Outreach Coordinator

Springfield; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Springfield's Department of Elder Affairs seeks a responsible, full-time outreach worker to provide case management and application assistance to seniors 60+ and caregivers, under the Director of Elder Affairs.

The role involves coordinating programs, developing relationships with community agencies, documenting needs, preparing reports, and advocating for seniors’ rights.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or related field.
• Minimum one year of direct experience (or five years in related roles).
• Bilingual abilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide case management and application assistance to Springfield seniors 60+ and caregivers.
• Develop relationships with elders, staff, city departments and community agencies.
• Coordinate summer Farm Share Program, Brown Bag, Farmers’ Market Coupon Program with community agencies.
• Coordinate support groups for those in need who have lost loved ones, memory issues, changes in financial status, etc.
• Document identified needs of clients and maintain up-to-date and confidential files.
• Prepare daily/monthly statistics and status reports for all clients.
• Develop care plans, make referrals and provide basic care management with intake, assessment, progress notes, and authorization forms.
• Explain entitlement and eligibility requirements for public/private programs.
• Assist seniors in filling out necessary applications and forms.
• Maintain current application resources and distribute materials appropriately.
• Conduct home visits to assess safety, investigate claims, and assist with transportation.
• Advocate for seniors’ rights and entitlements; may attend court cases.
• Help seniors and caregivers reduce social isolation and promote independence.
• Plan and implement educational forums on social, emotional, and health awareness.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Skills

Clear communication

Interpersonal skills

Senior programs knowledge

Team leadership

Scheduling flexibility

Bilingual preferred

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or related field

Job description

Responsible, full-time outreach work performed under the direct supervision of the Director of Elder Affairs for a diverse population. Responsible for providing case management services and application assistance to Springfield seniors aged 60 and older, and their caregivers. Facilitates access to appropriate resources and services, including but not limited to: Medicare, Medicaid, fuel assistance, food stamps, housing, Social Security, transportation, legal services, financial planning, adult day health programs, and nursing homes. Work is performed under the supervision of the Director of Elder Affairs. Supervision is exercised over other employees.

• Provides all program-specific reports to the Director for review and submission as needed.
• Works to develop relationships with elders, staff, city departments and community agencies in an effective and meaningful manner.
• Coordinates the summer Farm Share Program, Brown Bag, Farmers’ Market Coupon Program, with community agencies.
• Coordinates support group meetings for those in need who have lost loved ones, have memory issues, changes in financial status, etc.
• Documents identified needs of clients and maintains up-to-date and confidential files.
• Prepares daily/monthly statistics and status reports for all clients.
• Develops care plans, makes appropriate referrals and provides basic care management. Files must include intake, assessment form, progress notes, and a signed client authorization form.
• Acquires applications/forms/instructions for public/private programs, explains entitlement and benefit programs, and explains all procedures, appeals and eligibility requirements.
• Assists seniors in the filling out of all appropriate and necessary applications and forms.
• Maintains copies of current and up-to-date applications, resource materials and handouts and distributes them in appropriate locations.
• Conduct home visits with clients to assess home safety, investigate claims, and assist with transportation.
• Advocate for seniors’ rights, entitlements, etc. May attend court cases to advocate for seniors when no other family member is present.
• Assists seniors and caregivers in providing for an environment to reduce social isolation, financial hardship, and promote ways to maintain their independence and involvement in the community.
• Plan, develop and implement a wide variety of educational forums for elders with regard to social, emotional and health awareness.
• Perform other related duties as required.

• Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Extensive knowledge of senior programs, resources, and services
• Ability to maintain flexibility when scheduling, making home visits and overall travel plans.
• Must be able to relate well with older citizens and the community members.
• Extensive knowledge of social, cultural and recreational needs of elders.
• Strong interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to be a team leader for the DEA outreach team.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local services available to older adults.
• Must be able to develop comprehensive curriculums that meet the needs of elders

• Bachelor's Degree in Social work or related field AND a minimum of one (1) year experience; OR any equivalent combination of five (5) years.
• Bilingual preferred.