Senior Service Aide Part Time in Southington, Connecticut at Town Of Southington
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Job Description
Job Title: Part-Time Senior Service Aide
Location: Calendar House Senior Center, Town of Southington, CT
Reports To: Director of Senior Services
Position Type: Part-Time (Non-Union); 19.5 hours per week
Pay: $30.00 per hour
Position Summary:
The Town of Southington’s Calendar House Senior Center is seeking a compassionate and skilled part-time (19.5 hours) Senior Service Aide to work under the direction of the Director of Senior Services to provide comprehensive social service assistance to seniors and disabled adults in the Southington community. The Social Service Aide will connect clients to community resources and advocate for the needs of seniors and disabled adults.
(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 duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment.)
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Connects seniors and disabled adults to community resources, including housing, financial aid, healthcare, and social services.
- Screens clients for eligibility of CT Department of Social Services State benefit programs, including MSP, SNAP, Medicaid (Husky C & D), Access Health, and SAGA Cash Assistance. Assists clients in creating online accounts, applications, renewals, and verification of benefits for other programs.
- Receives paperwork from clients to process applications for the CEAP (CT Energy Assistance Program) and CT Renters’ Rebate programs. Collaborates with the Program Coordinator to disseminate information to the community regarding eligibility requirements and application periods. Coordinates with Southington Housing Authority to assist residents with the application process. Transports CEAP applications to New Opportunities of Greater Meriden for verification and transmits applications for the CT Renters’ Rebate program through the OPM (Office of Policy and Management) portal for approval. Follows the State of CT record retention policies related to both programs. Recruits and oversees volunteers for both programs as needed.
- Assists clients who are Eversource gas and electric customers by utilizing the Eversource Community Agency Portal with budget plans, winter protection, financial hardships, and LIDR (Low Income Discount Rate).
- Maintains or will obtain CHOICES (CT’s Health Insurance, Outreach, Information, and Eligibility Screening Program) counselor certification through the North Central Area Agency on Aging to provide counseling services to clients regarding Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement plans and Medicare Part D prescription plans. Reports statistics monthly to SHIP (State Health Insurance Program).
- Provides resources and referrals regarding Social Security and Medicare including how, when, and where to apply for benefits.
- Collaborates with the Program Coordinator, town departments, local agencies, and community partners to plan and facilitate programs specific to support and education.
- Makes referrals to community-based providers, including medical, behavioral health, and crisis intervention.
- Responds to outreach referrals from Police, Fire, and other municipal departments.
- Acts as a mandated reporter to the State of Connecticut Protective Services for the Elderly for suspected abuse or neglect of adults over 60.
- Maintains knowledge of local, state, and federal resources, policies, and regulations relevant to client needs.
- Tracks and reports statistical information to the Director to include in reporting to the Senior Citizens Commission Advisory Board.
- Maintains accurate client records, and reports in accordance with legal and ethical standards.
- Ensures compliance with agency policies, federal/state regulations, and professional guidelines.
- Provides coverage for front desk staff during times of absence or lunch periods to answer phones, file, draft correspondence, register new members, and assist with Dial-A-Ride program.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or Gerontology (Demonstrated pertinent experience will be considered in lieu of degree.)
- Current CHOICES counseling certification or ability to obtain certification when next offered by North Central Area Agency on Aging.
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience in social work, preferably with older adults.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a community setting.
- Ability to handle sensitive situations with empathy, professionalism and confidentiality.
Knowledge, Skill, Ability and Personal Character:
- Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Possess strong advocacy skills.
- Commitment to excellence in customer service.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elderly and disabled individuals, fellow employees, supervisors and the general public.
- Ability to work collaboratively with other Town departments and outside agencies.
- Ability to exhibit flexibility and a willingness to work in a dynamic, busy and constantly changing environment.
- Ability to work without immediate or direct supervision.
- Ability to learn Schedules plus data base program.
- Proficient skills with Google Workspace.
- Knowledge of Calendar House programs, activities and procedures.
Special Requirements:
- Valid CT Driver’s License.
- Municipal senior center setting with occasional off-site visits.
- Flexible part-time schedule to meet client needs and program requirements.
Physical Demands:
- Ability to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment.
- Ability to read printed materials and a computer screen.
- Ability to communicate in person, by telephone, two-way radio and before groups.
- Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
- Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.
- Ability to perform repetitive movements. Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle and visit various Town and meeting sites.
The Town of Southington is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services.