Uniting Communities are seeking a passionate and highly motivated staff to assist in providing activities and engagement for the Wellbeing Retreats offered through the Staying at Home Program. We are looking for friendly staff who can meaningfully engage with people

What is the SAHP Retreat?

The Staying at Home Program (SaHP) provides family carers and people living with dementia a retreat experience that runs over 3 days and 2 nights. The program aims to empower family carers with the knowledge, skills and capability to support and navigate their caring role for someone living with dementia.

The program aims to demystify dementia and empower carers to view respite as a chance to step away from their regular caring duties, helping to sustain the caring relationship for as long as possible. Over three days and two nights the guests living with dementia are supported to connect to their peers and engage in discussions regarding the impact of their diagnosis in a safe space.

What does an average day look like for a SAHP Dementia Engagement worker?

Multiple retreats are run each month and your typical duties depends on the shift you are allocated/accept. Each retreat has 1 Retreat Lead and 3 Engagement Workers, 2-day shifts and 1 evening and passive night shift. Each retreat can have between 3 and 5 couples (6 - 10 guests)

For workers rostered on for the day shift:

Start your day between 8-9am

Join the small team of workers (2-3) and work as a team providing activities, outings and social support to guests living with dementia while their family carer attends the carer education sessions. Activities can include puzzles, games, art or general conversation.

The group of clients living with dementia will join the family carers for breaks at morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea (if not on an outing)

The Engagement workers will assist to prepare morning/afternoon tea for the guests and may also assist to collect main meals ordered from local cafes/restaurants.

The guests all share in the evening meal together and workers will assist with clearing up after dinner

Workers are not expected to provide any personal care to clients, this is done by the family carer if needed.

For workers rostered on for the day shift, the day usually ends between 6-7pm

For workers rostered on for the night shift:

Start your day between 6-7pm

Support team with clearing up after dinner and ensure guests have everything needed to settle in for the evening

Guests will usually just relax after dinner and will look after their own needs. Workers are not expected to provide any personal care to clients, this is done by the family carer if needed.

Workers are paid for active shifts until 12 midnight and passive overnight shifts from 12 midnight to 8am.

How often are Retreats held?

Currently there are 3 Retreats being held each month. Predominantly throughout Metro Adelaide however, funding is also extended into regional areas and therefore some travel will be required. If the location of the retreat is regional your accommodation and meals will be provided.

About Us

Uniting Communities is a leading not-for-profit organisation, working across South Australia through more than 90 community service programs. Our team of over 2000 staff and volunteers support and engage with more than 30,000 South Australians each year. We strive to build compassionate communities and great lives through community strengthening, quality service delivery and advocacy.

Why Work For Us?

In addition to your salary, you can package up to $15,900 per year pre-tax and additionally a $2,650 Meals and Entertainment card.

How could working for a Not-For-Profit impact your take home pay? Visit our salary packaging provider for details - Access Pay

12 Weeks Paid Maternity Leave

1 Week Paid Cultural Leave for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Staff

1 Day of Community Engagement Leave

Check out our additional benefits at www.unitingcommunities.org

What Next?

Please attach a cover letter addressing your passion for working with people in the community and your knowledge and experience working with people living with Dementia and a current resume.

Applications that do not address the criteria may not be considered.

Respectfully, no agencies please.

As an organisation, we are committed to protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff are required to work within our code of conduct and undergo relevant pre-employment checks.