Senior Center Assistant

The Salvation Army

NORTH & CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION

Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center - Chicago

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Senior Center Assistant

LOCATION/DEPT: Kroc Center- Chicago

REPORTS to (TITLE): Senior Center Supervisor

PAY GRADE: 202

PAY RANGE: $17.00-$20.40

WHO WE ARE

At The Salvation Army, we are dedicated to "Doing the Most Good". We are made up of thousands of officers, soldiers, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners working together to holistically meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. We do this through programs designed to combat homelessness and hunger, provide safe spaces for kids after school and on the weekends, achieve and maintain sobriety, and give hope to the hopeless. The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division provides these services to people in need.

MISSION

The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center of Chicago exists to express the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army through a safe, enriching and sacred environment where all individuals have access to opportunities to reach their physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential. The Vision of the Chicago Kroc Center is to touch individuals, families and seniors of the Southside with: Community - Wellness - Excellence - Character - Faith.

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Center Assistant will be responsible to create an inviting and purposeful environment within the Senior Center. This includes programming educational activities, health initiatives, social support, volunteer opportunities, and increasing senior participation in the overall Kroc Center programs and membership.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. As a member of the RJKCCC Education Program Team the Senior Center Assistant will assist in planning, directing and guiding the Senior Center programs and activities.
   
   
   
   1. Direct the development, implementation and evaluation of programming that meets the goals and objectives of the RJKCCC.
   2. Under the direction of the Senior Center Supervisor, help to implement classes, curriculums, and collection of fees for the Senior Center.
   3. Help implement daily activities for Seniors (educational, social, health initiatives, trips, events)
   4. Provide emotional and spiritual support to Seniors.
   5. Assist supervisor with office support system.
   6. Follow and ensure adherence to The Salvation Army Policies and Procedures.
   
   
   
   
2. Leadership to Staff and Volunteers
   
   
   
   1. Support the Senior Center Supervisor in ensuring that the volunteers are competent, trained, to the mission of The RJKCCC and The Salvation Army.
   2. Support the Senior Center Supervisor in ensuring that volunteers are trained in Safe from Harm.
   
   
   
   
3. Meetings and Communication.
   
   
   
   1. Works in a cooperative manner with the other on-site staff, especially in the Education area. This includes the reporting of all statistics and outcome projects of the center related to the education and arts programs.
   2. Attends all scheduled staff meetings.
   3. Works in cooperation with Events Coordinator for use of Celebration Rooms/Senior Center.
   4. Works in cooperation with The Salvation Army Family Services Department.
   
   
   
   
4. Facilities/Safe Working Environment
   
   
   
   1. Supports systems that safeguard any and all facilities, supplies and equipment related the Senior Center.
   2. Report all problems with facilities to the Facilities Director.
   3. Ensure the attractive appearance and cleanliness of the Senior Center.
   
   
   
   
5. Professional Growth
   
   
   
   1. Attends workshops, conferences, seminars for professional growth in Senior education.
   2. Maintains knowledge of current trends in social work and the field of aging.
   3. Maintains knowledge of current legislation that affects social work practice and senior services.
   
   
   
   
6. Other Duties

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Education: High School degree, or its equivalent, with some college in related field.
• Experience: A minimum of 2 years' experience working with seniors or related areas.

Required Licenses:

• Have, or obtain within three months, a valid Illinois Drivers' License and insured transportation and be able to meet The Salvation Army's requirements
• CPR, First Aid, and Safe from Harm Certified with the first 30 day.

Skills/Abilities:

• A philosophy and understanding of the aging population which is consistent with that of the RJCCC and The Salvation Army.
• Warmth and a strong commitment to helping people, along with acceptance of varying lifestyles.
• A knowledge of large community centers offering a wide variety of programs and services, especially with the senior population.
• The knowledge of how to relate to children and adults in a manner that displays a sensitivity to their needs and a respect for their worth as individuals.
• An understanding of seniors' educational, social, and health needs.
• An ability to work with confidential material.
• A demonstrated ability to work independently, be a self-starter, and use initiative.
• A demonstrated ability to manage projects, priorities and programs.
• A leadership style that fosters team relationships to accomplish objectives and solve problems and crisis in a professional manner.
• A service orientation; anticipating and responding to the needs of clients, employees and management.
• Must be attentive to and work appropriately with culturally and socio-economically diverse client population.
• Flexibility in accepting assignments with various types of clients and environments.
• Patience with ability to work with resistance and hostility.
• Creative programming skills and event planning.
• An understanding of how to supervise staff and participants of varying education levels and diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills, using diplomacy and good judgment.
• A positive attitude and the ability to be flexible considering changing job situations/priorities.
• A willingness to promote the mission of The RJKCCC.

JOB LIMITATIONS

• This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.
• This individual will keep the Senior Center Supervisor abreast of all critical issues.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is required to do moderate physical work. To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment and a PC. At times they will be expected to participate in community center activities. The work environment for this position includes a community center environment with a medium to high noise level. This employee may be required to drive on occasion. Must be able to lift and carry 40 lbs.

COMPETENCIES

1. Maintain a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors.
2. Resolve conflicts in a positive manner.
3. Treat staff, clients, and visitors with courtesy.
4. Respect others' property and person.
5. Use professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors and subordinates.
6. Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

This individual will be evaluated on how effectively the outcomes of this position are achieved as well as how effectively the mission and objectives of The RJKCCC are met.