What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Protective Services Worker position at AgeSpan?
AgeSpan
Formerly Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley/North Shore
About Us: Since 1974 our agency has strived towards supporting an individual's desire to make their own decisions, secure their independence and remain living independently in the community. We are proud of our employees who make this possible every day. Our agency is a thought-leader, a nationally known generator of new ideas, because it welcomes creativity, your ideas. It is an outstanding place to work stimulating, friendly, collaborative. We offer competitive salaries, generous vacation time, and an excellent work/life balance. We value diversity and encourage career growth. If you have a passion for improving the lives of the elderly community and enjoy working in a diverse team driven by its mission, you've found the right place!
At AgeSpan, you'll find a work environment that combines:
- A refreshing culture that is supportive, collaborative, and encouraging of diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
- A focus on innovation with a team recognized for developing and implementing innovative programs and novel solutions.
- Encouragement of your development through opportunities to get involved, use your voice, and gain new knowledge and skills.
- A satisfying balance between your work and personal life, including a flexible workplace, generous paid time off, and wellness programs.
Depending on your role and your hours, we offer
- Flexible schedule and hybrid work opportunities
- Competitive salaries
- Healthcare (medical, dental, vision)
- 403b Retirement Plan with agency match
- 20 Vacation Days, 12 Sick Days, and 12 Paid Holidays
- Social Work Licensing Program
- License Renewal Paid by agency for RN's and Social Workers
- And MORE!
Position Summary: The Associate Protective Services Worker will work primarily with elders who are housing insecure, at high risk of losing housing or homeless as well as work collaboratively with the Protective Services Team to assist in the implementation of service plan goals as established by lead program staff. Tasks will include working with elders and community resources to attempt to secure housing, assessing the level of risk, assisting in the investigation of protective services reports, assisting consumers with the meeting of basic urgent needs and advocating for unmet needs.
Essential Functions:
- Assist elders to secure public benefits and housing. This may include applications for; housing, utility assistance, Social security, food stamps and Mass Health.
- Assist in the process of preserving current housing.
- Assistance in crisis intervention, advocacy, and casework services.
- Assist Elder in court processes i.e., seeking restraining orders, housing court, housing mediation.
- Assisting Elder with meeting basic urgent needs such as grocery shopping, clothes shopping and filling medical prescriptions or needed durable medical equipment.
- Completion of paperwork and maintenance of client files, including computer database, as defined by the Protective Service Supervisor, and as regulated by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
- Assisting in the interviewing of key collaterals for investigation. Obtaining, scanning, and completing document reviews of necessary documents such as: police, medical and financial records.
- Assist Protective Service Caseworkers with the completion of monthly home visits to stable clients and home visits to accompany caseworkers when a second person is needed.
- Documentation of completed tasks and visits within APS records.
- Observe all confidentiality regulations and protect consumer information.
- Attend mandatory meetings and trainings.
- Other duties as assigned by Protective Services Supervisors'
Qualifications: Bachelor's degree preferred. Experience working with older adults and/or mental health clients required. Experience with housing insecurity or homelessness preferred. Proven ability to engage difficult and resistant populations preferred. Spanish speaking preferred. A valid driver's license required; must have dependable car with adequate insurance for the state where the car is registered and up to date inspection. Basic word processing and computer skills necessary.
Hours: 37.5 per week
AA/EOE
AgeSpan is strongly committed to fostering a professional environment that recognizes, respects, and encourages the unique contributions of a broad spectrum of qualified employees. It is important that our employees reflect the diverse communities we serve. We maintain a work atmosphere that allows people of varied backgrounds to grow professionally and contribute to our mission by promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and work-life balance.
