Program Assistant Jobs in Bar Harbor, ME (NOW HIRING)

Description

About Birch Bay Retirement Village

Rooted in Community. 

Overlooking Frenchman Bay and bordering the quiet beauty of Acadia National Park, Birch Bay is deeply connected to the landscape, culture, and community of Bar Harbor. As the region's premier retirement community, Birch Bay provides a warm, welcoming environment where independence, connection, and quality of life come first.

A Place Where You Belong.

At Birch Bay, residents and staff become part of a close-knit community. Birch Bay's mission emphasizes enriching the freedom of retirement while easing the challenges of aging, ensuring that every person is seen, valued, and respected. 

Small-Town Heart, Big Impact.

While Birch Bay serves a relaxed coastal community, the services it provides are comprehensive and thoughtfully designed. The campus includes independent living cottages, apartments, residential care, specialized memory care. Each supported by well-trained staff committed to wellness, safety, and comfort. As a community sponsored by Mount Desert Island Hospital, Birch Bay residents benefit from close proximity to high-quality healthcare and emergency services just a few miles away.

Come Grow with Us.

Working at Birch Bay Retirement Village means becoming part of a mission-driven team that supports adults through every stage of aging with dignity and compassion. Staff are offered opportunities for professional growth, meaningful relationships with residents, and the chance to make a daily difference in a supportive, collaborative environment. For those who love coastal living, strong community values, and person-centered care, Birch Bay is more than a workplace - it's a place to belong.

Summary:

 Are you passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of seniors with memory loss? If so, we have one of the best job opportunities in senior living for you as a Life Enrichment Assistant at our community.
 

Life Enrichment Assistants are our dedicated fun-makers! The role focuses on involving residents, clients, and consumers with memory loss in any of our program/service areas in daily programming that helps the resident feel valued and provides them with a sense of purpose. Simply put, your job is to help our most vulnerable seniors have fun and enjoy life!
 

As a Life Enrichment Assistant, you will be responsible for planning, organizing, and leading a variety of recreational and social activities for our residents with memory loss. You may also assist with transportation, outings, events, and special projects. You will work closely with the Programs & Engagement Coordinator and other staff members to ensure that our residents have a positive and purposeful experience every day.
 

To be successful in this role, you will need excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a creative and flexible mindset, and a genuine interest in the well-being of our residents. You will also need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license with a clean driving record, and you must have, or acquire within 120 days of hire, a CRMA certification and a CNA or PSS certification.
 

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, a supportive and friendly work environment, and opportunities for professional growth and development. If you are ready to make a difference in the lives of our residents, apply today! 

Benefits:

MDI Hospital and Birch Bay Retirement Village offer a competitive salary, robust medical/dental/vision/life insurance, identity theft protection program, matching retirement plan, ample paid time off, a comprehensive award-winning wellness program with reimbursement incentives, generous tuition reimbursement, and continuing education benefits. Some positions may qualify for a sign on bonus and relocation assistance.

EEO Statement:  

MDI Hospital and Birch Bay Retirement Village provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.

Requirements

Education, Training or Certifications Required:

Degree, certificate, or experience in healthcare, therapy, or related field. Direct care experience preferred.

Experience Required:

Two or more years experience in residential care, direct support services, or educational services. Familiarity with memory loss. Demonstrated skills in teamwork and group dynamics.

Special Requirements:

CRMA, C.N.A or PSS and BLS within 120 days of hire date. Basic computer skills Current Maine driver's license.

Cognitive Requirements:

Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbal and in writing. Ability for high performance under stressful situations. Must be able to prioritize, multi-task and follow through.

Physical Demands:

Able to sit, sand and walk for an 8 hour shift. Adequate hearing, vision, speech, and manual dexterity. General health must be such as to regularly work scheduled hours. Able to lift and carry 25 to 50 pounds (assisting residents in and out of chairs, Etc.)

Environment:

Potential for exposure to body fluids & infectious diseases. Potential for exposure to inappropriate resident behavior and verbal abuse. Use of Telephone and VDT. Working in a fast paced sometimes chaotic environment requiring multi-tasking and setting of priorities