Outreach Coordinator

The Town of Ashland is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Outreach Coordinator at the Ashland Senior Center. The Outreach Coordinator provides outreach, advocacy, information, and support services to older adults and individuals with disabilities in the Ashland community. Responsibilities include assessing individual needs, connecting residents and their families with appropriate programs and resources, providing follow-up services, conducting community outreach, preparing reports and correspondence, and developing and maintaining a strong network of community resources and referral partners.

The position requires a High School Diploma or equivalent and at least two years of experience working with older adults, preferably in a human services, community outreach, or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Hours: 35/week

Salary Range: $24-$26/hour

Essential Functions:

• Assesses the needs of older adults who may be unserved or underserved and facilitates proactive referrals to appropriate support services.

• Conducts independent home and office visits with older adults and their families to assess needs, provide support, and facilitate access to programs and services. Conducts telephone check-ins as appropriate.

• Provides information, assistance, and referrals to older adults and their families and serves as a liaison between clients and community service providers, including resources for fuel assistance, food programs, home care, and other supportive services.

• Advocates for clients by assisting with applications for supplemental services and benefits, including Fuel Assistance, SNAP, Medicaid, and other available programs. Provides follow-up to ensure needs are being addressed and maintains accurate, current, and confidential client records.

• Develops and maintains an information and referral network with local and regional agencies and community organizations to support access to services and resources.

• Makes referrals to the Human Services Department for individuals requiring counseling, case management, or other specialized services and conducts home visits when requested by the Director of Human Services.

• Maintains communication with agencies serving older adults and assists residents in accessing available services and resources.

• Attends regional networking meetings, professional development opportunities, and training related to issues affecting older adults and individuals with disabilities.

• Works collaboratively with the Activities Coordinator to develop and support programs that address the health, safety, social, and wellness needs of older adults.

• Participates in the Town's public safety efforts by maintaining and providing, as appropriate, current information regarding older adults identified as being at increased risk, in accordance with applicable confidentiality requirements.

• Contributes an article or informational content to the monthly Senior Center newsletter.

• Participates on committees, task forces, and community groups as assigned.

• Identifies populations of engaged and disengaged older adults and develops strategies to increase awareness, participation, and involvement in Senior Center programs and services.

• Oversees and coordinates Senior Center programs, including the Community Freezer Program, Medical Loan Program, and Tablet Loan Program, and conducts community outreach to promote awareness and access to these services.

• Coordinates and manages the Monthly Memory Café, including volunteer coordination, sponsorship development, food purchasing, and program logistics.

• Collaborates with the Administrative Assistant and MWRTA to maintain accurate and current transportation information and ensure timely communication of transportation services, changes, and updates.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Candidates should have knowledge of services and programs available to older adults, principles, techniques and tools used in good public relations including online meetings (i.e. Zoom and Google Meet), Excel, and Facebook. Candidates should have the ability to communicate both orally and in writing, be a good listener, display sensitivity to older adult needs, and have strong social and interpersonal skills. Must be able to use standard office equipment and computer applications. Position may require the use of personal or Town vehicles on Town business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, have a valid Massachusetts driver’s license, have an acceptable driving record and be First Aid /CPR certified. Also, there is some lifting involved and setting up furniture for programs required. Employee must be ServSafe Certified (provided by the Town).

This is a full-time, benefitted position (35 hours per week). The position is located in Ashland, MA. Some evening/occasional weekend hours may be required. Salary range is $24-$26 per hour and is based on experience. Applicants should apply online at: www.ashlandmass.com. An application, cover letter and resumes may also be sent to humanresources@ashlandmass.com or by mail to: Human Resources Department, 101 Main St., Ashland, MA 01721.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The Town of Ashland is an AA/EEO Employer