Part-Time Outreach Worker

Edgartown; Edgartown (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

The Town of Edgartown is seeking a Part-Time Outreach Worker to support older adults with in-home visits and community-based services. The role involves coordinating access to services, transportation, and administrative tasks, with a weekly schedule 12-18 hours.

This limited-term, non-benefitted position requires at least two years of related experience or education in gerontology or social work, and familiarity with Microsoft and Google suites. Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years’ experience in gerontology, social work, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Must be competent in using Microsoft and Google Suites and able to communicate proficiently via email and text message.

Responsibilities

• Meet withEdgartown older adults in homes and in our building to facilitate access to services and coordinate transportation.
• Assist Outreach Worker with outreach and case management as needed.
• Maintain updated client files and documentation in the MSC system.
• Report outcomes and participate in department events and ECOA board meetings as requested.

Skills

Communication

Microsoft Suite

Google Workspace

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft 365

Google Workspace

Job description

The Town of Edgartown seeks to fill the temporary position of Part-Time Outreach Worker. With weekly schedule to be determined, the position requires 12-18 hours/week. Position is non-benefitted and limited-term based on grant funding.

Responsibilities include meeting with Edgartown older adults in their homes and in our building, and facilitating access to services, transportation coordination, and other support and administrative functions. Minimum of two years’ experience in gerontology, social work, a related field required; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Familiarity with Microsoft and Google suites necessary. Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Position assists the COA Outreach Worker in carrying out specific initiatives as listed below. Duties include assisting the Outreach Worker with outreach and case management work as needed in assessing the needs of clients, and providing assistance to access appropriate services for Edgartown’s older adults.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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.

Shall carry out specific functions as assigned:

Has contact with older adults and/or their families on the phone, via email or through in-home visits; Assesses needs, makes referrals and advocates on behalf of the client.

Responsible for having an understanding of COA and regional programs, sharing this information with community members, determining if referrals are needed, and managing the cases of those who are particularly vulnerable.

Encourages client participation in COA and community activities.

Meets with and coordinates with colleagues to discuss Outreach needs on a case by case basis, strategizing to provide the best resources for each older adult.

Maintains documentation of activities conducted using the My Senior Center (MSC)system, including detailed, updated client files and keeps all statistics up to date.

Reports at ECOA board meetings as requested by the Director;Provides feedback on activities and programs, and suggests new programs based on community needs.

Participates broadly in events and activities of the department.

Communicates client status updates to Outreach Worker and Director.

Performs a variety of related duties.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Under general direction of Director and specific direction of Outreach Worker. Employee plans and prioritizes the majority of work in consultation with the Outreach Worker and, in accordance with standard practices. Employee is expected to solve problems of detail or unusual situations in consultation with the supervisor. Instructions for new assignments or special projects usually consist of statements of desired objectives, deadlines and priorities. Technical and policy problems or changes in procedures are discussed with supervisor.

ACCOUNTABILITY

The nature of the professional or technical work means that errors in analysis, techniques or recommendations would probably be difficult to detect. Consequences of errors, missed deadlines or poor judgment could result in excessive costs, delay of service delivery, or legal repercussions.

JUDGMENT

The work requires examining, analyzing and evaluating facts and circumstances surrounding individual problems, situations or transactions, and determining actions to be taken within the limits of standard or accepted practices. Guidelines include a large body of policies, practices and precedents which may be complex or conflicting, at times. Judgment is used in analyzing specific situations to determine appropriate actions. Requires understanding, interpreting and applying federal, state and local regulations.

COMPLEXITY

The work consists of the practical application of a variety of concepts, practices and specialized techniques relating to a professional or technical field. Assignments typically involve evaluation and interpretation of factors, conditions or unusual circumstances; inspecting, testing or evaluating compliance with established standards or criteria; gathering, analyzing and evaluating facts or data using specialized fact finding techniques; or determining the methods to accomplish the work.

NATURE AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

Relationships are primarily with co-workers, vendors and the public, involving frequent explanation, discussion or interpretation of practices, procedures, regulations or guidelines in order to render service, plan or coordinate work efforts, or resolve operating problems. Other regular contacts are with service recipients and employees of outside organizations. More than ordinary courtesy, tact and diplomacy may be required to resolve complaints or deal with hostile, uncooperative or uninformed persons.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Incumbent has access at the departmental level to a variety of sensitive and confidential information, particularly medical and financial information about clients.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree or two years of related experience. A degree in social work, counseling, gerontology or psychology is preferred.Any equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Must be competent in using Microsoft and Google Suites and able to communicate proficiently via email and text message. A valid drivers license is required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY, AND SKILLS

Must have knowledge of service networks, elder abuse, self-neglect, and financial matters, mental health issues, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other age related diseases.

Must have the ability to listen and observe, respect and preserve confidentiality; conduct on-going needs assessment and have independent decision-making skills; communicate clearly and effectively, both one on one and in a group setting. Must be able to intervene in a crisis situation.

Must have effective verbal and written communication skills, skills in mediating family situations and making referrals for counseling; and skill in counseling/crisis intervention.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is performed both in older adults’ homes and in an office environment. Noise or physical surroundings may be distracting.

PHYSICAL, MOTOR, AND VISUAL SKILLS

Physical Skills

The work involves sitting, standing, walking and stooping. May be required to lift objects such as files, boxes of papers, office supplies, and office equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.

Motor Skills

Duties are largely mental rather than physical, but the job may occasionally require minimal motor skills for activities such as moving objects, using office equipment, including but not limited to telephones, personal computers, handheld technology, and other office equipment.

Visual Skills

Visual demands require routinely reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes.