Service Coordinator

Position Description:

 The Service Coordinator’s role is to assist 100 to 250 residents to remain independent, socially engaged, and healthy.  Residents include elderly and non-elderly people with disabilities which may include cognitive impairments such as mental illness, depression, Alzheimer’s and dementia.  To this aim, the Service Coordinator role includes linking residents’ needs to appropriate supportive services; creating opportunities for social interaction; and scheduling informative presentations.  Note: The resident’s overall participation and cooperation is voluntary, therefore, building rapport and trust is essential.  Service Coordinators become members of the American Association of Service Coordinators.

Essential Functions:

SERVING RESIDENTS:

1. Establish trust through building relationships with residents.
2. Coordinate delivery of services to residents through an evaluation and intake process.
3. Connect residents to
4. community services such as meal programs, transportation, educational opportunities, health clinics, voting polls, In Home Support Services and other programs.
5. Provide and/or obtain case management services and client referrals to appropriate providers.
6. Assist residents with forms, understanding mail, making appointments, obtaining durable goods, resolving financial issues, and understanding and applying for benefits and entitlements.
7. Arrange presentations by knowledgeable professional on topics relevant to residents.
8. Create opportunities for socialization.
9. Communicate effectively with residents and others to deescalate conflicts, then collaborate to find appropriate solutions.
10. Advocate on behalf of residents to ensure equitable application of services.
11. Train and educate residents in the responsibility of tenancy.

PROFESSIONALISM:

1. Develop links with community resources and service providers to assure appropriate supportive services for residents.
2. Maintain daily activity logs, service documentation, and resident files required by the program.
3. Follow a Service Enriched Housing model to network with property staff for the well-being of the residents.
4. Build a resource directory of community service providers for use by staff and residents
5. Manage time to meet with residents, maintain records, and complete reports.
6. Report all suspected abuse to the appropriate agency.
7. Maintain a welcoming, safe, clean office environment.
8. Obtain 12 Continuing Education Units annually provided by the program.
9. Manage his/her Service Coordinator petty cash expenses, and submits applicable reports.
10. Participates and collaborates in Team Meetings to improve the Senior Residential Services program.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The Service Coordinator often works on his or her own and must be resourceful, responsible, self-motivated, trustworthy, and able to balance the various requirements to the benefit of the residents and program.  Must have a strong desire to help others and should be able to respect, inspire, gain trust and build confidence among senior citizens and people with disabilities.  Needs to be able to communicate and interact with residents with a professional and friendly demeanor. 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLED REQUIRED:

1. Bachelor’s Degree (B.A.) in Social Work, Gerontology or related field.
2. Two or three years’ experience in social service delivery with seniors and people with disabilities; or a combination of education and experience.
3. Possess a knowledge of supportive services for seniors and people with disabilities
4. Ability to advocate, organize, problem solve and provide results for those served.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS: 

1. Ability to write reports, case notes, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
2. Possess the ability to effectively present oral and written information, and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
3. Bilingual in English and Vietnamese, oral and written, preferred.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

1. Use of a computer, Internet, email and telephone systems.
2. Familiarity with Microsoft Windows 7, Internet Explorer, and windows file management.
3. Ability to learn and become proficient with Microsoft Office applications – Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
4. Ability to enter data into a Service Coordinator based software program (training provided).
5. Willingness and aptitude to learn new computer applications and skills as the need arises

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.  Some motions are repetitive such as typing.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision and watching computer monitors.  The employee may need to drive to purchase supplies, attend meetings, and visit residents who are convalescing. This mileage is reimbursed.

Employment Status:  Non- Exempt 

Work Schedule: Full Time (40+ hours/ week)

Salary: $19.00 – $21.00 per hour, depending on experience + benefits