Join the Friendship Center team and make a difference for seniors

Job Title: Program Coordinator– Carpinteria Healthy Aging Hub Initiative
Location: Carpinteria, CA
Reports To: Executive Director
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt (32-37.5hrs/ wk)

Compensation & Benefits: $26-$30/hr, based on experience.

Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, family leave program, paid time off, paid holidays, and retirement plan options.

Opportunity to lead a groundbreaking initiative in community-based dementia respite care.

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Position Summary:
Friendship Center is seeking a dynamic and compassionate Program Coordinator to lead the development, implementation, and operations of the new Healthy Aging Hub Initiative in Carpinteria. This innovative, nationally recognized program initiative will provide person-centered respite care and engagement for older adults living with dementia or cognitive changes, integrating community resources and partnerships to create a vibrant, community-based care model. The Program Coordinator will play a critical leadership role in ensuring the program reflects the cultural and social fabric of the Carpinteria community while providing high-quality support to participants and their caregivers.

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Essential Responsibilities:

Program Development & Implementation:

• Oversee the launch of the Healthy Aging Hub, ensuring alignment with Friendship Center’s mission, goals, and grant requirements.

• Develop and deliver cognitive, emotional, physical, and social engagement programs for older adults living with dementia.

• Coordinate with local partners, businesses, and organizations to integrate community resources into programming (e.g., arts, nutrition, intergenerational activities).

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Community Engagement & Collaboration:

• Serve as the primary liaison with community stakeholders, including businesses, schools, healthcare providers, and advisory committee members.

• Lead outreach and engagement efforts to build strong relationships with caregivers, volunteers, and program participants.

• Promote visibility and awareness of the program through public speaking, events, and collaboration with local media and community groups.

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Program Operations & Oversight:

• Recruit, train, and supervise program staff and volunteers, ensuring a compassionate, skilled, and dementia-capable team.

• Manage day-to-day operations, including program scheduling, participant intake, and quality control.

• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and licensing standards.

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Evaluation & Reporting:

• Develop and implement systems to monitor and evaluate program outcomes, including participant progress, caregiver feedback, and community impact.

• Prepare regular reports for internal leadership and grant funders, ensuring milestones and deliverables are met.

• Use data to inform program improvements and advocate for future funding and expansion opportunities.

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Budget & Resource Management:

• Manage program budgets, including expense tracking, resource allocation, and vendor relationships.

• Identify opportunities for in-kind support, donations, and volunteer engagement to enhance program sustainability.

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Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Gerontology, Public Health, or a related field preferred. Significant experience in elder care and program management may also be considered in lieu of a degree.

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in program management, community engagement, or adult day services, preferably in dementia care or aging services.

• Bilingual, English & Spanish, highly ideal.

• Proven leadership experience, including supervising staff, managing projects, and building community partnerships.

• Strong understanding of dementia care principles, person-centered programming, and respite care models.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and deadlines with a high level of organization and professionalism.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with program management software.

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Working Conditions:

• Primarily based at the Carpinteria program site, with occasional travel to community partner locations or Friendship Center’s main site in Montecito.

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally, assist with program setup, and participate in program activities.

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How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to admin@friendshipcentersb.org with the subject line: Program Coordinator– Healthy Aging Hub.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Friendship Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.

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Funding disclosure:
This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $6,607,011 with 75 percent funded by ACL/HHS and $1,620,872 with 25 percent funded by non-government source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.