OUTREACH WORKER I 4317

(Non‑Competitive)

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

 

This is community outreach work for the purpose of contacting elderly persons, identifying elderly persons in need of services and assisting them in obtaining community services. Under general supervision, an employee in this class works primarily in the field making home visits to isolated, poor or otherwise needy elderly persons in order to discuss in a friendly and casual manner the needs of each individual and to assist them in obtaining needed services or activities to enrich their lives. Such assistance includes, but is not limited to, providing company, furnishing information, assisting persons in acquiring needed nutritional, medical, housing or transportation services, encouraging participation in community senior citizen social activities and occasionally providing crisis intervention services. Employees do not provide professional counseling services, but instead help needy senior citizens in obtaining appropriate community services.

When assigned to a Senior Citizens Center, an employee in this class may also by expected to develop and improve programs designed to meet identified needs in that community. Programming responsibilities are carried out under the direct supervision of a Senior Citizens Coordinator or Director of Recreation.

An employee in this class is expected to work independently and to exercise initiative in locating and assisting elderly persons in the community. Direction is provided by an administrative superior such as a Town or Village Board, Recreation Commission, Senior Citizen Coordinator or Director of Recreation. Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

 

Identifies and visits elderly persons in the community who are isolated, poor or may otherwise benefit from available community services or senior citizen activities.

Promotes the outreach program through local advertising, contact with appropriate community agencies and word‑of‑mouth.

Provides information to elderly persons about community resources and facilities, eligibility requirements, location of services and related information.

Assists individuals in determining their specific needs and in contacting the appropriate service agencies to meet those needs.

Encourages, whenever possible, participation in senior citizen programs as a way of meeting their needs.

Follows up on all cases through additional home visits, telephone calls and other means to insure that elderly persons receive the services requested.

Maintains an up‑to‑date knowledge of community resources, facilities and programs designed to assist senior citizens, such as Meals‑on‑Wheels, Senior Nutrition program, transportation services, housing services, medical services and senior citizen social activities.

When possible, assists in setting up special transportation for community residents in order to provide greater access to community programs and services.

May explore new areas for senior citizen programming and assist in strengthening existing programs as directed.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

 

Working knowledge of the characteristics, needs and interests of the aging.

Working knowledge of local community agencies and their programs and services available to the elderly.

Working knowledge of public information and relations techniques.

Ability to communicate effectively with others, especially the elderly.

Ability to recognize and understand the needs and the problems of the elderly.

Ability to organize and develop programs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 

  1. Completion of thirty (30) semester credit hours from a regionally accredited New York State registered college or university which must have included at least two courses in psychology, sociology, education, health, recreation or a closely related human services field; or,

  2. One (1) year of work experience, or its part-time/volunteer equivalent, in a human services field, such as aging services, recreation, social services, counseling, education or a program for people with special needs.

  3. A satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B) above.

 

SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENT

 

Possession of valid New York State Operator’s license at time of appointment.

 

8/81 Date of Original Composition

 

Review Date :