The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for a Senior Services Assistant (Staff Assistant II) for the Elder Affairs Division in the Health and Human Services Department. Under the direction of the Manager of Senior Services and Education, the position will provide support to assist seniors to access services and facilitate senior participation at the Worcester Senior Center. The position will be responsible for program engagement, advocate for seniors at the Worcester Senior Center and coordinate Elder Group meetings.
Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:
- Provide information, referral, and follow-up after identifying and assessing senior needs, and determining resources available to meet those needs
- Assessment and interaction with seniors must be culturally sensitive
- Serve as liaison for seniors and other organizations to assure clear communication to overcome potential language and cultural barriers.
- Facilitate an environment which is welcoming to all and sensitive to cultural differences within the group as well as with the majority senior center population
- Outreach and engage seniors in activities which build their comfort level with the Senior Center, increasing their receptiveness to health, education, and social programming
- Assist members with reservations for transportation, meals, and other programmatic needs
- Advocate and intervene on behalf of seniors to help ensure they have access to necessary services, resources, or facilities
- Assist the families of seniors in the community and/or participants at the senior center to access needed elder services
- Present information about the Worcester Senior Center and various assistance available to seniors in community settings and at resource fairs
- Work with Elder Affairs staff to address diversity issues with the goal of maintaining a welcoming environment for all at the Worcester Senior Center
- Provide supervision to Volunteers and Interns
- Provide customer service and outreach via front desk reception and monitoring transportation
- Act as a mandated reporter of elder abuse, filing verbal and written reports as required, and keeping the Director of Elder Affairs informed.
- Maintain case records and data on all clients assisted and ensure careful follow-up of all referrals
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge and ability to provide human services, completing applications for benefits, housing, and related needs, maintaining confidentiality, operating within regulations, and keeping records
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Experience in serving diverse populations
- Interest and sensitivity toward working with seniors
- Experience with group facilitation
- Knowledge base of diversity and inclusion
- Demonstrated dependability, teamwork, active listening, and organizational skills
- Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office Suite
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor Degree in social work or related field OR;
o An equivalent combination of education & experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the required duties of the position will be considered in lieu of the above-mentioned requirements.
- Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office Suite
- Experience with cultural sensitivity for the elder population
- Experience communicating and working with populations diverse in language, socio-economic status, race/ethnicity and/or cultural backgrounds
- Excellent communication skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Two (2) years of related work experience in Human Services
- Experience interacting with diverse seniors in a service setting
STARTING SALARY: $27.54 hourly, full-time, with an excellent benefits package
To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter on or before FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023, to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. Preference given to Worcester Residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to: City Hall Human Resources, 508-799-1030, HR@Worcesterma.gov.
