Senior Center Counselor (Southwest)

Company name: Philadelphia Corporation of the Aging
Title of position: Southwest Senior Center Counselor
Position type: Full Time
Pay range: $37,961.70-$43,945.41 varies with experience.
A private nonprofit organization founded in 1973, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) is a large agency that is part of the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) nationwide network. Founded as a result of the federal Older Americans Act, the AAAs are mandated to "facilitate the area-wide development and implementation of a comprehensive, coordinated system for providing long-term care in home and community-based settings, in a manner responsive to the needs and preferences of older individuals and their family caregivers." PCA carries out this mission through advocacy, stewardship of public funding, planning, development and administration of programs, and service coordination.
The mission of PCA is to improve the quality of life for older Philadelphians and those with disabilities and assist them in achieving the greatest possible levels of health, independence, and productivity.
Benefits:

• Medical, prescription drug, vision, and dental coverage
• Flexible spending plan (health and dependent care)
• EAP, life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance
• Pre-tax commuting, and parking benefits
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions and optional employee pre-tax contributions.
• Annual paid time off includes 13 holidays, 10 sick days, 2 personal days, and 2 weeks' vacation depending on tenure.

Requirements
Description of Role: Under the supervision of the Center Director, the Center Counselor is responsible for overall social service programs at the Senior Center and for providing one-on-one assistance to center participants.
Required Education:
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in social work or related field combined with minimum of three years' experience working with older adult population.
Job Responsibilities:
1. Maintains a caseload of participants requiring intensive service when needed and performs center counseling as required.
2. Collaborates, as needed, with other staff members and collateral contacts to provide appropriate and complete service to participants.
3. Assists consumers with benefits and entitlements applications
4. Maintains current, accurate and well documented social service records, including updating and maintaining information in the Senior Center Reporting System.
5. Responds to community inquiries for information and assistance.
6. Has knowledge of and performs expected role in Fire Prevention and Disaster planning as required by the Senior Community Standards of Operation.
7. Demonstrates knowledge of and adherence to the center's mission, philosophy and core values.
8. Maintains confidentiality of internal as well as participant information.
9. Connects participants with other appropriate social services, as needed.
10. Assists with center marketing and outreach efforts.
11. Attends required meetings and trainings to stay informed of community resources and available services.
12. Manages program operations in the absence of the Center Director.
13. Other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of social work in gerontology.
• Knowledge of the functions and resources of public and private social welfare agencies.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with staff, participants, and associates.
• Demonstrated ability to present ideas effectively both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated understanding of and respect for cultural and socio-economic differences among the consumer population.

Additional Skills

• High energy level.
• Well organized.
• Ability to respond to multiple requests for information and assistance.
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills.
• High level of flexibility.
• Possesses advocacy skills and a sense of professional ethics.

Additional Requirements:
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

• Meets agency standards of social work practice.
• Maintains records and reports that are legible, timely, accurate, complete, and relevant.
• Establishes and maintains rapport with Center staff, consumers, providers, and outside agencies.
• Brings problems and resolutions to the attention of the Center Director.
• Assures consumer confidentiality and quality services to consumers.
• Develops job skills as needed to adapt to change.
• Provides excellent customer service to all center customers.

CUSTOMERS:

• Senior Community Center participants
• Social service, education, and recreation professionals
• Local community organizations and staff
• Center staff
• Other PCA staff

For information on Philadelphia Corporation of the Aging, including more information on our company culture, visit our website at https://www.pcacares.org/
All applicants will receive an acknowledgement that their application has been. Those candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Philadelphia Corporation of the Aging is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.