Advocate - (Part-time) Senior Services

CLASSIFICATION TITLE:

SALARY:

DEPARTMENT:

Opening Date:

Closing Date:

FLSA: Non-exempt - overtime pursuant to collective bargaining agreement and/or human resources policy

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: Just cause subject to probationary period

***This part-time position works Monday through Friday. It involves going out in the community and conducting home visits. It is an onsite position and does not involve remote work.

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under direction, assesses and completes intakes for all programs of the Office of Senior Services. Conducts in-home visits to complete assessments, conducts eligibility reviews, makes appropriate referrals and assists clients in completing applications to access public benefits.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Identifies and assesses the needs of individuals and families for agency programs and services, community-based services and/or in home services.

Performs intakes and assessments of all clients, including home bound individuals, to assess eligibility for services.

Schedules and conducts assessments with clients within established protocols.

Identifies those individuals with health and nutritional risk and makes recommendations for appropriate interventions.

Assists clients in obtaining necessary services which includes emergency, or on-going needs for food, shelter, or other basic requirements.

Researches and maintains a comprehensive list of available community services and makes referrals as appropriate.

Maintains accurate up-to-date records of all services provided and uses applicable computer software as required.

Provides services for identified clients in a specified geographic region.

Prepares and provides community education presentations on services available to clients.

Attends professional development training and administrative team meetings.

Operates an automobile to perform assigned job functions.

Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience

• Associate’s degree or sixty (60) completed college credit hours from an accredited college or university in Gerontology, Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, or a related field

• One (1) year of experience in the Human Services field

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Gerontology, Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, or a related field

• One (1) year of home visit experience

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and operable, insured automobile for authorized travel

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Current case management techniques and practices

• Knowledge of utilizing community resources and networks

• Office of Senior Services programs, services, policies and procedures

Skill in:

• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with staff, clients, families, outside professionals, agencies, and the public

• Working with diverse populations

• Proficient use of portable computer equipment

• Effective written, verbal communication and public speaking skills

• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature

• Assigning, prioritizing, monitoring, and reviewing work assignments

Ability to:

• Communicate with older adults in a compassionate and professional manner

• Work in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign

• Effectively speak, write and understand the English language

• Effectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferred

• Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions

• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files

• Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries

• Work independently

• Conduct oneself with tact and courtesy

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS

The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

N/S =Never/Seldom O =Occasionally F/C = Frequently/Continuously

Work Environment

Office or similar indoor environment: F/C

Outdoor environment: O

Street environment (near moving traffic): N/S

Construction site: N/S

Confined space: N/S

Exposures

Individuals who are hostile or irate: O

Individuals with known violent backgrounds: N/S

Extreme cold (below 32 degrees): N/S

Extreme heat (above 100 degrees): N/S

Communicable diseases: N/S

Moving mechanical parts: N/S

Fumes or airborne particles: N/S

Toxic or caustic chemicals, substances, or waste: N/S

Loud noises (85+ decibels): N/S

Blood Borne Pathogens: N/S

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

N/S =Never/Seldom O =Occasionally F/C = Frequently/Continuously

Demand:

Balancing on even or uneven surfaces/ground: N/S

Bending (forward or backward bending at the waist): O

Climbing up or down stairs, ladders, scaffolding and platforms: O

Crawling (moving about on hands and knees): N/S

Inspecting in confined spaces: N/S

Digging: N/S

Driving on sealed and unsealed roads: F/C

Grasping, gripping, holding, clasping with fingers or hands: F/C

Kneeling to work at low levels: N/S

Manual Dexterity (fine finger movements i.e., keyboard operating, writing): F/C

Lift/Carry/Move objects from one level/position to another up to 50 pounds: N/S

Push/Pull objects away from or towards the body: O

Reaching overhead (arms raised above the shoulder) or forward reaching (arms extended): O

Sitting in a seated position during the task performance: F/C

Standing in an upright position without movement: F/C

Walking considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: F/C

Running considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: N/S

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND DISCLAIMERS

Complies with P.A. 390, as amended, known as the State’s Emergency Management Act and the County’s Emergency Management resolution as well as all related plans, policies and procedures covered by those statutes.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment amongst other possible accommodations.

The UAW Local 889 bargaining unit represents this position. Therefore, there may be contract language which could require consideration in the selection process.

GRANT OR EXTERNALLY FUNDED POSITION - This position will continue only if sufficient grant or external funds are provided.