May 30, 2024 | Education & Training, Events, News
Based on valuable feedback from our network, the MCOA is seeking proposals for facilitated round table discussions at the upcoming Fall Conference!
What are Facilitated Round Table Discussions?
These small-group sessions will provide a platform for in-depth conversations on specific issues. As the facilitator, you’ll guide the discussion, ensuring a productive and engaging experience for all participants. Network and connect with colleagues from across the state.
Examples of Possible Discussion Topics:
- Innovative Programs for Senior Wellness: Share successful initiatives that promote physical, mental, and emotional health among seniors. Discuss how to implement these programs in various communities.
- Technology and Aging: Explore the latest technological advancements that can aid the elderly in maintaining independence and staying connected. Discuss best practices for introducing and teaching new technology to seniors.
- Intergenerational Engagement: Discuss strategies to foster meaningful interactions between different age groups, and how these interactions can benefit both seniors and younger generations.
- Challenges in Caregiver Support: Address the unique challenges faced by caregivers of the elderly. Share resources, support networks, and strategies for providing effective assistance.
- Advocacy and Policy Updates: Stay informed about recent policy changes affecting the aging population. Discuss how to advocate for seniors’ rights and needs at the local and state levels.
Why Participate?
- Professional Development: Enhance your facilitation skills and gain insights from your peers.
- Networking: Build connections with professionals across the aging network.
- Collaborative Learning: Contribute to and benefit from the collective knowledge and experiences of your colleagues.
We look forward to hearing your ideas and making the MCOA Fall Conference a truly collaborative event!
May 29, 2024 | Fitness, Healthy Aging
MCOA’s ActiveAgers (ActiveAgers) is an exciting new initiative aimed at promoting physical activity and enhancing the quality of life for seniors across Massachusetts. This program shines a spotlight on the diverse and dynamic fitness programs offered by local Councils on Aging (COAs), centers for active living, and senior centers. By bringing together these programs under the ActiveAgers umbrella, MCOA aims to create a supportive community focused on health, wellness, and active living for seniors.
A Collective Approach to Wellness
ActiveAgers is more than just a fitness program; it is a collective movement that recognizes and rewards participation, welcomes individuals of all abilities, and celebrates the efforts of COAs and their participants. The initiative is built on the existing work of COAs, enhancing and expanding their physical activity offerings.
How ActiveAgers Works
- Run Physical Activity Programs: COAs continue to operate their physical activity programs, which can include a variety of activities such as yoga, walking clubs, dance classes, and more.
- Submit Participation Data: COAs track and submit data on participation, helping to measure the program’s reach and impact.
- Get Ready to Win: Participation is recognized and rewarded. COAs and individuals can earn accolades and incentives for their involvement and achievements.
- Celebrate: Celebrate the collective accomplishments and the positive impact on community health and well-being.
Resources and Support
The ActiveAgers Toolkit 2024 is a comprehensive resource designed to support COAs and participants. It includes:
Program Guidelines: Detailed instructions on how the program works.
Messaging Samples and Ideas: Tools for COAs to promote their programs and engage participants.
Participant Resources: Information and tips for individuals to get the most out of their involvement in ActiveAgers.
Join the Movement
We invite all seniors and COAs across Massachusetts to join the ActiveAgers initiative. Together, we can create a vibrant community of ActiveAgers, dedicated to living healthier, more active lives. Let’s get moving and celebrate the strength and spirit of our senior community!
For more information and to get involved, contact Tara Hammes or contact your local COA.
May 21, 2024 | Events, Member Services, News
MCOA Membership Meeting | Via Zoom June 6, 2024 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Agenda
10:00 Welcome
- Emily Shea, MCOA Board Chair
10:05 Remote Access to Vote
- Tatum Pritchard, Director of Litigation, Disability Law Center, Inc.
10:20 My Healthy Brain: Lifestyle Habits that Promote Brain Health with Aging
- Ryan Mace, PhD, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research (CHOIR)
Massachusetts General Hospital
Harvard Medical School
- Nicole McGurin, Programs & Services Director
Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter
11:20 Business Meeting
- Betsy – Legislative Updates
12:00 * Please note the Advisory Council will meet from 12:00 – 12:30 pm
May 2, 2024 | News
| Job Location |
| Franklin, Massachusetts |
| Job Title |
| Senior Center Director |
| Job Description |
The Town of Franklin is accepting applications for the position of Senior Center Director. The
Director reports directly to the Town Administrator and works in close cooperation with the
nine members of the Council on Aging, an advisory Council whose mission is to enhance the
independence and quality of life for older adults in Franklin. The Senior Center receives
exceptional support from the Franklin Community, including the Friends of Franklin Elders,
Inc. (FOFE); a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide funds for programs, services, and equipment for the Franklin Senior Center that cannot be provided by state or local government.The mission of the Franklin Senior Center is to enhance the independence and quality of life for Franklin’s aging population. The Director ensures that the Senior Center reaches this goal by:• Identifying the needs of this population and creating programs that meet those needs.
• Offering the knowledge, tools and opportunities to promote mental, social, and physical
well-being.
• Advocating for relevant programs and services in our community.
• Serving as a community focal point for aging issues and as a liaison to local, state, and
federal resources for older adults.
The Director hires and oversees a staff of 12 employees, both part-time and full-time, as well as substitute employees and volunteers. The Center is for residents 55+ in our community, and offers a variety of programming and services including but not limited to exercise classes, educational lectures, social events, health and wellness opportunities and social services.The Franklin Senior Center is home to a supportive day program (“Sunshine Club”), a
Caregivers Support Group, and the Memory Café. The Senior Center also has Common Grounds Café for residents to enjoy breakfast and/or lunch, a Social Service Coordinator who provides residents assistance in obtaining the services they need, and a part-time Registered Nurse providing health and wellness opportunities.
The Director oversees the Senior Center budget, which is funded through the Town along with state and local grant funding and funding from the Friends of Franklin Elders, Inc.
The Director also performs the following duties:
• Develops and administers the department’s operating and grant budgets; seeks funding
from non-profit, state, and private foundations for operations and services.
• Prepares and submits required fiscal reports to local and state agencies
• Plans, develops and evaluates programs in the areas of health care, nutrition, counseling,
social services, recreation, respite, et al, for older adults.
• Publicizes and promotes services and programs through the media, including social media
posts, media releases, public speaking, and panel presentations; works with staff to create
the “Franklin Connection” monthly newsletter.
• Responsible for the recruitment, training and supervision of staff; updates job descriptions
and oversees work schedules.
• Oversees the administration of the Senior Citizen Property Tax Work Off Program in
accordance with town and state regulations.
• Oversees facility issues by coordinating with various municipal departments.
• Performs Commonwealth of MA-CORI checks and serves as a Reporter of Elder Abuse in
accordance with the MA Protective Service Law.
• Attends training and workshops to maintain knowledge and awareness of state and federal
laws as well as practices pertaining to the provision of services to older adults.
• Reinforces confidentiality regulations with staff and volunteers.
• Serve as an advocate in the community, regarding issues and concerns of older adults.
• Serves on the Franklin Crisis Intervention Team and works closely with Veterans’ Services,
the Health Department, Facilities, and several local social service organizations, including
but not limited to the Franklin Food Pantry, the Hockomock YMCA, the Inter-faith Council,
Tri-Valley, Inc., and the Greater Milford Community Health Network (CHANA 6).
• Performs other similar or related duties, as required or as situation dictates.
Required Qualifications:
• Pleasant, honest, detail oriented, and friendly with excellent customer service skills.
• College degree in public administration, community organization, social work, gerontology,
human relations or a related field. Minimum of five years related work experience; or an
equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous experience working with older adults and/or disabled populations.
• Experience preparing and managing budgets and finances.
• Computer literacy skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft and Google products.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and practices, and confidentiality laws.
• Must be appointed and certified as CORI designee within 6 months of hire.
• Obtain certification from the MA Association of Councils on Aging within 3 years of hire.
• Able to represent the COA effectively and to advocate for elders in a variety of situations
requiring knowledge, negotiation skills, diplomacy and tact. |
| Agency | Organization Name |
| Franklin Senior Center |
| Organization Classification |
| Council on Aging |
| Job Type: |
| Full-time |
| Days & Hours |
| Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Position Benefits |
Health Insurance
Paid Time Off |
| Position Description |
The Town of Franklin is accepting applications for the position of Senior Center Director. The
Director reports directly to the Town Administrator and works in close cooperation with the
nine members of the Council on Aging, an advisory Council whose mission is to enhance the
independence and quality of life for older adults in Franklin. The Senior Center receives
exceptional support from the Franklin Community, including the Friends of Franklin Elders,
Inc. (FOFE); a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide funds for programs, services, and equipment for the Franklin Senior Center that cannot be provided by state or local government.
The mission of the Franklin Senior Center is to enhance the independence and quality of life for Franklin’s aging population. The Director ensures that the Senior Center reaches this goal by:• Identifying the needs of this population and creating programs that meet those needs.
• Offering the knowledge, tools and opportunities to promote mental, social, and physical
well-being.
• Advocating for relevant programs and services in our community.
• Serving as a community focal point for aging issues and as a liaison to local, state, and
federal resources for older adults.
The Director hires and oversees a staff of 12 employees, both part-time and full-time, as well as substitute employees and volunteers. The Center is for residents 55+ in our community, and offers a variety of programming and services including but not limited to exercise classes, educational lectures, social events, health and wellness opportunities and social services.The Franklin Senior Center is home to a supportive day program (“Sunshine Club”), a
Caregivers Support Group, and the Memory Café. The Senior Center also has Common Grounds Café for residents to enjoy breakfast and/or lunch, a Social Service Coordinator who provides residents assistance in obtaining the services they need, and a part-time Registered Nurse providing health and wellness opportunities.
The Director oversees the Senior Center budget, which is funded through the Town along with state and local grant funding and funding from the Friends of Franklin Elders, Inc. |
| Duties & Responsibilities |
• Develops and administers the department’s operating and grant budgets; seeks funding
from non-profit, state, and private foundations for operations and services.
• Prepares and submits required fiscal reports to local and state agencies
• Plans, develops and evaluates programs in the areas of health care, nutrition, counseling,
social services, recreation, respite, et al, for older adults.
• Publicizes and promotes services and programs through the media, including social media
posts, media releases, public speaking, and panel presentations; works with staff to create
the “Franklin Connection” monthly newsletter.
• Responsible for the recruitment, training and supervision of staff; updates job descriptions
and oversees work schedules.
• Oversees the administration of the Senior Citizen Property Tax Work Off Program in
accordance with town and state regulations.
• Oversees facility issues by coordinating with various municipal departments.
• Performs Commonwealth of MA-CORI checks and serves as a Reporter of Elder Abuse in
accordance with the MA Protective Service Law.
• Attends training and workshops to maintain knowledge and awareness of state and federal
laws as well as practices pertaining to the provision of services to older adults.
• Reinforces confidentiality regulations with staff and volunteers.
• Serve as an advocate in the community, regarding issues and concerns of older adults.
• Serves on the Franklin Crisis Intervention Team and works closely with Veterans’ Services,
the Health Department, Facilities, and several local social service organizations, including
but not limited to the Franklin Food Pantry, the Hockomock YMCA, the Inter-faith Council,
Tri-Valley, Inc., and the Greater Milford Community Health Network (CHANA 6).
• Performs other similar or related duties, as required or as situation dictates. |
| Education Requirements |
| College degree in public administration, community organization, social work, gerontology, human relations or a related field. Minimum of five years related work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. |
| Experience Requirements |
| Pleasant, honest, detail oriented, and friendly with excePrevious experience working with older adults and/or disabled populations. Experience preparing and managing budgets and finances. • Computer literacy skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft and Google products. • Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and practices, and confidentiality laws. • Must be appointed and certified as CORI designee within 6 months of hire. • Obtain certification from the MA Association of Councils on Aging within 3 years of hire. • Able to represent the COA effectively and to advocate for elders in a variety of situations requiring knowledge, negotiation skills, diplomacy and tact. |
| Qualifications |
Required Qualifications:
• Pleasant, honest, detail oriented, and friendly with excellent customer service skills.
• College degree in public administration, community organization, social work, gerontology,
human relations or a related field. Minimum of five years related work experience; or an
equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous experience working with older adults and/or disabled populations.
• Experience preparing and managing budgets and finances.
• Computer literacy skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft and Google products.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and practices, and confidentiality laws.
• Must be appointed and certified as CORI designee within 6 months of hire.
• Obtain certification from the MA Association of Councils on Aging within 3 years of hire.
• Able to represent the COA effectively and to advocate for elders in a variety of situations
requiring knowledge, negotiation skills, diplomacy and tact. |
| Salary Range or Hourly Rate |
| $85,000 – $100,000 annually |
| Application Deadline |
| 05/24/2024 |
| Application Website / URL |
| https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/senior-center-director-job-posting-04-25-24.pdf |
| DOWNLOAD Job Description |
 Senior-Center-Director-Job-Posting-04-25-24.pdf |
May 2, 2024 | Employment, Part Time
| Job Location |
| North Brookfield, MA |
| Job Title |
| Program & Outreach Assistant |
| Job Description |
| To support the coordination & management of the activities of the Senior Center, as well as assisting members of the senior population. |
| Agency | Organization Name |
| North Brookfield Senior Center |
| Organization Classification |
| Council on Aging |
| Job Type: |
| Part-time |
| Days & Hours |
| Monday through Thursday |
| Position Description |
| Full description at: https://www.northbrookfield.net/home/pages/job-opportunities |
| Duties & Responsibilities |
• Assist patrons with applications for social services they may be in need of (i.e. Housing, MassHealth, Medicare, SNAP, Fuel Assistance).
• Plan and schedule various programs and activities for the Center.
• Willing to perform Outreach activities which includes visiting with patrons at home or nursing facilities.
• Receives and screens visitors and telephone calls providing information, and handling issues that may require sensitivity and use of sound independent judgement; or refer to appropriate individual(s).
• Maintains records such as program participation, tracking the lending of Medical Equipment to patrons, and scheduling Medical Rides. |
| Application Deadline |
| 05/30/2024 |
| Download Job Description |
|
|
|
|
|
Apr 29, 2024 | Employment, Full Time
Job Location
Lexington, MA
Job Title
Clinical and Community Outreach Manager
Job Description
Plans, coordinates, and administers social work, outreach services, and educational programming and manages a small caseload of clients for the Department of Human Services.
Supervises social work interns and Human Services staff. Shares responsibility for intern recruiting, training, and placement.
Agency | Organization Name
Lexington Human Services Department
Special Requirements
Valid MA driver’s license or the ability to independently move among multiple work sites as needed.
Organization Classification
Community Organization
Days & Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
Position Benefits
Health Insurance
Paid Time Off
Union
Education Requirements
Equivalent to a Master’s Degree in social work, psychology, or a related field, and three to five (3-5) years of increasingly responsible experience in human services programs and services; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Licensure required; LCSW or LICSW preferred. Demonstrated experience working with diverse and at-risk populations.
Position Description
Plans, coordinates, and administers social work, outreach services, and educational programming and manages a small caseload of clients for the Department of Human Services.
Duties & Responsibilities
Provides information and referral services, assessments, crisis intervention and short-term case management to youth, families and older adults. Ensures that residents who have been identified as in need of services obtain appropriate services and ensures coordination of those services.
Provides outreach to the community and serves as a resource for mental health referrals and education. Coordinates and administers the human services programs of the Town, including social and financial needs assessments, scholarship programs, fuel assistance, and other subsidy programs.
Coordinates community programs around mental health and DEI initiatives related to social/human services.
Works with local colleges and universities to locate and place interns in human services programs to support and enhance the social services needs of the community.
Maintains contact with a variety of State and Federal agencies and community based human service providers.
Fosters and identifies partnerships with Town departments, including, but not limited to the Police, Fire, Board of Health, and School departments.
Collaborates with the Director of Human Services and the School Department on the work of the mental health task force.
Serves as a member of various Town boards and committees, as assigned
Serves as a member of various employee committees, as assigned
Qualifications
Equivalent to a Master’s Degree in social work, psychology, or a related field, and three to five (3-5) years of increasingly responsible experience in human services programs and services; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Licensure required; LCSW or LICSW preferred.
Demonstrated experience working with diverse and at-risk populations.
Operational characteristics, services, activities, and advanced techniques of a comprehensive community human services program.
Principles and practices of program development and administration, research, program analysis and report preparation, and record keeping.
Management skills to analyze problems, policies, and operational needs.
Techniques associated with effective public speaking.
Modern office procedures, methods, and computer programs and equipment.
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
General mathematical principles.
Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
Salary Range or Hourly Rate
$79,543 – $89,902
Application Deadline
07/01/2024
Application Website / URL
Apr 29, 2024 | Age & Dementia Friendly, Events
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 8th. The session will be held at 1:00 pm. The meeting will feature Norwell COA Director Susan Curtin who will discuss the new Norwell Memory Café and the SE Regional DF Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/southshoredementiaresources.
In addition, Swampscott COA Director Heidi Whear will talk about the newly launched “Swampscott for All Ages Forget Me Not Initiative.” The “Forget Me Not Initiative” was officially kicked off at Café Avellino where staff have been trained to support people living with dementia. https://itemlive.com/2024/04/23/an-event-not-to-be-forgotten-in-swampscott/
You can register here.
Apr 12, 2024 | News
Do you remember receiving two surveys last spring focused on inclusion at COAs?
The research team from UMass Boston Gerontology is back to follow-up with the network. They will share data highlights and preliminary recommendations to support the COA network in their ongoing efforts to cultivate welcoming environments. YOUR feedback is invaluable and will inform the final report delivered to EOEA and the COA network, coming soon.
Please join us for a discussion on May 1 at 10am, more information and registration can be found here: Register for the Zoom Session here.
Apr 12, 2024 | News
The Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Advisory Council would like to improve its understanding of the financial implications of dementia. The Council is asking for your help in identifying dementia caregivers or their loved ones to discuss this topic with them. Volunteers would be asked to speak for 5 minutes or less by answering just a couple of questions at the Council’s next meeting, which will be convened on Zoom on Tuesday, May 7 at 3:00 PM.
To volunteer to participate or ask any questions about this opportunity, please contact Pam MacLeod at the Executive Office of Elder Affairs at Pam.MacLeod@mass.gov.
Apr 10, 2024 | Member Services, News
… in their effort to understand how organizations in Massachusetts are responding (or not responding) to the public health epidemic of loneliness and social isolation!
Stage one of this statewide survey will be focused on the work of Councils on Aging (COAs). In future stages, we hope to gather information from different types of agencies. Your insights will help identify best practices, lessons learned, and ongoing needs, contributing to a comprehensive strategy to combat social isolation within our communities!
We are looking for one COA staff member to respond to the survey on behalf of the organization. The respondent should have a broad understanding of the agency’s programming and activities, for instance the executive director or outreach coordinator.
Completion of the survey should take about 5-15 minutes.
As a thank you for your participation, you will have the option of adding your name to a drawing for a chance to win 1 of 4 $50 Amazon gift cards.
The information we are gathering affects the collective well-being of our communities. While your participation is voluntary, we hope you will respond. All survey responses will remain anonymous, unless you chose to disclose your identity.
If you have any questions about this, please contact Dr. Christina Matz at matzch@bc.edu/617-552-1634.
Please complete this survey by Friday, April 19, 2024
Apr 4, 2024 | Employment, Part Time
The Town of Rowley is seeking an Administrative Assistant to work in the Council on Aging Office 25 hours per week.
The position performs a variety of administrative functions to support the Council on Aging Director. The Administrative Assistants maintains the My Senior Center database, prepares departmental bills payable vouchers and payroll, prepares and distributes the monthly newsletters, assists with the management of the senior transportation program, answers the office telephone, and greets seniors and other visitors to the Senior Center.
Strong computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and Publisher. Minimum requirements include High School diploma or equivalent and three years of experience in a similar position. Experience working with seniors or volunteer groups desired. Position is in the AFSCME Bargaining unit. Grade 5.
Starting rate is $20.18 with a six-month adjustment.
Applications to: Personnel Department Town of Rowley, PO Box 275, Rowley, MA 01969 by April 16, 2024. EOE
DME 4/2/2024
Apr 4, 2024 | Employment, Full Time
Natick, MA (36,272 pop.), is seeking a visionary and strategic thinker as well as an experienced leader and manager of people to serve as Director of Community Services. Natick, located about 20 miles west of Boston, is a suburban/residential community with active commercial/industrial sectors and two MBTA commuter rail stations.
Natick is led by a five-member Select Board, has a representative Town Meeting form of government, and an FY25 preliminary budget of $195M.
The Director is responsible for managing five departmental divisions: Council on Aging and Human Services, Natick Community Organic Farm, Recreation and Parks, Sassamon Trace Golf Course, and Veterans Services.
Candidates should have an advanced degree (preferred) ideally a Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business, Recreation Management, or Social Services; seven years of management experience in municipal government or non-profit sector, with at least five years at a supervisory level, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Excellence in organizational management with the ability to coach staff, manage and develop high-performance teams, set and achieve objectives, and manage a budget.
Salary: $125K+/- DOQ. Natick is an EEO/AA employer.
For a guaranteed review of materials, send résumé and cover letter in a single PDF, via email, in confidence, by 3:00 p.m. EST, April 26, 2024, to: apply@communityparadigm.com. Subject: Natick Director of Community Services. Position is open until filled.
For additional information related to the position, the town and the application process, visit http://www.communityparadigm.com or contact Bernard Lynch, Principal, Community Paradigm Associates at blynch@communityparadigm.com.
Apr 4, 2024 | Education & Training, Part Time
The Pembroke Council on Aging is seeking qualified applicants for the position of part-time afternoon/early evening Principal Clerk. This 19-hour-per-week position coordinates events, volunteers, senior tax work off staff and instructors and sets up spaces for workshops, seminars and other activities.
Maintains records and files and corresponds with the public.
A complete job description is available
here. Submit a letter of interest and resume to Gretchen Emmetts,
100 Center Street, Pembroke, MA 02359 or by email at
gemmetts@townofpembrokemass.org. This position will remain open until filled. Pembroke is an EOE.
Apr 2, 2024 | Grants & Funding Resources, State
MCOA is pleased to announce grant opportunities for Field Demonstration Projects (FDP) for the FY25 Council on Aging direct grants cycle. MCOA intends to award state Service Incentive Grant (SIG) funds, contingent upon final approval by the Governor of the state budget. These funds will be used to provide direct grants to COAs under the following three categories and twelve project areas that have been approved by EOEA.
Capacity Building
- Age & Dementia Friendly Capacity Building
(up to $20,000)
- Memory Café Capacity Building or Startups
(up to $7,500)
- Development and Implementation of Outreach Programs
(up to $10,000)
Innovations
- Nutrition Innovations and/or Expansion
(up to $20,000)
- Provision of Transportation Services
(up to $25,000)
- Digital Equity
(up to $15,000)
- Other Innovative Programming
(up to $10,000)
Improving Access and Inclusion
- Senior Center Modernization
(up to $25,000)
- Public Health Connections
(up to $7,500)
- Enhanced Public Awareness of your COA
(up to $7,500)
- Creating a Welcoming Space for People with Sensory Disabilities (related to hearing, vision, or both)
(up to $10,000)
- Caregiver Respite Services or Financial Assistance
(up to $10,000)
byat
A bidders conference was held via zoom on
April 24, 2024 at 10:00 am.
Click here to view the recording.
Click here to view the slide deck.
Click here to view the Q&A from the bidders conference.
Questions submitted in writing and those posed during the bidders conference, along with the answers, will be posted here by April 26, 2024.
Written questions must be submitted by email, with the subject line FY25 FDP, to Madeline Noonan at madeline@mcoaonline.com by 4:00 PM on April 24, 2024.
- Download the full RFP announcement and instructions here.
- Download the FY25 FDP application form here.
The Intent to Bid is now closed and only those who submitted this form by the May 8th at 4:00 p.m. deadline are eligible to submit a Field Demonstration Project proposal. Any proposal for which an Intent to Bid form was not submitted by the deadline will not be considered for funding.
The FY25 FDP application period has now closed. Award notifications will be made by June 21st.
Apr 2, 2024 | Employment, Part Time
Position Purpose
This position will provide professional and direct social services work to the community’s senior citizen population.
This position will educate and inform seniors about the health, welfare assistance and support programs available. Will coordinate efforts with other social and public safety agencies, develop programs to service seniors through volunteers or other agencies, handling crisis intervention for seniors as needed.
Responsibilities
• Responsible for identifying, documenting, and addressing the needs of seniors, including conducting assessment appointments with local seniors at the Senior Center.
• Plans and implements informational and educational programs that address the needs of seniors and their families.
• Maintains an awareness of and contact with clients who may potentially require elder service assistance.
• Develops and maintains relationships with outside agencies and professionals such as Visiting Nurse Association (VNA), home health agencies, legal services, housing authority, Fire and Police Department.
• Assists clients in accessing and completing required applications for local, state and federal services.
• Acts as a liaison among providers to ensure delivery of necessary services.
• Develop and continue intergenerational programing.
• Assists in the development of COA programs that will benefit the elder population and the community.
• Creates monthly newsletter content and coordinates its printing and distribution.
• Attends professional meetings and workshops to stay current with changes in regulations that affect services and benefits available to elders including, but not limited to health insurance programs, food stamps, and home care services.
• Works with the Council on Aging (COA) Director, Health Inspector and Public Safety departments in the event a crisis or disaster response is necessitated.
• Collaborate with the other Outreach Worker.
• Other duties as assigned.Knowledge, Abilities and Skills
• Excellent communications skills, both written and oral.
• Superior technology skills.
• Knowledge of elder providers’ network with specific regard to federal and state services and local resources available to the elderly.
• Must be familiar with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other privacy laws. Must have ability to maintain confidentiality of client information.
• Knowledge of counseling principals and crisis intervention.
• Ability to relate and interact well with people of all ages to deliver excellent customer service. Interpersonal skills will include perceptiveness and discretion.
• Strong organizational, management and budgetary skills are required to organize projects, accomplish tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain detailed, complete and accurate records.
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Registry Check and drug test.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s Degree is required.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience with senior citizens in a Human Services or related field.
Licenses and Certifications
• Basic First Aid, CPR, AED certification required. Must be able to become certified within six (6) months of hire.
• Serv Safe Manager Certification is preferred but not required.
Supervision
• Reports to the Director of the Senior Center.
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.
This is a permanent part-time benefit-eligible position at 20 hours per week and the starting salary is $24-$28 per hour depending on qualifications. The position will remain open until filled. Candidates should submit a resume and employment application to choule@townofmedway.org. The application can be found here.
https://www.townofmedway.org/human-resources/files/employment-application-2
04.01.2024
The Town of Medway is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on ace, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.
Apr 2, 2024 | Employment, Part Time
Ipswich Council on Aging
The Town of Ipswich seeks part-time (18 hours, non-benefited) Outreach Worker for the Council on Aging. Position identifies and addresses the needs of senior citizens in the community in order to help them continue to live independently.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in social work with one to three years experience working with older adults
- Experience devoted primarily to working with elders.
- Enthusiasm and outstanding interpersonal and multi-tasking skills.
- Ability to work independently, to organize and carry through to completion assigned tasks and to deal effectively and diplomatically with other employees and the public.
- Proficiency in the use of a personal computer in a Windows environment, using word-processing.
- Possession of a valid Massachusetts motor vehicle operator’s license.
Link to apply here:
Mar 28, 2024 | Employment, Full Time
Programs and Publicity Coordinator position open at the Sudbury Senior Center
The Town of Sudbury seeks applicants for the position of Programs and Publicity Coordinator. Under the supervision of the Senior Center Director, the successful candidate will develop and administer programs, classes and special events for the older adults who attend the Sudbury Senior Center, as well as to manage all of aspects of publicity for Senior Center programs and services, including the Senior Center newsletter, press releases, social media, and emails, and to assist with conversion to online registration/payments, statistical reporting, and Senior Center general operations.
See full job description at: https://sudbury.ma.us/hr/2024/03/21/sr-center-programs-and-publicity-coordinator/
Send letter of interest and resume to Debra Galloway via e-mail to: gallowayd@sudbury.ma.us.
Mar 27, 2024 | Grants & Funding Resources, State
The Massachusetts Office on Disability, (MOD) is pleased to announce the Municipal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Improvement Grant Programapplication and selection process. Eligible applicants include any Massachusetts city or town. These grants will support capital improvements specifically dedicated to improving programmatic access and/or removing barriers encountered by persons with disabilities in applicant facilities throughout the Commonwealth. Grants will be awarded to successful applicants to remove barriers and create and improve accessible features and programmatic access for persons with disabilities throughout the Commonwealth.
Examples include but are not limited to increasing both physical access and programmatic access through the addition of features such as: ramps, elevators, power lifts and Limited Use/Limited Application (LULAs) signage, communication access devices, curb cuts and/or any other features that are designed to improve architectural access and/or programmatic access. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to projects that demonstrate real and tangible positive impacts to persons with disabilities.
More information is available here.
Mar 27, 2024 | Member Services
Dear COA Director,
We know many of you are in the midst of planning you FY25 budgets, and we have had a few inquiries regarding MCOAs Dues rates for FY25. You may recall that an increase in the Formula Grant rate ( i.e.: $12 to $14 per elder), triggers consideration of a MCOA Dues increase. After achieving the Formula Grant rate increase last summer, MCOA’s Board recommended increasing MCOAs Dues rate from .24 to .28 and that recommendation was approved by the membership at the Membership meeting on September 12, 2023. Please see the below updated MCOA Dues Rate Schedule which goes into effect for FY25.
Thank you,
Betsy Connell
Mar 21, 2024 | Healthy Aging, Recipes
Looking for cooking demo/nutrition ed session? Share or show these videos in your center. Encourage your local community access channel to schedule the Cooking as Self Care (CASC) segments. Each is less than 30 minutes long and can be downloaded from Massachusetts Media eXchange (MMX). MMX is a video sharing platform hosted by MassAccess for the use of community media stations across the Commonwealth. For more information, visit https://www.massaccess.org/mmx/
| Month |
Title |
Links |
| January |
One Pot, One Pan |
video, recipe handout, MA-Grown Produce Availability Calendar |
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| February |
Bowl O’Goodness |
video, recipe handout, African Heritage Diet food list, African Heritage Diet brochure, Bowl Template, MA-Grown Produce Availability Calendar |
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| March |
Fads & Myths |
video, recipe handout, MA-Grown Produce Availability Calendar |
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| April |
Diversity Eats |
video, recipe handout, Blue Zones meal planner, Food Safety and Eating Out, Global Foods for a Healthy Plate |
|
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| May |
Eat for Better Sleep |
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| June |
Stuck in a Meal Rut |
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| July |
Seasonal Picnic |
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| August |
Waste Not |
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| September |
Nutrient Nitty Gritty |
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| October |
Cooking for One |
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| November |
Holiday Features |
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| December |
Cozy Comforts |
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| MCOA 2020 Fall Conference – Cooking as Self Care recipe |
