DEFINITION

The position plans, coordinates, and provides outreach, advocacy, transportation oversight, and administrative support services to residents aged 60 and older and their families.

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.

• Assesses the needs of older adults who may be unserved or underserved and facilitates proactive referrals to appropriate mental health, food, personal care, hospice, fuel, housing, and other support services.
• Conducts home and/or office visits independently to assist older adults and their families to assess their needs and facilitate access to programs and services; maintains confidential visit and client files; Conducts check-ins (telephonic).
• Provides information to older adults and their families (i.e., updates the Care Giver Lists) and acts as a liaison between various community service providers, assists in fuel assistance, food programs and home care referrals; Interacts with the Director on a regular basis for specific case management, to share concerns, and to arrange appropriate additional services.
• Advocates for elders and their families by helping them understand available services, communicate their needs, resolve barriers to access, and navigate local, state, and federal benefit and support systems.
• Mandated Reporter for Elders at Risk in accordance with state guidelines.
• Coordinates Brown Bag, Senior Mobile Nutrition Program, Highland Valley Elder Services Congregate Meal and other food programs, including implementation, record-keeping, and volunteer coordination.
• Debriefs the Senior Services Director as necessary regarding client needs and services provided. Prepare statistical activity reports regarding services provided.
• Responds to crises; coordinates with local agencies and public safety departments to modify or alleviate crises. Monitors changes in an elder client’s situation and provides follow-up assistance, as necessary.
• Assists clients in applying for financial support, (i.e., fuel assistance, food stamps, Mass Health, and tax exemptions).
• Oversees staff and volunteers who drive the van or provide rides; relays details of new ride assignments and ensures compliance with recurring physical and PVTA training requirements.
• Assists with daily Senior Center operations, including dining room support, answering the department’s telephone, doing laundry, and greeting visitors.
• Manages transportation for the shuttle and volunteer medical ride program.
• Attends relevant seminars and training programs to maintain knowledge of elder service programs and support service delivery systems.
• Serves as Chair of TRIAD monthly program.
• Maintains a table of trainings and training expiration dates for Van Driver.
• Coordinates the COA van and car have yearly inspections.
• Reports minor car and van issues to the DPW, which can work on vehicles or refer to another garage if necessary.
• Performs other related job duties as required.

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 supervisor.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

As a regular and continuing part of the job, the employee is accountable for the quality and quantity of work done by subordinates and assures the accomplishment of the assigned work in the prescribed manner. The employee provides advice and instruction on both administrative and work matters; communicates organizational policies, goals, and procedures; addresses work-related concerns; and is responsible for the technical soundness of assigned work.

JUDGMENT AND COMPLEXITY

Guidelines only provide limited guidance for performing the work, which may be in the form of administrative or organizational policies, general principles, regulations, legislation, or directives that pertain to a specific department or functional area. Extensive judgment and ingenuity are required to develop new, or adapt existing, methods and approaches for accomplishing objectives or to deal with new or unusual requirements within the limits of the guidelines or policies. The employee is recognized as the authority in interpreting the guidelines and in determining how they should be applied.

NATURE AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

Relationships are constant with co-workers, the public, and with groups and/or individuals who have conflicting opinions or objectives, diverse points of view, or differences where skillful negotiating and achieving compromise is required to secure support, concurrence and acceptance, or compliance. The employee may represent to the public a functional area of the organization on matters of procedures or policy where perceptiveness is required to analyze circumstances in order to act appropriately.

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.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in social work, Human Services or related field preferred, and 3 to 5 years of related experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, certification, and experience.

REQUIREMENTS

CORI certified

Valid Class D Motor Vehicle Driver’s license 

CPR Certification

SHINE Certification preferred

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY, AND SKILLS

Knowledge: Knowledge of relevant Massachusetts General Laws related to essential functions. Considerable knowledge and sensitivity to the needs of elders and their families; knowledge of local, state, and federal agencies such as SNAP, PACE Program, RAFT, CHAMP Housing, Social Security, Medicare and MassHealth. Knowledge of technology such as office software, the Internet, web sites and social media in support of department operations and services. Knowledge of the guidelines of the State's Mandated Reporter for Elders at Risk Program, Health, and Human Service Poverty Program guidelines, and HIPPA regulations.

Abilities: Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to interact in a positive and effective manner with adults over 60 years old from all social classes. ability to communicate orally in a clear, and concise manner; ability to receive, understand, and execute oral, and written instructions; ability to maintain detailed and accurate records and to manage multiple tasks in a detailed and timely manner. Ability to listen, observe and make needs assessments regarding client needs and related services. Ability to work properly with highly sensitive, confidential information. Ability to work independently and to interpret ever changing applicable rules, regulations, and laws.

Skills: Proficient public relations skills and sensitivity to individual client issues. Proficient oral and written communication skills. Proficient data processing skills. Proficient customer service skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The majority of work is performed in an office setting but home visits within Hadley are a routine part of the job.

PHYSICAL, MOTOR, AND VISUAL SKILLS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Physical Skills

Minimal physical demands are required to perform most of the work. The work principally involves sitting, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. May be required to lift objects such as files, boxes of papers, boxes of groceries, office supplies, and office equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.

Motor Skills

Duties require motor skills for activities such as moving objects and using office equipment, including but not limited to telephones, personal computers, handheld technology, and other office equipment.

Visual Skills 

Visual demands require routinely reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes. Frequent computer use. The employee is not regularly required to determine color differences.

To apply submit a resume to info@hadleyma.gov. Position is available until filled.