Outreach Coordinator - Town of Ashland

The Town of Ashland is seeking applicants for the position of Outreach Coordinator in the Community Center. The Outreach Coordinator is responsible for providing outreach, advocacy and administrative support services to the senior and/or disabled, in the Ashland community, including assessing individual needs and referring clients to appropriate resources; preparing reports and correspondence; providing follow up services; performing outreach activities; and developing and maintaining information and referral network.

The position requires a High School degree and two years of experience in working with the elderly; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Essential functions will include:

• Schedules appointments for home or office visits to assess the client’s need for various services; acts as an advocate for the client; assists clients complete applications for supplemental services or other benefits such as Fuel Assistance and SNAP; provides follow up services to ensure that the client’s needs are being met; maintains current, accurate, and confidential records on all clients.

• Develops an information and referral network with various agencies; corresponds with representatives to obtain information and assistance or to refer clients for services.

• Makes referrals to the Human Services Department for those individuals that require counseling or Case Management. Makes home visits when requested by the Director of Human Services.

• Communicates with agencies providing elder services in the community; assists elders in procuring services through these, and other, agencies and methods. This may include assistance in applying for services, food stamps, fuel assistance, Medicaid or other assistance.

• Attends professional meetings and classes regarding issues related to the elderly population.

• Develops special programs in conjunction with the Activities Coordinator to meet the health and welfare needs of the elderly.

• Participates in the Town’s public safety departments efforts by providing a current list of the Town’s most at-risk elders and their locations.

• Writes an article for the monthly newsletter.

• Participates on committees or in groups as assigned.

• Identifies populations of engaged/disengaged seniors and develops strategies for future involvement.

• Responsible for the community center programs such as the community freezer program, loan tablet program, and coordination of the memory café.

Candidates should have knowledge of services and programs available to elders, 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 elder 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. Individual 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 part-time, benefitted position (25 hours per week). The position is located in Ashland, MA. Some evening/occasional weekend hours may be required. Salary range is $20-$21 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. AA/EOE.