Elderly Services Program Assistant

City of Danbury•City of Danbury, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Elderly Services Program Assistant provides operational support to help senior center programs, events, and services run smoothly. The position also performs clerical duties and may be assigned special projects. The employee works under the general supervision of the Director of Elderly Services, carrying out recurring assignments independently while seeking guidance for unusual or unfamiliar situations. The employee is not regularly required to supervise others and has access to some confidential information obtained while performing essential functions. The role involves frequent interaction with senior center members, visitors, community partners, volunteers, program participants, and outside organizations. It requires explaining or interpreting procedures, coordinating work, resolving operating problems, and using courtesy, tact, and diplomacy when addressing complaints or difficult interactions. Work is primarily indoors in an office or senior center setting, with occasional exposure to outdoor conditions when assisting with programs. The role includes periods of standing and walking and physical setup tasks, including moving items weighing up to 25 pounds. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and up to three years of experience working with older adults, or an associate degree and one year of such experience. Bilingual English/Spanish ability and a valid driver’s license are required. Experience in human services, social services, or healthcare is preferred. The selection process includes an oral examination.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and up to three years of experience working with an older adult population, or an associate degree and one year of experience working with an older adult population.
Bilingual English/Spanish ability.
Valid driver’s license.
Working knowledge of computer programs, including Microsoft Office software, and of using the Internet in support of department operations.
Ability to interact appropriately with the public and an aging population, respond to inquiries and requests, and prioritize tasks.
Ability to access the Internet to obtain information in support of department operations.
Ability to interact with the public with tact and diplomacy and maintain professionalism in stressful situations.
Ability to present information clearly and concisely and speak in front of groups.
Interpersonal and communication skills.
Organizational and time-management skills.
Customer service and intrapersonal skills.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including standing or walking for much of the work period and moving tables, chairs, and bins.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a human services, social services, or healthcare environment.

Responsibilities

Provide quality customer service to senior center members, visitors, community partners, volunteers, and program participants.
Greet visitors and members and provide orientations, membership information, and assistance with programs and services.
Maintain a visible presence throughout the facility and use situational awareness to identify and respond to client needs and safety concerns.
Assist with physical setup and other program or event demands, including moving tables, chairs, bins, sewing machines, and other items weighing up to 25 pounds.
Assist with operation of the Senior Center free breakfast program.
Lead occasional recreational programs and activities.
Perform routine clerical duties, including copying, filing, database entry, and calendaring.
Provide backup front desk coverage as needed.
Complete special projects as assigned.
Perform other related tasks.