Aug 23, 2024 | Economic Security & Outreach Blog, Employment, Part Time
Many but not all communities in Massachusetts offer a tax-abatement option to homeowners: the Senior Citizen and Veterans Tax Work-Off programs, which provide opportunities for residents to perform a job for the municipality at minimum wage (currently $15/hour) in order to see a reduction—based on what they earned—in their property tax bills. The maximum abatement defined in the state law for people 60 and older is $2,000, and the maximum abatement for Veterans, as defined in the state law for that program, is $1,500.
Often, COA Directors or other COA staff members and Town/ City Assessors work in partnership to organize these programs and spread the word to residents. Together they create a system for applications, eligibility screening, and the matching of qualified residents with jobs that have been determined by municipal department heads ahead of time. Municipalities determine their own income eligibility guidelines.
The best programs offer several job opportunities in various departments—and ideally the jobs will draw upon diverse skill sets, maximizing appeal to the public.
If you are already involved with this program, you’ve probably started asking for job descriptions from your municipal colleagues (my experience has led me to believe that you can’t start too early). If your municipality does not have either program yet and you want to start one, consult with your Town Manager/Town Administrator/Mayor. These programs are voted in by City Councils, Select Boards, and other authorizing officials.
It’s easy to find model program guidelines all over the state—and they do differ from community to community. Just Google “Senior Tax Work Off MA” (or “Veterans Tax Work Off MA”) and many communities’ program guidelines will come up.
These programs are an effective way of creating lasting, positive relationships with community participants. They can be the means of getting some help that your budget may not allow, such as Memory Café leadership, Age- and Dementia-Friendly Action Team leaders, meal deliverers, receptionists, greeters, etc. If you can dream it up, it’s possible!
Jun 12, 2024 | Employment, Part Time
Job Description
This part-time position (19 hours per week) evaluates the needs of Weston older adults referred to the COA providing information referral and counseling services; all other related work as required. Responsible for development and promotion of dementia-friendly initiatives both internally at the COA and with community groups and businesses to create opportunities for people living with dementia as well as their caregivers to feel welcome and understood as they engage with community services or social events. Strong communication and facilitation skills a must. Master’s Degree in social work; specialization in gerontology; 3-5 years of experience with older adults; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Hiring hourly range $32.42 to $38.91 DOQ. Max hourly range exceeds hiring range. Email cover letter and resume as a single PDF file titled “COA Outreach, Your Surname” to
humanresources@westonma.gov by June 28, 2024.
Agency | Organization Name
Weston Council on Aging
Special Requirements
Valid Massachusetts motor vehicle operator’s license and insured personal vehicle CORI certification
Organization Classification
Council on Aging
Days & Hours
19 hours per week
Education Requirements
Master’s Degree in social work; specialization in gerontology; three to five (3-5) years of experience in the assessment and evaluation of older adults; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience Requirements
3-5 years of experience
Position Description
The Outreach/Social Services Coordinator provides information, referrals, and guidance in response to identified needs of Weston’s older adults.
Duties & Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
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 and evaluates the needs of Weston’s older adults as identified by and referred to the Council on Aging.Provides counseling, casework and/or care management coordination to older adults and their families relevant to their needs. Maintains appropriate records, reports, and confidential files.Assists with public benefits applications such as fuel assistance, nutrition assistance, and subsidized housing. Coordinates Land’s Sake Voucher Program.
Provides information and guidance to Weston residents and their families for support and services to address concerns related to aging. Coordinates referrals to health and social service agencies which may include mental health, protective service agencies, or other public or private service providers.
Researches and confirms appropriate referral agencies. Creates and maintains current resource lists of specialized information, networks, and community resources. This includes in-home services, professional services, and community resources.
Works collaboratively with COA staff to provide services, educational programs, and events.
Attends various meetings including interagency meetings and continuing education conferences and workshops.
Participates as a member of the Emergency Preparedness Response team as instructed by the Director of the COA. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, preparation of residents for evacuation, relocation of residents, and supporting the emotional needs of residents during a time of crisis.
Performs other duties as required.
Salary Range or Hourly Rate
Hiring hourly range $32.42 to $38.91 DOQ. Max hourly range exceeds hiring range.
Application Deadline
06/28/2024
Contact Name
Joan Ingersoll
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 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 | 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:
