Community Specialist - Felton Institute : Job Details

Community SpecialistOlder Adult Social ClubSenior DivisionAgency Overview Felton Institute responds to the needs of our community by providing innovative, evidence-informed social services that transform lives. Our organization offers 50+ programs that address mental health, the unhoused, early care and education, those impacted by the justice system, transitional age youth, as well as aging adults. Our programs combine the latest scientific research with cultural sensitivity and a deep commitment to supporting and reflecting the communities we serve. Felton offers a dynamic, challenging, and supportive work environment where we encourage the use of professional development, that staff can utilize throughout their career. Division and Program Description Felton's Senior Division specializes in a full continuum of mental health services for older adults in outpatient clinics, the community, and supportive housing sites, as well as programs in employment training, economic security, case management, advocacy, and social connection and inclusion. The Older Adult Social Club is part of Felton Institute's Behavioral Health Model, filling a gap in service for those with mild to moderate mental health concerns. The target population is low-income older adults 60 years and older, citywide, who are isolated and have a lack of connection to others and little to no social support or contact and can benefit from specialized group therapy, as well as community integration. These older adults may be experiencing symptoms of depression, trauma, or other concerns, and will benefit from developing interpersonal relationships. Services include engagement in and linkage to meaningful activities to prevent social isolation, support successful independent living in their community, and increase overall well-being. The program collaborates with the broad spectrum of social service providers to connect, coordinate, and meet the individual's needs. A comprehensive approach is used to screen and assess, including conversational intakes and evidence-based assessments, such as the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale. Felton is committed to implementing evidence-based practices and behavioral health research within its community-based preventative services. Job Description Under the supervision of the Program Director, this position participates in interventions designed to provide reduction of mental disability and isolation, improvement of functioning consistent with the goals of learning, development, independent living and enhanced self-sufficiency. These services shall include (but not be limited to) assessment, plan development, group therapy, rehabilitation skills, specialized psychoeducation for older adults, community integration, and connection to other services. The Community Specialist will conduct outreach with other Felton programs as well as many city and community partners, primary care, and the network of aging services. Some examples include In-Home Supportive Services, Family Caregiver Alliance, the Mental Health Association, APS, hospitals, shelters, street outreach teams, spiritual centers, or any number of neighborhood-level organizations or other connection points leading to older adults who are most isolated. The Community Specialist will support these individuals with communication skills, social skills, and other necessary skills to prevent social isolation. This person will document all client encounters using appropriate documentation procedures. This person will also bring expertise regarding community resources, recreational opportunities, and other connections to services, formal and informal, and will work program staff to develop innovative ways to reduce social isolation and increase mental health awareness. Included in the program is an emphasis on connecting older adults to the digital world, with Felton's Tech Squad providing specialized training for older adults on internet access, coaching on individual devises, and the essentials of internet safety. Minimum Required Qualifications

• Passionate about working with older adults who may be isolated, have mental health issues, or other needs that are not being met
• Demonstrate outreach, rapport building, and engagement experience
• Experience with organizing and leading group activities and outings
• Knowledge of mental health focused skill building
• Willingness and ability to teach technology skillsets for phones, tablets, laptops, and desktops to older adults.
• Ability to travel frequently in SF and work in office, community, home, and congregate settings
• Lived experience with mental health services preferred/peer certified/trained preferred/older adult preferred
• Previous work experience in social services or related field; working knowledge of social service resources in San Francisco for older adults preferred (ex. Paratransit)
• Driver's license preferred
• Demonstrated computer skills in word processing (i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel) and ability to learn electronic charting
• Strong skills in working independently and as a team member
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to follow instructions and work under the direction of others
• Time management skills and ability to prioritize projects and follow through
• Problem solving skills: able to discern when to consult, when to make independent decisions, and able to offer suggestions for solutions
• Openness to learn, consult, and receive constructive feedback
• Ability to be a team player with a welcoming attitude
• Available to work business hours, Monday through Friday, predominantly in field/office settings

Additional Information: Reports to: Program Director Job Type: Full-Time Work Schedule: Onsite FLSA Status: Non- Exempt Salary Range: $30 - $35 per hour (DOE) Benefits (subject to election and eligibility): Fully-Paid Medical and Dental Plans; Health Reimbursement Card, Paid Time Off (personal, vacation, and sick time), 403B with company match. Applying Instruction: Candidates should apply for the position at our career page careers.felton.org OR directly email resumes to [email protected] . IMP NOTE: Job responsibilities are subject to change according to program requirements.