Community Impact Specialist: Older Adult Serv

JOB TITLE:  Community Impact Specialist: Older Adult Services
STATUS: Full Time (on site)
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
CUSTOMARY HOURS: M-F, 8 hours/day
LOCATION: East Garfield Park and Lincoln Park
HOURS/WEEK:  40 hours
DEPARTMENT:   Community Connections Connections
DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Sr. Director of Community Engagement and Education Manager of Community Impact Services or Programs
DIRECTLY SUPERVISES: None

Vision

To disrupt the generational cycle of poverty for the families we serve.

Mission

Marillac St. Vincent strengthens and amplifies the voices of marginalized communities – in the Vincentian spirit of service – through education and programs tailored to foster thriving families and sustainable communities in Chicago.

Core Values

Our employees commit themselves as individuals to live out the core values of integrity, excellence, creativity, advocacy, respect and empowerment in our daily work, as we serve the needs of others.

Integrity - Acting with transparency, humility and honesty

Excellence - Providing quality care with compassion

Creativity - Being continuously resourceful and inventive

Advocacy - Supporting the cause of those who lack resources for a reasonable quality of life

Respect - Recognizing our own value and upholding the dignity and value of all people

Empowerment - Providing skills and resources to achieve full human development

Team Behaviors

1. Versatility – Understanding and appreciating different and opposing perspectives on an issue; adapting one's approach as the requirements of the situation change; an eagerness for positive action; self-control; active listening.
2. A collaborative work model – Cooperatively working and sharing responsibility; contributing to the group effort; realizing a sense of commitment and ownership in the success of the organization's goals. 
3. Mutual accountability – Holds others accountable with their roles; provides and receives feedback and takes constructive action.
4. Client/customer advocate – Identifies opportunities to improve quality of services; presents one's self professionally.
5. Protects confidentiality & privacy – Respects and protects information about all staff and clients.

General Summary

The Community Impact Specialist – Older Adults and Senior Services plays a key role in enhancing the quality of life for older adults across the East Garfield Park and Lincoln Park communities. Reporting to the Manager of Community Impact Programs, this position focuses on delivering compassionate, person-centered support through resource navigation, social engagement opportunities, and coordinated intake services tailored to the unique needs of older adults.

This specialist will lead and support programs that promote socialization, reduce isolation, and strengthen community connections among seniors. Responsibilities include organizing and facilitating events, workshops, and ongoing group activities; connecting older adults to vital community resources; and collaborating with internal teams and external partners to ensure wrap-around support is accessible and responsive.

Working across both program sites, the Community Impact Specialist will serve as a welcoming and consistent presence for senior participants—building trust, assessing needs, and developing supportive service plans to promote independence, dignity, and well-being. The ideal candidate is community-driven, empathetic, and committed to advancing equity for older populations through thoughtful engagement and service delivery.

Duties & Responsibilities

Impacting a poverty mindset through holistic personal, professional and career development awareness raising, resource provision and support across generations.

Participant-Centered Older Adult Support

• Build trusting relationships with older adult participants through trauma-informed, person-centered engagement that promotes independence, dignity, and connection.
• Conduct coordinated intakes and needs assessments to identify strengths, challenges, and service needs of each participant.
• Assist older adults in accessing appropriate community resources, benefits, and services (e.g., transportation, housing support, healthcare navigation, wellness programs).
• Design and facilitate meaningful opportunities for social interaction, enrichment, and community building to reduce isolation and enhance emotional well-being.
• Provide follow-up and ongoing case coordination to ensure continued support and progress toward identified goals.

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date participant records in accordance with organizational standards, including intake forms, service plans, case notes, attendance records, and follow-up documentation.
• Track all direct and indirect services provided to support reporting, evaluation, and compliance with program guidelines and funder requirements.
• Ensure participant data is securely stored and managed in alignment with confidentiality and data protection policies.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

• Represent the Older Adults Program at community events, resource fairs, and neighborhood meetings to raise awareness and increase program reach.
• Build and maintain relationships with local senior centers, healthcare providers, aging networks, and advocacy organizations to expand resource access and service coordination.
• Refer participants to relevant external services and support systems and ensure warm handoffs whenever possible.
• Coordinate with MSV departments to ensure wrap-around services are available and accessible to older adult participants.
• Connect with Harvest Hub Food Pantry shoppers consistently during distribution once a week.

Program Development and Evaluation

• Assist in the planning and execution of events, workshops, and seasonal celebrations tailored to older adult interests and needs, including wellness, technology, arts, and civic engagement.
• Contribute to the evaluation of program outcomes by collecting participant feedback, tracking participation, and supporting analysis of impact metrics.
• Identify trends, service gaps, and opportunities for new or enhanced offerings that reflect the evolving needs of the older adult population.

Professional Development and Administrative Support

• Participate in ongoing training, workshops, and learning opportunities to stay informed about aging services, trauma-informed care, and community resource trends.
• Collaborate with the Manager of Community Impact and other staff to support department-wide initiatives and integrated service strategies.
• Support data entry, scheduling, supply inventory, and other administrative tasks as needed to maintain smooth program operations.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative team environment that prioritizes respect, inclusion, and shared purpose.

Position may require flexible work hours that may include occasional evenings and Saturdays.

Job Requirements

Experience/Education

Minimum bachelor's degree with focus in human/social services, preferred.  Minimum of 2 years related older adults work experience.

Qualifications

Effective and Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to relate to a diverse population

Strong organizational and time management skills

Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team

Excellent communication and computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and data systems

Knowledgeable in navigating Benefits Application, Job Opportunities and Housing Resources [KB1] 

Language

Ability to read and speak English proficiently. 

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. 
2. Ability to stand for 3–4-hour periods at a time. 
3. Possess the ability to fulfill and any all-office activities normally expected in an office setting, to include, but not limited to remaining seated for periods of time to perform computer entry, participating in filing activity, lifting, and carrying office supplies (paper reams, mail, etc.)
4. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

1. Internal office space.  
2. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

 Here is an opportunity to describe the specific knowledge of specialization we are looking for. I kind of like leaving the job description vague and broad in this way. We can also identify specific knowledge as being desirable or explore more when screening or interviewing.