SENIOR SERVICES SPECIALIST I - HEALTH

SENIOR SERVICES SPECIALIST I - 7160

GRADE - 104

PAY RANGE - $21.34 - $30.43/hr - plus a comprehensive benefits package

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Creates and conducts social and recreational programs for senior citizens; performs directly related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The principal function of an employee in this class is to conduct recreational and therapeutic activities that foster well-being or improve socialization, physical mobility, and awareness of leisure resources and interests in the senior community. The work is performed under the supervision and direction of the Senior Center Supervisor but considerable leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, vendors, clinicians, other social service and senior agencies, other City employees, and the public. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office and recreational environment with some exposure to personal hazards.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL WORK:

• Plans, organizes, and conducts group recreational and social activities;
• Conducts and/or hosts informational seminars and programs;
• Teaches health and wellness classes, art classes, and other age-appropriate classes;
• Assesses the needs of clients and refers to a supervisor and/or proper agency;
• Creates bi-monthly calendars and newsletters;
• Advertises and markets events and programs;
• Recruits' volunteers to assist and/or instruct classes and assist with reception area, special functions, and other duties;
• Coordinates events;
• Answers phones, provides information to customers, and assists members with questions and concerns;
• Prepares daily refreshments and maintains a clean and safe serving area;
• Purchases refreshments and other supplies as needed;
• Inventories supplies and reports shortages or needs to Senior Service Specialist II;
• Inputs data in software for general business, event registration, and sports activities;
• Maintains daily data for emergency and statistical records;
• Provides opportunities for day and/or overnight trips with approved travel agencies;
• Provides guidance and demonstrations to new employees in similar positions;
• Keeps supervisors informed of work progress, issues, and potential solutions;
• Attends meetings and training to stay current on relevant practices and developments;
• Responds to citizen inquiries courteously and promptly;
• Coordinates regularly with others to enhance interdepartmental efficiency; and
• Performs additional duties as required by the classification.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Some knowledge of senior care programs;
• Some knowledge of the social services, community-based programs, and senior service agencies in the area;
• Some knowledge of human behavior as it relates to working with an aging population;
• Ability to observe and evaluate discrete behavioral or physical changes in clientele;
• Ability to exercise patience with individuals while providing courteous customer service in an environment that at times may be stressful;
• Excellent phone skills;
• Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions;
• Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations;
• Ability to operate or quickly learn to operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks;
• Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions;
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
• Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology;
• Integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate’s Degree in Recreation Sciences, Gerontology, Social Work, Human Services; or related field; and

• Three to five years of experience in recreation or social service programs; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• First Aid, CPR, and AED Certifications (must obtain certifications within six months of date of hire).

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to function, monitor recreational activities and monitor a wide variety of materials;
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a personal computer, conduct assigned activities, and turn, reach and grasp repetitively;
• Sufficient strength and endurance, with or without reasonable accommodation to lift, carry and move objects, through a full range of motion, up to 50 pounds occasionally, 30 pounds frequently and 20 pounds consistently;
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to function in a general office environment and in various recreational assigned work areas.

Salary : $21 - $30