Opal Engagement Specialist

Description

Elder Pride Services Opal Engagement Specialist

FLSA Classification - Nonexempt 

Job Type - Part-time

Salary Grade - $24.50 per hour, 20 hours per week  

Benefits - Paid time off and sick leave prorated by FTE. 403b with a 4% match after 90 days of employment, 11.5 Holidays. Discounts on Preschool, After School, and Summer Camp. EAP program. Fitness center on site. 

Reports to - Director of Community Services 

Worksite - The Opal Apartments 12691 NW Dogwood, Portland, Oregon 97229. Occasional required meetings offsite, most frequently at 1737 NW 26th Ave, Portland, Oregon 97210

Schedule - Monday to Friday between 9AM and 6PM. Occasional weekend and evening hours with notice. 

Supervision – This position may supervise volunteers, but no supervision of other staff is required.

This position is union-eligible and is represented by ILWU Local 5.

Job Overview

This position will work collaboratively with other staff, volunteers, community partners, and funders, with the overarching goal of improving the lives of aging LGBTQ people. The Engagement Specialist for Elder Pride Services (EPS) at The Opal works both independently and collaboratively to enhance community engagement and enrichment for residents of The Opal through creative, engaging, and varied activities and programming. The engagement services focus on helping residents stabilize their housing, improve their health, and reduce feelings of isolation through intentional community building.

Responsibilities and Duties

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, coordinate, and execute a vibrant calendar of culturally appropriate activities that support residents’ physical, emotional, social, and cognitive wellness. Accommodate the interests and needs of residents in planning activities. Communicate with residents regarding activities and events.
• Seek out opportunities and resources to elevate the program—volunteers, entertainers, community groups, and more.
• Successfully engage residents in building community at the Opal, and connecting with the broader Friendly House and LGBTQ older adult communities. Provide a resident-centered approach to activities and community-building that promotes independence and autonomy.  
• Assist with planning and hosting special events in partnership with EPS staff, property management, and community partners.
• Think outside the box, overcome obstacles, and inspire participation (even from those hesitant at first).
• Collaborate with Opal Resident Services Coordinator to ensure resident’s understanding of staff roles and responsibilities, and on activities of overlap, such as food pantry, resource events, etc.
• Responsible for monthly newsletter, in collaboration with EPS Engagement Coordinator

General Responsibilities:

• Track and report on attendance and other metrics. 
• Ensure common areas are clean and orderly upon completing activities, programs and resident events.? Demonstrate responsibility for the safety of residents and property.
• Develop positive relationships and work collaboratively with Elder Pride Services team members, Friendly House staff, Property Management, and community partners to enrich and support residents.
• Actively participate in Friendly House All Staff, EPS Team meetings, and at least one FH staff committee.  
• Positively promote and encourage a supportive culture reflective of Friendly House’s values, mission, and history.  
• Demonstrate responsibility for the safety of residents and property
• Report any alleged or perceived abuse or neglect of an older adult to Adult Protective Services (APS).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Associate’s degree in social services, gerontology, recreation or related field OR two years of experience in activities planning and coordination, preferably working with older adults or LGBTQ people, OR a combination of education and experience. 
• Ability to approach different people and situations culturally appropriately, including effective communication with people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Knowledge of best practices and/or lived experience in the LGBTQ and/or aging community. 
• Excellent communication skills including active listening, verbal and written communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong planning and organizational skills. 
• Dependable, reliable, and punctual.  
• Computer-literate with working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Publisher, Canva, and virtual meeting platforms.
• Demonstrated use of professional judgement while providing services to vulnerable diverse populations.
• Understand the importance and need to establish boundaries and can clearly communicate and uphold boundaries. 
• Self-Starter: Takes initiative, can start tasks independently, and demonstrates critical thinking skills.
• Flexibility to adapt services and programming to meet resident and organizational needs.  

Friendly House Non-Discrimination Statement

It is the policy of Friendly House to treat all people with dignity and respect. The agency prohibits discrimination based upon race, sex, religion, color, gender identity, age, national origin, marital or familial status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, citizenship status, military service, veteran status, housing status, source of income, political affiliation, union affiliation, physical or mental disability or other protected status in accordance with applicable law. In addition, we shall not discriminate against minority-owned, women-owned, or emerging small business.

Physical Requirements

Employee must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time (up to 30-50%), with the ability to move and traverse the office and work environment. Use hands/fingers to handle or feel. Operate the computer and other office equipment. Ascend stairs or walk on uneven terrain. May need to stoop, kneel, crouch, bend. The ability to see or observe detail at close range. May lift or move items up to 30lbs. May be exposed to smells, cold/heat, and outdoor environments.

If requested, reasonable accommodation will be made available to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship to Friendly House.