Outreach Specialist/Case Assistance Worker

Job Description

Organizational Summary

Union Settlement is an East Harlem based nonprofit organization founded in 1895. For 128 years, Union Settlement has provided critical and innovative programming to children, youth, families, and older adults. As a pioneer of the settlement house movement, Union Settlement continues to meet the needs of the ever-changing East Harlem community through its core programs. Through these programs, New Yorkers gain opportunities, develop skills, and become empowered to pursue and achieve their dreams.

Today, Union Settlement provides services through 33 program sites in approximately 28 locations. Union Settlement's current programmatic portfolio includes 8 core program areas: Early Childhood Education, Youth Development & Opportunity (including after school programs), Family Services (including the Family Enrichment Center and the Family Childcare Network), the East Harlem Community Partnership, Adult Education, Comprehensive Mental & Emotional Healthcare (Mental Health Services), Aging, Health & Wellness Services (Older Adult Centers), and Economic Development. Union Settlement serves more than 10,000 individuals and nearly 1,000 businesses every year.

Strengthened by a dynamic, diverse, and collaborative workforce of more than 350 employees, Union Settlement also serves as a connector, convener, and advocate for East Harlem and its partners. To learn more about Union Settlement, visit www.unionsettlement.org

Position: Outreach Specialist/Case Assistance Worker

Department: Older Adult Services

Reports to: Director of Older Adult Services

Hours: Full-Time

Salary: $18.00 - $21.00 per hour

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Location: On-site

Position Summary:

The Outreach Specialist/Case Assistance Worker key role is to reach and serve East Harlem's growing Chinese senior population. The Outreach Specialist / Case Assistance Worker is responsible for organizing and participating in outreach activities throughout the five Union Settlement Senior Centers and providing case assistance services to senior participants.

Responsibilities:

• In consultation with the Center Directors, identify, plan, periodic activities at the different senior center locations for Chinese Participants.
• Conduct periodic outreach at strategic locations and events that may attract Older Adults.
• Provide support services to clients including, but not limited to the following areas:
  1. Refer clients who need case management or other in-depth services to appropriate resources.
  2. Provide information and referrals for Medicare and Medicaid eligibility and enrollment. -Provide general assistance participants enrolled in these programs, as well.
  3. Provide information and referrals for Social Security eligibility and benefits collection.
  4. Provide information and assistance to obtain Food Stamps.
  5. Provide information and referrals for housing services.
  6. Provide information and assistance for Energy Share and other utility assistance programs.
  7. Provide information and referrals for the Meals on Wheels program.
  8. Provide translation services.
  9. Provide participants with assistance with correspondence, understanding and paying bills, and making appointments.
  10. Provide assistance for additional benefits and entitlements.
• Conduct intake and re-assessment for Center participants. Assess participants' eligibility for benefits and services under various programs for the aging.
• Provide follow-up case assistance related to entitlement and benefits, as needed, and
• Maintain complete and accurate case records.
• Conduct outreach (phone calls, etc.) to all clients who are absent from the center for extended periods to determine the reason for absences, as well as to check on their well-being and satisfaction with the Center.
• Advocate on behalf of seniors with social service and government agencies, and mediate as needed with those agencies.
• Attend appropriate training programs as requested by supervisor.
• Compile statistics, prepare reports, and keep attendance and other required records.
• Additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Bilingual (English/Chinese) required.
• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Human Services, or related field with experience working with aging populations preferred; or 60+ college credits and four years demonstrated experience working with aging populations.
• Demonstrated experience with Chinese aging populations.
• Demonstrated experience with working as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Strong verbal, written, clerical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to perform multiple tasks effectively in a fast-paced, challenging, and constantly changing environment.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of East Harlem community and health/service networks and resources in East Harlem a plus.

CO R E CO M P E T E N C IE S

• Leading Others: Creates a sense of urgency throughout the organization on the importance of achieving outcomes. Inspires, influences, and enables team members to reach their goals
• Facilitating Change: Approaches challenges with creativity and flexibility. Demonstrates analytical thinking. Guides change to meet Union Settlement's goals.
• Managing Performance: Evaluates and revises goals semi-annually with the team. Provides consistent supervision and documents performance highlights and concerns
• Applying and Developing Expertise: Embraces and leads the team to achieve milestones. Seeks and supports professional development opportunities for team members. Manages finances and budgets effectively
• Communicating and Collaborating: Listens well and actively engages with others with honesty and integrity and holds team accountable to the same standard

Union Settlement's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commitment

Union Settlement is an equal opportunity employer. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.