Program Assistant (Part-Time)

Program Assistant – Aging, Health and Wellness Services

Job Description 

Organizational Summary 

Union Settlement is an East Harlem based nonprofit organization founded in 1895. For 128 years, Union Settlement has provided critical and innovative programming to children, youth, families, and older adults. As a pioneer of the settlement house movement, Union Settlement continues to meet the needs of the ever-changing East Harlem community through its core programs. Through these programs, New Yorkers gain opportunities, develop skills, and become empowered to pursue and achieve their dreams. 

Today, Union Settlement provides services through 33 program sites in approximately 28 locations. Union Settlement’s current programmatic portfolio includes 8 core program areas: Early Childhood Education, Youth Services (including after school programs), Family Services (including the Family Enrichment Center and the Family Childcare Network), the East Harlem Community Partnership, Adult Education, Mental Health Services, Older Adult Centers, and Economic Development.  Union Settlement serves more than 10,000 individuals and nearly 1,000 businesses every year. 

Strengthened by a dynamic, diverse, and collaborative workforce of more than 350 employees, Union Settlement also serves as a connector, convener, and advocate for East Harlem and its partners. To learn more about Union Settlement, visit www.unionsettlement.org. 

Position: Program Assistant -Washington/Lexington

Department: Aging, Health & Wellness Services 

Reports to: Center Director  

Hours: Part-Time 9:00AM-2:00PM

Salary: $21.00/hr 

FLSA: Non-Exempt 

Position Summary: The Program Assistant is responsible for assisting the Older Adult Center Director by organizing and providing at least one activity daily and providing case assistance services required by the NYC Aging contract to senior participants daily. 

Responsibilities: 

• In consultation with the Older Adult Center Director, identify, plan, and lead one activity in the center daily.
• Conduct intake and re-assessment for Older Adult Center participants. Assess participants’ eligibility for benefits and entitlements under various programs for the aging.
• Conduct outreach (phone calls, etc.) to all clients who are absent from the center for extended periods to determine the reason for absences, as well as to check on their well-being and satisfaction with the Senior Center.
• Provide information and referrals or assistance to the following but not limited to:
  • Medicare and Medicaid eligibility and enrollment 
  • Social Security eligibility and benefits 
  • Housing services 
  • Food Stamps 
  • The Meals on Wheels program 
  • For additional benefits and entitlements 
  • Energy Share and other utility assistance programs 

• Provide participants with but not limited to:
  • General assistance to enroll in programs.
  • Translation services 
  • Assistance for correspondence, understanding and paying bills, and making appointments 
  • Follow-up case assistance related to entitlement and benefits, as needed, and maintain, complete and accurate case records. 
• Refer clients who need case management or other in-depth services to appropriate resources.
• Advocate on behalf of seniors with social service and government agencies, and mediate as needed with those agencies.
• Attend appropriate training programs as requested by supervisor.
• Compile statistics, prepare reports, keep attendance, and other required records.
• Additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Human Services, or related field with experience working with aging populations preferred; or 60+ college credits and four years demonstrated experience working with aging populations.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) required.
• Strong verbal, written, clerical, organizational and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to perform multiple tasks effectively in a fast paced, challenging and constantly changing environment. 
• Excellent computer skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills. 

CO R E CO M P E T E N C IE S 

• Leading Others: Creates a sense of urgency throughout the organization on the importance of achieving outcomes. Inspires, influences, and enables team members to reach their goals
• Facilitating Change: Approaches challenges with creativity and flexibility. Demonstrates analytical thinking. Guides change to meet Union Settlement’s goals.
• Managing Performance: Evaluates and revises goals semi-annually with the team. Provides consistent supervision and documents performance highlights and concerns
• Applying and Developing Expertise: Embraces and leads the team to achieve milestones. Seeks and supports professional development opportunities for team members. Manages finances and budgets effectively
• Communicating and Collaborating: Listens well and actively engages with others with honesty and integrity and holds team accountable to the same standard

Union Settlement’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commitment 

Union Settlement is an equal opportunity employer. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.