Council on Aging Programs and Services Assistant

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICE PROGRAMS: 

The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) creates and coordinates services that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents. Driven by the needs of residents, DHSP’s extensive services and programs touch almost every sector in the city: from newborns to older adults, from school-aged children to homeless families, from non-profit organizations to local employers.

ABOUT THE ROLE: 

Within the Department of Human Service Programs, the Council on Aging (COA) works to provide activities and recreational opportunities to enhance the lives of older adults.  Through the Cambridge Senior Center, older adults are engaged in a variety of diverse classes, programs and activities.  This position will support and develop activities for seniors, with an emphasis on coordinating the centers’ many art, health and wellness virtual classes. This position is supervised by the Cambridge Senior Center Director. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The Council on Aging Programs Assistant will work as a member of the Council on Aging team.  Specifically, the position will:

• In collaboration with the Senior Center Director and Senior Center Activity Staff, create and implement programs and activities, including virtual classes to be offered by the COA at both Senior Centers or other designated sites in the community.

• Support instructors to deliver high quality classes that meet the needs of older adults.
• Collect necessary enrollment and attendance information for all participants, working closely with instructors to get accurate data.
• Promote classes for older adults on social media in partnership with Human Services Communications Department and COA’s Administrative Assistant, to ensure access throughout the community. 
• Communicate respectfully to participants, staff and members of the public to ensure a welcoming and positive experience.
• Actively engage in the Department’s Race and Equity Initiative.   

• Support the COA Executive Director to solicit and evaluate feedback from older adult residents to influence programming and initiatives.

• Provide reception or other needed coverage at both Senior Centers.

• May perform other duties as assigned

   

   

  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• One to two years of directly related experience working with seniors, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Comfort and expertise in using virtual platforms, such as Zoom

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Knowledge of Cambridge resources helpful.

• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a collaborative team.

• The City of Cambridge’s workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse.  Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, WORKING CONDITIONS, WORK FLEXIBILITY AND ACCOMODATIONS:

• Ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computer.  

• Answer telephones and maintain multiple files.  

• May require minimal lifting of up to 10 pounds. 

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• General office environment with air conditioning and fluorescent lighting. Noise level can be high at times in the Senior Center is active with participants and visitors. 

   

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS:

• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance

• Vacation and Sick leave eligible

• Paid parental leave

• Sick Incentive Pay Eligible

• 3 Personal days