Reporting to the Director of Senior Services, the Social Services Coordinator (Program Director) 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’
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Works with local media to publicize supportive services for older adults and their families.
10. Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Master’s 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.
Please visit https://www.amherstma.gov/jobs.aspx to view the full job description, complete an employment application and upload resume/cover letter.
The town of Amherst seeks a workforce that reflects the diversity of its community, and strives toward racial and environmental sustainability. All are encouraged to apply. AA/EEO
