Senior Information & Assistance Specialist (#RS7090)
$21.71-$26.38 Hourly / $3,762.26-$4,573.05 Monthly / $45,147.18-$54,876.68 Yearly

Under general supervision, identifies the needs of individuals for Human Services Department of Aging and related services; refers individuals to a variety of Department programs and/or outside organizations as appropriate; supports numerous Department activities such as Senior Awareness Day and the production of informational materials; and performs other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3, of the Civil Service Rules.

An incumbent in this class provides referral services for individuals who contact the Department of Aging seeking information and/or assistance. Incumbents also serve as reference persons for staff and clients regarding available programs and services, and support the Department by participating in and/or coordinating various departmental projects and activities. Incumbents may supervise subordinate staff, and are supervised by Department of Aging management staff.

• Understands and interprets complex rules and regulations applicable to various Department programs and services such as IHSS, MSSP, Linkages, Weatherization, ECIP and Adult Protective Services; becomes familiar with a variety of community based services for the elderly and disabled and the criteria for participation; communicates such information to staff, clients and to the public in a clear and compassionate manner.
• Responds to inquiries, in person or over the phone, regarding available Department of Aging and other services; interviews and assesses individuals to help them determine service needs and referral options; makes written or phone referrals to programs and services as appropriate; may refer individuals to agencies and services outside of the Department.
• Within the parameters of Department policy, coordinates service delivery to individuals and promotes program development; follows-up with individuals as needed; serves as a resource person to Department staff.
• Coordinates the compilation, organization and distribution of Department informational materials; seeks advertisers and sponsors for such materials in order to defray costs of production; assures that information is current and accurate; may analyze statistical data and prepare reports.
• Coordinates and participates in Department outreach activities such as Senior Awareness Day; gives public presentations and educates the community regarding the existence of Department resources and services; works with community-based committees, boards and coalitions to address senior service needs; provides varied assistance to service agencies.
• Under the direction of management staff, may select, schedule, train, direct, evaluate and discipline staff.

License:  Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

EITHER I

Experience:  Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with major coursework in social, behavioral or health sciences; public or business administration; or a related field.

OR II

Education:  Completion of 60 semester units at an accredited college or university with major coursework in psychology, sociology, counseling, business administration, public administration, education or a related field.  

Experience:  One year of responsible work directly performing/providing social services, public education/outreach, public assistance eligibility, vocational guidance, or similar services.

Substitution:  Additional-qualifying experience may substitute for the education on a year-for-year basis.

General goals and purposes of public social service agencies; basic principles and methods of public administration; interviewing and social assessment techniques; basic concepts of human behavior, specifically as it relates to the elderly and disabled; principles and practices of public relations; basic mathematics, reporting and record-keeping techniques; basic language mechanics; general office procedures including computer operation; community resources and programs which can assist elderly and disabled people.

Understand and interpret complex social service program rules and regulations; elicit factual information from individuals in difficult circumstances of deprivation or emotional disturbance; assess overall needs and determine referral options; accurately gather, record and evaluate data; prepare a variety of informational materials, reports, forms, plans and agreements; work cooperatively with others; communicate effectively with persons from diverse social and cultural backgrounds.

Mobility-Frequent operation of keyboards; sitting for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; occasional driving may be required; Lifting-Frequently 5 pounds or less; Vision-Normal overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; normal hand-eye coordination; Dexterity-Normal dexterity with frequent writing and repetitive motion; Hearing/Talking-Frequent hearing and talking on the telephone and in person; Emotional/Psychological-Occasional exposure to grief; frequent public contact and decision making; frequent concentration required; Special Conditions-May require occasional overtime, weekend or evening work.

San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.