The Town of Blackstone is seeking applicants for the Outreach Coordinator position. This full-time, 33.5-hour-per-week clerical union position offers an excellent benefits package. The hourly salary ranges from $21.09 to $28.11, based on union steps and dependent on qualifications, experience, education, and current certifications.

DEFINITION

This position is responsible for providing coordination and implementation of social services, including identifying resources, client education and advocacy, service referrals, and case management for senior and disabled adults residing in the Town of Blackstone.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Assists older residents and disabled adults regarding eligibility and application for public and nonprofit assistance programs, such as fuel assistance, SNAP, MassHealth, Medicare, Social Security, and local nonprofit or service organizations.

• Maintains documentation of client interactions or other data collection; organizes and files hardcopy and digital records.

• Provide customer service to residents during drop-in visits, scheduled appointments, home visits, and/or telephone calls.

• Researches and maintains lists of various relevant services and resources.

• Communicates with external organizations to coordinate care for residents; promptly transmits outgoing documents through appropriate channels.

• Assists with the operation of the Senior Center, including program setup when necessary.

• Communicates with town departments, including the board of health and fire and police department, for case referrals

• Markets outreach services, such as by posting flyers at relevant town offices.

• Reports any suspected abuse of clients to the COA Director and documents interactions with appropriate agencies.

• Composes reports for the town’s annual budget, including job statistics and number of outreach department calls.

• Performs other related job duties as required.

• Provides monthly contributions to the senior center newsletter.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Under general direction, employee plans and prioritizes the work independently, in accordance with standard practices and previous training. Employee is expected to solve most problems of detail or unusual situations by adapting methods or interpreting instructions accordingly. Instructions for new assignments or special projects usually consist of statements of desired objectives, deadlines and priorities. Technical and policy problems or changes in procedures are discussed with the supervisor.

JUDGMENT AND COMPLEXITY

The work requires examining, analyzing, and evaluating facts and circumstances surrounding individual problems, situations, or transactions and determining actions to be taken within the limits of standard or accepted practices. Guidelines include a large body of policies, practices, regulations, and precedents, which may be complex. Judgment is used in analyzing specific situations to determine appropriate actions. Requires understanding, interpreting, and applying federal, state, and local regulations.

NATURE AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

Relationships are constant with co-workers, vendors, the public, groups, and/or individuals, such as peers from other organizations and representatives of professional organizations. The employee serves as a spokesperson or recognized authority of the organization in matters of substance or considerable importance, including departmental practices, procedures, regulations, or guidelines. May be required to discuss controversial matters where tact is required to avoid friction and obtain cooperation.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Employee has regular access at the departmental level to a wide variety of confidential information, including personnel records, medical records, lawsuits, and client records and will maintain the highest level of confidentiality

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in social services or related field, plus 1 year of related experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, certification, and experience.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY, AND SKILLS

Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of programs or services designed to meets the needs of older and disabled adult residents and of elder abuse symptoms. Knowledge of laws and practices relevant to essential functions, including those related to nutrition or congregate meal programs and to the health and social needs of older residents; office equipment and software including email, word processing, spreadsheets, social media, and web applications; modern office administration, clerical practices, systems, and procedures; electronic and physical records management; financial record keeping; town government operations. Familiarity with the aging process (i.e. Alzheimer’s, diabetes).

Abilities: Ability to plan and prioritize work, change direction, and rearrange tasks according to deadlines and circumstances; recognize town-wide priorities and work cooperatively to support their accomplishment; analyze complex issues and develop relevant and realistic plans, programs, and recommendations; exercise initiative and independent judgment; think analytically; and develop new or revised systems. Ability to multi-task; work with a high level of detail; meet deadlines; work independently; and be self-motivated. Ability to manage conflict; communicate effectively with tact and discretion; maintain confidentiality; fairly and tactfully enforce policies; present ideas clearly and concisely; maintain good public relations and effective collaborative working relationships; respond in a courteous and professional manner; and work with diverse groups.

Skills: Strong interpersonal and customer service skills. Effective communication, problem-solving, organizing, planning, writing, decision-making, supervisory, presentation, recordkeeping, budgeting, and administrative skills. Proficient (or basic) data processing and personal computer skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The majority of work is performed in an office setting.

PHYSICAL, MOTOR, AND VISUAL SKILLS

Minimal physical demands, including periods of sitting, walking, and standing. May occasionally lift and move objects up to 25 pounds. Duties require motor skills for activities such as typing, filing, and operating office equipment. Visual demands require frequent reading of documents, computer screens, and detailed record review.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Completed applications, resumes, and cover letters should be submitted to the Town of Blackstone, Office of the Town Administrator, 15 St. Paul Street, Blackstone, MA 01504 or emailed to clovett@townofblackstone.org. Applications may be obtained at www.townofblackstone.org.