Employment Opportunity
Internal / External Posting
Open: Friday, November 24, 2023
Close: Monday, December 11, 2023
Position: Senior Support Coordinator
About The West End Seniors’ Network (WESN):
WESN is a registered not-for-profit organization with over 850 members, an annual revenue budget of $1m and 15 full / part time staff. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life of older adults in Vancouver’s West End by providing social, recreational, educational, and supportive programs and services that foster connection and inclusion in the broader community.
Job purpose:
The Senior Support Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the Social Prescribing program and Peer Support program. As part of the United Way Healthy Aging Programs, the Social Prescribing program aims to provide personalized support to older adults, fostering their active engagement within their local communities. By addressing various social determinants of health, such as financial challenges, inadequate housing, and lack of physical activity, the program seeks to promote community resilience, personal well-being, and reduce health disparities. The Peer Support program matches volunteers with seniors who are having difficulty coping with life stressors. The successful candidate will bring strong skills in program management, development, and evaluation. They will have a strong understanding of community development practices, and a solid understanding of the complexities seniors face. This individual is a creative thinker who will work collaboratively as a member of the Community Services team to implement, track, evaluate, and pivot services that support seniors’ social connection and well-being.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Program Management and Coordination
● Oversight of two key programs at WESN including outreach, client intake, clear documentation and tracking of program statistics, reporting, and evaluation
● Recruit, train, evaluate, and support volunteers; ensure that they are well supervised, supported, and implement appropriate risk management guidelines
● Help to ensure that programs are accessible to seniors from diverse backgrounds
● Coordination of the following programs:
Social Prescribing program
● Oversee and coordinate the Social Prescribing Program in collaboration with the United Way of British Columbia and other Social Prescribing sites locally and nationally
● Actively promote program to healthcare professionals and foster partnerships to strengthen referral process
● Accept and process referrals, screen clients, conduct intake appointments
● Conduct one-on-one meetings to vulnerable and/or socially isolated older adults, including in-home visits when appropriate in compliance with organizational policies and procedures
● Build relationships with clients and co-create personalized wellness plans, make appropriate referrals to needed appropriate services, and maintain regular contact with clients
● Provide guidance and support to clients in implementing their wellness plans, ensuring access and accompaniments to suitable local supports, including doctor visits, social activities, physical activities, and more
● Facilitate the effective bridging of health and social services by connecting older adults to local, non-clinical resources that address holistic needs
● Track service, client and volunteer information and statistics, and maintain appropriate records for funders and WESN
● Collaborate with community partners, local organizations, and service providers to expand the network of available resources
● Stay informed about emerging trends and best practices in social prescribing and community health initiatives.
Senior Peer Support program
● Receive referrals, screen clients for eligibility, and conduct intake appointments ● Match individuals with Peer Support volunteers and monitor ongoing volunteer/client matches. Provide ongoing support and problem-solving assistance
● Establish and cultivate a skilled team of volunteers, and provide mentorship and training ● Initiate new peer support groups and manage the current weekly group for LGBTQ+ senior men
● Monitor and evaluate the progress of clients throughout their engagement with the program, adjusting plans as necessary
● Maintain accurate records and documentation related to client interactions and program outcomes
● Arrange and lead Peer Support Volunteer meetings, conduct regular check-ins and debrief sessions after appointments.
● Track service, client, and volunteer information and statistics, and maintain appropriate records for funders and WESN
● Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills relevant to the role
Leadership and Community Development
● Implement outreach strategies to identify isolated seniors and those who may not know about WESN
● Manage outreach initiatives to ensure the inclusion of seniors of all ages and diverse backgrounds ● Be aware of community needs, gaps, trends and share this with the team working to find comprehensive solutions
● Attend staff meetings and participate in activities and special events as required
Skills and Qualifications:
● Post-secondary education in the area of Gerontology, social work, or other related field
● Minimum of 4 years experience working with older adults with a range of physical and cognitive abilities, demonstrating an understanding of their unique needs and challenges
● Familiarity with local community resources and services available to support older adults, specifically in Vancouver’s West End
● Proficiency in accurate case management and meticulous documentation practices
● Excellent interpersonal, organizational, leadership, communication, and community development skills
● Demonstrated understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusion and how to implement this in daily practice
● Good time management and organizational skills, ability to work independently ● Strong computer skills including MS Office and other databases
● Self-motivated individual with exceptional problem-solving skills and proactive approach ● Ability to identify opportunities to improve operational performance
● Ability to define tasks and milestones to achieve objectives, while ensuring the optimal use of resources to meet those objectives
● Demonstrated ability to complete program funding and statistical reports
● Work independently and collaboratively with other WESN staff, programs and services, and other organizations
● Second language an asset (Farsi, Spanish preferred)
● Experience in the community-based not-for-profit sector is an asset
● Class 5 drivers license and FOODSAFE Level 1 certification are assets
Reports To: Manager of Community Services
Starting Salary: Start – $25 / hour + 4% vacation pay
Hours: Part-time 28 hours per week with some flexibility Location: This is an on-location job, working out of our offices located in the Barclay Manor Heritage House in Vancouver’s West End and Kay’s
Place in the Denman Mall
Other: Preferred start date: December 18, 2023 (can be flexible) Satisfactory completion of a Criminal Record Check
WESN is committed to our staff team reflecting the diversity of our community. As such, we encourage applications from older adults, persons with disabilities, BIPOC, persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and all who may contribute to the diversity of our staff team.
WESN is building a collaborative team of highly motivated individuals who are passionate about WESN’s mandate of having a positive impact on the lives of seniors in Vancouver’s West End.
Please apply in writing with your cover letter and resume to – Meeka Marsolais Manager of Community Services at [email protected].