Social Services Coordinator (Program Director)

Back to all Jobs Social Services Coordinator (Program Director) Department: Senior Center Job Status: Full-Time Days Worked: Mon., Tue., Wed., Thu., Fri. Status: Open Until Filled Details: This is a full-time benefitted position with competitive benefits and offers a starting salary of $ 59,075 - $ 79,392 depending on experience and/or qualifications. Apply Now Job Description Non-Union Level 4 Senior Services Social Services Coordinator Job Summary Performs administrative, supervisory, counseling, referral and advocacy work involved with the planning and implementation of social service programs for elders and their families.

May serve as Acting Senior Center Director during absences of the Director. Supervision Received Works under the broad guidance and direction of the Senior Services Director, who outlines departmental policies and procedures, supervises and reviews work and evaluates performance. This position performs regular daily duties independently and is given considerable discretion in exercising judgment, making decisions and determining appropriate courses of action.

Supervision Exercised Supervises volunteers and provides LSW or LCSW supervision to social work student interns. Major Duties 1. Provides seniors with information and programs designed to serve and support older adults to maintain their independence and age in place.

Identifies needs of older residents and their families through office or home appointments, group meetings, professional referrals and contacts with other agencies. Maintains updated file of services and resources that support independent living and aging in place. Work with staff and volunteers to maintain a welcoming, safe environment for all senior participants in Senior Center programs.

2. Helps to evaluate eligibility for, and assists seniors with, applications and/or referrals to access state and area services that support their independent living, such as housing, transportation, health insurance, fuel assistance, public benefits, nutritional support and psychological counseling. Serves as advocate for seniors when dealing with community agencies and organizations.

3. Provides supportive and crisis counseling and case management to seniors with chronic, serious mental health problems and/or issues of homelessness. Work with local mental health providers and homeless service providers including shelters.

Refers and co-manage cases with Veterans' Affairs and the Hampshire County Veterans' Services Organization. Identifies and oversees staff or volunteer led support groups for seniors as needed. Provides basic crisis counseling both in home and at the Senior Center.

Makes "elder-at-risk" referrals to Protective Services. Works with the Town of Amherst "Elder Service Team" (Police, Fire, Health, Veteran's Departments and CRESS team) on cases of mutual concern. 4.

Proposes and develops new social service programs for older adults and their caregivers. 5. Makes "elder-at-risk", elder abuse/neglect referrals to Highland Valley Elder Services' Protective Services Department.

Collaborates and Town "Elder Service Team" (Police, Fire, Health, Veteran's Departments and CRESS Team) and maintains "seniors at risk" list. May be on-call during power outages, severe storms and other emergencies. Arranges for Emergency Funding for utility and rent arrears on a case by case basis.

6. Manages the Town's Tax Work-off Program, including program guidelines, participant intake and eligibility, placement, publicity, annual fiscal reporting with the Town Assessor's Office, annual participant recertification, and component associated with benevolent proxies. 7.

Tracks and reports statistics related to all Senior Center services to individuals. Assists Director to develop and write grants and manage required reporting. Prepares sections of the annual report to the Executive Office of Elder Affairs pertaining to individual services and volunteers.

Assists with collection and reporting of statistics relating to Senior Center and COA service levels. 8. Works with local media to publicize supportive services for older adults and their families.

9. Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Masters Degree in Social Work or closely related field plus five (5) years experience working with elders or any equivalent combination of experience, training and education demonstrating the ability to perform the duties described above.

Must be a licensed social worker (LSW or LCSW) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Possess a valid driver's license. Preferred Qualifications Bilingual Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, and to establish effective working relationships with supervisors, employees, and the general public.

Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive reports and data. Skills in management, analysis, organization, program coordination and planning. Tools and Equipment Used PC, including word processing, spreadsheet software; calculator; phone; multifunction printer.

Physical Demands Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed mostly in office settings and various community venues.

Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear; sit; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand or walk.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The Town of Amherst seeks a workforce that reflects the diversity of its community, and strives toward racial equity and environmental sustainability. All are encouraged to apply.

AA/EEO. Disclaimer Smoking Policy: Pursuant to the Massachusetts General Laws, smoking is not allowed in Town buildings. Also, Massachusetts General Laws state that no person who smokes any tobacco product shall be eligible for appointment as a police officer or firefighter.

Background Check: All candidates that are offered a position with the Town must successfully complete a background investigation, which includes a pre-employment physical, pre-placement drug test and a CORI search. A background check may be required after a conditional offer of employment is made. An applicant for employment with a record expunged pursuant to Section 100F, Section 100G, Section 100H or Section 100K of Chapter 276 of the General Laws may answer 'no record' to an inquiry during the hiring process relative to prior arrests, criminal court appearances, juvenile court appearances, adjudications or convictions.