Social Services Coordinator

Position Summary

The Social Services Coordinator is responsible for linking elderly residents, especially those who are frail and disabled, to supportive services they need to live independently. This includes providing general case management, formal case management, referrals to community service providers, and monitoring the provision of services.

Essential Job Functions

• Provides general case management (including intake) and referral services to all residents needing such assistance.
• Makes formal case management for residents when necessary, assessing health, psychological, and social needs, developing an individualized case plan, and periodically reassessing the resident's situation and needs.
• Establishes linkages with appropriate agencies and service providers in the community, shopping around for the best deals in service pricing to ensure individualized, flexible, and creative services.
• Sets up a directory of providers for use by both project staff and residents, and refers and links residents to service providers in the general community.
• Educates residents on service availability, application procedures, client rights, etc., providing advocacy as appropriate.
• Maintains accurate records and files in a confidential manner, and monitors the ongoing provision of services from community agencies.
• Helps residents build informal support networks with other residents, family, and friends, and may set up volunteer support programs with service organizations in the community.
• Develops case plans in coordination with community assessment services or with a PAC (Professional Assessment Committee).
• Completes other duties as assigned by the Executive Director, except providing social activities, assessing residents' level of functioning, providing transportation, providing medical services or advice, providing direct services or care, or any office/clerical tasks.

Qualifications

• Education: A Bachelor of Social Work or degree in Gerontology, Psychology, or Counseling is preferable; a college degree is fully acceptable. However, individuals without a degree, but with appropriate work experience, may be hired.
• Experience: Two years' experience with progressive responsibility in management functions.
• Knowledge and Abilities: Demonstrated working knowledge of supportive services and other resources for senior citizens and non-elderly disabled in the area served by the project. Demonstrated ability to advocate, organize, and problem-solve with proven results for the elderly and disabled served.