Our team deliver safe, welcoming and joyful dance sessions for older people and others living with health, mobility or emotional challenges. Dancing for Well-Being was founded on the principles of Circle Dance: our sessions are designed to foster belonging, connection and togetherness while supporting physical, emotional and social wellbeing.
Group Leaders and Assistant Leaders facilitate all aspects of our sessions: co-ordinating the activity, shaping the atmosphere, holding the group and delivering the dances, working alongside assistant leaders and volunteers. They also manage basic administration including taking registers and payments, and undertaking pastoral responsibilities, like contacting members. They will respond calmly and compassionately to the needs of members. This is a people-facing role that combines creativity, care and responsibility.
Essential Job Functions
- Session planning and delivery
- Adopt the founding principles of Dancing for Well-Being when planning and delivering sessions
- Confidence in learning and creating dances to a variety of music, which are suited to the older body
- Plan and lead accessible, enjoyable dance sessions appropriate to a range of abilities
- Create a safe, supportive and positive environment where members feel welcomed, valued and at ease
- Adapt material responsively to suit the group on the day
People and session management
- Guide and support assistant leaders and volunteers during sessions
- Ensure the smooth running of the session including arrival, set-up, refreshment break and close
- Be alert to safeguarding, health and safety, and wellbeing concerns and respond appropriately
Administration and communication
- Complete session registers and handle session payments accurately
- Communicate clearly with the Operations Manager around attendance changes, incidents or follow-up needs
- Contribute to basic promotion, engagement or feedback activity where appropriate
Pastoral care
- Follow up with members who miss sessions regularly
- Offer pastoral support to members when needed including listening, reassurance and signposting
- Raise any concerns appropriately with senior staff
Experience and Qualities
Essentials
- A genuine belief in the power of music and dance to support wellbeing
- Demonstrable experience of leading high-quality dance or movement sessions
- Confidence working with older people or people living with health, mobility or emotional challenges
- Strong interpersonal skills with a warm non-judgemental approach
- Calmness under pressure and the ability to think on your feet
- Reliability, accountability and clear communication skills
- Willingness to complete basic admin tasks to support session delivery – sometimes occurring outside of session time
- Ability to travel to/between sessions independently
Desirable
- Community dance or dance teaching qualification
- Experience working with volunteers
- Experience in community arts, health or wellbeing settings
- Interest in outreach, fundraising or development work
Hours and Pay
Sessions run for 1.5 hours. Group Leaders are expected to arrive 30 minutes before the session begins and stay for 15 minutes afterwards for set-up and close-down, making a total commitment of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes per session.
This opportunity involves a mix of Group Leading and Assistant Leading depending on the weekly rota. While the balance leans toward Group Leading, willingness to assist when needed is essential.
We are looking for a regular facilitator to work 1 session Mondays, 2 sessions Tuesdays, 2 sessions Wednesdays, 1 session Thursdays and 1 session Fridays with additional ad hoc work available depending on availability.