Social Service Coordinator

Social Service CoordinatorChicago, Illinois | Greencastle of Garfield 1 Embrace Living Communities is a certified “GREAT PLACE TO WORK” and is one of the top 5 “BEST WORKPLACES IN AGING SERVICES”. We are a 125+ year-old, faith-based, non-profit organization dedicated to support seniors and people with disabilities by helping them age with dignity in affordable and welcoming communities that embrace living.

Job Summary

The Social Service Coordinator assists elderly individuals and persons with disabilities in obtaining the supportive services they need to continue to live as independently as possible in their homes. The Social Service Coordinator plays a critical role in implementing core programs as delegated by the program model; deliver information about and provide supportive access to local services and resources that can assist the resident to achieve their housing and service needs, goals and objectives. Supports the Embrace Living Communities wellness culture that encourages active aging and “living well.”

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Create a respectful living environment for elderly individuals and persons with disabilities that is aligned with the mission, vision, and values of the organization. Work collaboratively with others in a team environment, respecting and valuing perspectives and contributions of others while promoting professional cooperation among residents, employees, families, and partners.
• Function effectively in an environment with diverse cultures, multiple perspectives, and competing needs and priorities.
• Develop and maintain effective supportive professional relationships with residents that help enhance their quality of life; and, empower and encourage residents in taking steps to achieve self-sufficiency.
• Accurately identify and assess resident strengths and needs in order to connect them effectively to resources and help them set personal goals.
• Ability to work with individuals with mental health, disability, substance abuse, legal and financial issues to provide local resources and support in accessing services successfully.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with relevant organizations and individuals with an emphasis on providing on-site services to residents in the community.
• Develop and implement Annual Property Service Plans (ASP) that include proactive health and well-being programs, financial and housing stability programs, educational presentations, and services that target the distinct needs of various populations.
• Maintain residents’ files in accordance with applicable regulations; maintain confidentiality and obtain appropriate release of information as necessary; and adhere to the HUD regulatory compliance standards and ELC Service Excellence: Standards of Practice Guide.
• Motivate individuals to actively participate in the social service program.
• Works effectively in a team environment and actively participates in joint problem solving; willingly cooperates with co-workers.
• Advocate for the needs of residents on local, state and national levels.
• Protects the proprietary information of Embrace Living Communities.
• Identifies and takes advantage of opportunities for personal and professional development. Perform all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Education and/or Experience – Bachelor’s degree (B. S.) from four-year college or university; and one to two years related experience and/or training. Experience in social work or social service preferred.
• Language Skills – Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from residents, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to effectively present information to management, public groups, and/or board of directors. Ability to interact clearly and effectively, in both written and oral communication, with supervisors, residents, staff, vendors, etc.
• Mathematical Skills – Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Computer Skills – Experience work in and analyzing social service-based data. Should be proficient in personal computer skills including electronic mail, record keeping, routine database activity, word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, etc. This role requires an above-average knowledge of Microsoft Office.

COMPETENCIES:
• Communication – Communication refers to the ability to inform orally and in writing, with clarity and good effect. It means to understand clearly and quickly when instructions or orders are received. It means judgment about what information is important and what is not, and what should be communicated, how, to whom and when.
• Confidentiality – Maintains all resident communications and information confidential as per code of ethics, and per client instructions.
• Customer/Resident Service – Refers to the ability to satisfy the expectations and requirements of customers/residents. Displays courtesy and sensitivity and responds promptly to social service requests. Identifies customer/resident needs and explains social services clearly. Handles difficult situations.
• Managing Customer/Resident Focus – Refers to the ability to promote customer/resident focus. Establishes customer/resident social service standards. Monitors customer/resident satisfaction. Develops new approaches to meeting customer/resident social service needs.
• Organization Building – Refers to the skills of developing and maintaining a comprehensive list of resources available in the community for the residents’ benefit. Ability to recruit and train volunteers internally and externally.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job, the individual must be able to remain in a stationary position for 80 percent of the time while operating their computer and performing office work. The individual needs to occasionally move about within the office and community areas. They constantly operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, fax machine, and computer printer. They must be able to exchange accurate information with residents and others in the office while interacting. The employee must regularly move up to 10 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
While performing the duties of this job, the individual generally works in a controlled climate; is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

The pay range is $62,000 – $66,000 annually

Other benefits:

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401 (k) match

PTO

13 Paid Holidays