about enriching the lives of older adults, building meaningful relationships, and helping launch an exciting new program from the ground up, we'd love to meet you.
Help Build Something Special
At John Knox Village , we are launching an innovative new program designed to create meaningful experiences for older adults living with memory loss while providing support and peace of mind to their caregivers. As an early member of our team, you'll have the opportunity to help shape the culture, traditions, and daily experiences that make this program truly special.
This is more than a job. It's an opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking approach to dementia support that focuses on connection, purpose, dignity, and belonging. Together, we're creating a welcoming neighborhood environment where members can continue to thrive, build relationships, and experience meaningful days filled with engagement and joy.
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What You'll Do
Member Engagement & Relationship Building
- Welcome members and help create a warm, inclusive, and engaging environment.
- Build meaningful relationships with members and their families/caregivers.
- Provide companionship, encouragement, redirection, cueing, and supportive supervision.
- Encourage participation in activities while honoring personal preferences and individual abilities.
- Assist members with transitions between activities, meals, transportation, and social opportunities.
- Foster positive social connections and meaningful interactions among participants.
- Support person-centered engagement that promotes dignity, independence, and success.
Program Activities & Enrichment
- Assist with planning and facilitating dementia-friendly programming and experiences.
- Prepare activity spaces, supplies, materials, refreshments, and equipment.
- Support a variety of engaging activities including:
Music and sing-alongs
- Reminiscence and discussion groups
- Arts and creative expression
- Lifelong learning opportunities
- Games and cognitive enrichment
- Wellness and movement programs
- Gardening activities
- Cooking and kitchen experiences
- Intergenerational programs
- Celebrations and special events
- Assist the Program Manager with implementing meaningful, person-centered programming.
- Maintain attendance records and basic program documentation.
- Adapt activities as needed based on participant interests, engagement levels, and daily needs.
- Help create a welcoming, engaging, and organized environment where members feel comfortable and connected.
Hospitality & Dining Support
- Assist with meal and snack service.
- Encourage hydration and healthy nutrition.
- Support a welcoming dining experience that promotes social connection.
- Follow documented dietary information and communicate concerns appropriately.
- Assist with dining area setup, service, and cleanup.
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What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Strong communication, customer service, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work respectfully and effectively with older adults.
- Ability to support individuals living with dementia, memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, or cognitive impairment.
- CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain certification after hire.
- Ability to successfully complete required background screening and employment requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in:
Memory care
- Adult day programs
- Senior living communities
- Therapeutic recreation
- Life enrichment or activities programming
- Hospitality services
- Healthcare support environments
- Experience supporting individuals with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or related diagnoses.
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential preferred.
- Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
- Experience working with volunteers and community engagement initiatives.
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Knowledge, Skills & Attributes
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Compassion, patience, and empathy when supporting older adults.
- Knowledge of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
- Understanding of person-centered engagement principles.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
- Excellent observation and communication skills.
- The ability to remain calm and flexible in changing situations.
- A commitment to providing exceptional hospitality and customer service.
- The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
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Important Note
This is a non-clinical position. Program Assistants do not provide nursing care, medication administration, treatments, clinical monitoring, skilled therapy services, or any healthcare services requiring professional licensure.
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Why Join John Knox Village?
At JKV, you'll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact while helping launch an exciting new program that reimagines how older adults living with memory loss experience community, connection, and purpose. As part of our team, you'll help create an environment where every member feels valued, respected, and empowered to live each day to the fullest.
Join us in creating moments of connection, purpose, and joy for those we serve.
Apply today and help us build something truly special.
Additional Requirements
This position is subject to Level 2 background screening in accordance with Florida law. More information can be found on the AHCA Background Screening webpage: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
John Knox Village is a Drug‑Free and Tobacco‑Free Workplace . We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) .