Friendship Center is a licensed adult day program dedicated to providing compassionate care, connection, and joy to older adults, particularly those living with dementia, and support to the families who love them. Serving all of South Santa Barbara County, we offer innovative, culturally-attuned programming designed to enhance quality of life and preserve dignity for every participant.
This role is for people who bring heart, curiosity, presence, and creativity to their work.
Who This Role Is For:
This role is ideal for individuals with experience in senior care, healthcare, human services, or adjacent people-centered fields who want to do hands-on, relationship-based work in a supportive, mission-driven environment.
You might be a great fit if you have experience:
- Working with older adults, individuals living with dementia, or people with cognitive, physical, or developmental disabilities
- Supporting people in social engagement settings, behavioral health, social services, education, or community-based programs
- Providing direct care (non-clinical), activity support, case assistance, or program facilitation
- Working in settings such as adult day programs, memory care, assisted living, home care, hospitals, schools, nonprofits, or community centers
And you bring:
- A calm, compassionate presence and strong interpersonal awareness
- The ability to read a room, adapt in real time, and respond to individual needs
- Confidence balancing structure with flexibility in a dynamic care environment
- Clear, respectful communication with participants, families, and teammates
- A team-first mindset with the ability to work independently when needed
- A willingness to step in, pitch in, and support the collective success of the program
This role is especially well-suited for professionals who value person-centered care, dignity, and relationship-building — and who want their work to feel meaningful, human, and impactful every day.
What You’ll Get to Do
As a Program Specialist, you’ll be part of the daily rhythm of our center and the lives of our members. Your days may include:
- Supporting and leading engaging group and individual activities (art, music, games, movement, conversation)
- Helping create a calm, welcoming, and joyful environment
- Assisting participants with personal care needs respectfully and with dignity
- Supporting meals, snacks, and shared dining experiences
- Joining small group outings and excursions to local parks, museums, and nature spots
- Helping prepare for special events and celebrations
- Collaborating with a close-knit team to support each participant’s unique needs
- Maintaining a clean, safe, and organized space following health and safety protocols
No two days are exactly the same — and that’s part of the magic.
Schedule & Pay
- Positions: Full-Time, Part-Time, and On-Call
- Hourly Rate: $19–$25/hour, depending on experience and certifications
- Schedule:
- Day shifts (4- or 8-hour shifts available) between 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Monday–Friday,
- No weekends
- Flexible scheduling around school, work, or caregiving commitments
- Paid Sick Time: Available to part-time and full-time employees
What You Bring (Required or Obtained Within 30 Days)
- CPR & First Aid certification
- TB clearance and physical exam
- Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and insurance
- Criminal background clearance
What Helps (But Isn’t Required)
- Experience with older adults, caregiving, or people with disabilities
- Background in teaching, recreation, healthcare, or human services
- Bilingual English/Spanish
- A willingness to learn — we provide training and support
Benefits (for Eligible Employees)
- Health insurance
- Dental reimbursement
- 401(k) & 403(b) with employer matching
- Generous paid time off & family leave
- Sick time and mental health reset days
- Employee Assistance Program
- Professional development support
- A beautiful, indoor/outdoor work setting right along the beach in Montecito
- Onsite parking, employee break room with treats!
Our Commitment
We follow health and safety protocols to protect both our members and staff. We are an inclusive, mission-driven workplace that values kindness, professionalism, humor, and humanity.
Please send your expression of interest and resume to:
Email: admin@friendshipcentersb.org
Learn more at our website: https://fcsb.org
Work Location: Santa Barbara, CA 93108 (In person)
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