Umbrella Dementia Cafés is looking for an energetic, motivated and team-oriented person to help facilitate our Friendship Cafe at the Capel Sounds Community Centre, Mornington Peninsula
Location
Capel Sounds Community Centre (Previously Seawinds Community Hub)
11a Allambi Ave
Capel Sounds,
Mornington Peninsula
Opportunity
Expression of Interests open now
Casual contract
Visit the Friendship Cafe page to learn more.
https://umbrelladementiacafes.com.au/cafes/capel-sounds-friendship-cafe/
Hours
February – December 2026
Every 2nd and 4th Thursday morning 9am – 1pm
Additional 2 hours allocated for cafe preparation and reporting per cafe meeting
Additional hours allocated for monthly team meetings, biannual newsletter contributions, events, induction and training.
Role Summary
Umbrella Dementia Cafes is seeking a casual Café Facilitator to lead our Friendship Cafe in 2026.
Responsibilities include overseeing café operations, fostering the UDC model, welcoming 10 couples to every cafe meeting and empowering a team of 8 volunteers who create a positive dementia friendly cafe environment and activities.
The ideal candidate is empathetic, autonomous and team-oriented, understands dementia, possesses a flexible mindset and can articulate UDC’s values. While formal dementia training isn’t a prerequisite, the position offers comprehensive on-the-job training and induction. Candidates must have their own transport and technology (computer & phone).
The Person
The ideal candidate
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Has a good sense of humour, is fun, is a good listener and is skilled in interpersonal relationships.
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Loves working with a senior volunteer team whose goal is to create positive, meaningful, empowering, and enabling social environments for people who attend each café.
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Understands the cultural and economic diversity of the local Capel Sounds and Mornington Peninsula community.
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Possesses a flexible mindset; reads the room and adapts café activities to the social needs and abilities of the members.
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Is patient, empathetic, and compassionate; understands dementia (either personally or professionally) and the impact social isolation or exclusion has on people.
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Can work autonomously, has a positive mindset, and follows the direction of the Cafés Coordinator.
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Encourages, empowers, and listens to the volunteers who are member-facing.
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Is comfortable forming authentic relationships with café members and volunteers alike.
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Is motivated to learn and can motivate others.
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Is team-orientated and values good planning.
Role Responsibilities
The Café Facilitator will:
- Facilitate twice-monthly Umbrella Dementia Cafés at our Capel Sounds location – total of 21 cafes in 2026.
- Ensure each café follows the UDC model, structure and programs the café is delivering.
- Oversee the running of the café and assist the volunteer team with pack down.
- Delegate or collect, the afternoon tea prior to each café.
- Facilitate 15-minute volunteer meetings after every café.
- Report to the Dementia Cafés Coordinator regarding café progress, outcomes, and operational needs (including training, equipment, guest speakers or information).
- Work closely with the volunteer team to maintain a positive culture and working environment.
- Collaborate with the Dementia Cafés Coordinator to plan activities for each café.
- Be an active contributor with a genuine interest in the organisation’s goals.
- Follow key governance, policies, and Codes of Conduct to protect the integrity, quality and safety of café members and volunteers.
- Distribute registration forms, surveys or dementia information as directed by the Dementia Cafés Coordinator.
- Attend monthly Community of Practice meetings with other UDC Café Facilitators and the Dementia Cafés Coordinator.
- Contribute to the biannual newsletter – The Brolly.
- Be trustworthy to manage a cafe expenses card.
Experience
The Cafe Coordinator will:
- Have a good understanding of dementia, either through life or vocational experiences.
- Have experience working with volunteers.
- Have experience leading a team (professionally or personally).
- Have experience collaborating with different community groups.
- Be proficient in navigating the internet and smartphone technology.
- Have worked in project-focused or goal-oriented teams.
Support and Training
Successful candidates will:
- Receive on-the-job training, with more formal training intersected throughout the year, with the greater proportion provided during the induction period.
- Visit the other dementia cafes, including the Melbourne locations. UDC will pay for travel expenses.
- Work in a healthy and safe environment.
Successful candidate will:
- Have a clear police check.
- Have a Working With Children’s Check (WWCC).
- Use their own car and have car insurance.
- Be compensated for all company expenses, including agreed travel expenses.
Selection Process
The selection process for this role will involve;
- a phone screening,
- 1-2 interviews and referee checks for shortlisted applicants
- visit the dementia cafe and meet the volunteers
Candidates must include a previous or current line manager as a reference.
During the probationary period, UDC will apply for an up-to-date Police Check and WWCC.
How to Apply
Send a one-page introduction letter and your current CV to [email protected] for attention of Jess Conley.
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