Senior Services Advocate - Bilingual

County of Kent; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Kent County Community Action seeks a Senior Services Advocate to help older adults stay independent by connecting them to programs. The role involves information, assistance, and outreach through calls, in-person visits, and events.

Ideal candidate communicates well in English and Spanish, handles data entry, and maintains confidential records while partnering with families and community organizations. This public-facing position emphasizes compassion, organization, and the ability to balance

Qualifications

• High school diploma and two years of experience working with at-risk and/or vulnerable populations in a professional setting.
• Valid, unrestricted Michigan driver’s license.
• Fluent or strong English/Spanish communication preferred.

Responsibilities

• Respond to phone calls, messages, and walk-in inquiries from older adults, families, caregivers, and community members seeking information about services and resources.
• Provide information and assistance regarding County, KCCA, and community programs that support the health, safety, and independence of older adults.
• Screen individuals for program eligibility, explain program requirements, and assist eligible individuals with enrollment or placement on program waiting lists.
• Complete program enrollments, regular assessments, and required follow-up activities for Senior Services programs.
• Enter and maintain program data.
• Represent KCCA Senior Services at resource fairs, community events, and other outreach activities to increase awareness of available services.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Excellent verbal and written коммуника

Education

High school diploma

Associate’s degree in social work or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Program databases

Job description

Kent County Community Action is seeking a Senior Services Advocate to join the Senior Services Program. This position provides information, assistance, and connections to services that help older adults remain independent and engaged in their communities. The ideal candidate will enjoy working directly with people, have strong communication and organizational skills, and be comfortable balancing customer service, program support, data entry, and community outreach.

This is a highly public-facing position that works primarily with older adults, family members, caregivers, and community partners. The position provides assistance by phone, in person, and through community outreach activities, with a focus on helping older adults understand and access available programs and resources.

Key Responsibilities

• Respond to phone calls, messages, and walk-in inquiries from older adults, families, caregivers, and community members seeking information about services and resources.
• Provide information and assistance regarding County, KCCA, and community programs that support the health, safety, and independence of older adults.
• Screen individuals for program eligibility, explain program requirements, and assist eligible individuals with enrollment or placement on program waiting lists.
• Complete program enrollments, regular assessments, and required follow-up activities for Senior Services programs.
• Enter and maintain program data.
• Assist older adults during walk-in appointments by identifying needs, providing information, and connecting them with appropriate community resources and services.
• Conduct follow-up calls and participant feedback surveys to gather information about service experiences and identify opportunities for program improvement.
• Develop and distribute outreach materials, including flyers, newsletters, and other informational materials.
• Represent KCCA Senior Services at resource fairs, community events, and other outreach activities to increase awareness of available services.
• Build positive relationships with older adults and community partners while communicating respectfully with individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.
• Maintain confidentiality and accurate records in accordance with applicable federal, state, and County requirements.
• Perform related work as required.

What We’re Looking For

The successful candidate will be a compassionate, dependable, and organized professional who enjoys helping others and can effectively manage a variety of responsibilities in a busy, customer-focused environment. Strong candidates will demonstrate:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and Spanish.
• Strong customer service skills and the ability to interact positively with individuals from a wide range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and with varying levels of education and technology experience.
• Ability to listen to individual needs, provide appropriate information and assistance, and connect people with available resources.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records and complete data entry.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to learn and effectively use program-specific databases and software.

Ability to organize and prioritize multiple responsibilities while meeting established deadlines.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma and two years of experience working with at-risk and/or vulnerable populations in a professional setting.
• Valid, unrestricted Michigan driver’s license.
• Ability to communicate fluently (verbal and written) in Spanish and English is strongly preferred.

Desirable Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in social work or a related field.
• Experience working with older adults or providing information and assistance services.
• Experience with community outreach, public engagement, or human services programs.

Why Join Senior Services?

This position offers an opportunity to make a direct and meaningful difference in the lives of older adults in Kent County. You’ll help people navigate available resources, access nutritious meals and supportive services, and remain connected to their communities—all while working as part of a dedicated team committed to helping older adults maintain their independence and quality of life.

*Notices will come via email. Please monitor the email address indicated on your application*