Description

This position is responsible for developing and implementing vibrant social programs and activities with and for the older residents of H.O.M.E.’s three intergenerational affordable buildings. The ideal candidate is committed to serving seniors with understanding and respect for their cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. Due to the nature and requirements of the position, the hours are flexible, with some evenings and weekends as needed. This position is based at the Nathalie Salmon House, 7320 N. Sheridan Road.

H.O.M.E. Overview:

Housing Opportunities & Maintenance for the Elderly (H.O.M.E.) is a one-of-a-kind Chicago organization that seeks to foster joy, connection and independence for Chicago’s low-income seniors. H.O.M.E. is a bright spot for all who know it. Founded in 1982, H.O.M.E. has helped thousands of low-income seniors in Chicago maintain their independence by providing a home upkeep and repair service, shopping bus, moving program, policy advocacy, and three affordable apartment buildings where seniors can live comfortably in an intergenerational environment. H.O.M.E.’s 78 housing units include private apartments and, in our Good Life Senior Residences, family-style living with families and younger adults. H.O.M.E. was founded to provide a safe, warm and welcoming home environment for seniors and younger allies, as well as visiting guests, volunteers, and members of the community. An inviting and welcoming community rests on the right of all people to be treated with respect.

Responsibilities:

Resident Support 

1. Foster a welcoming, safe, antiracist, culturally competent environment for all residents.
2. Work closely with Housing Team to assess residents’ needs, interests, and desires to promote a well-rounded life.
3. Incorporate annual resident satisfaction survey input to continually improve H.O.M.E.’s responsiveness to residents’ needs.
4. Implement annual resident satisfaction survey process.
5. Support resident connections to appropriate external resources, activities, and opportunities that promote personal growth and community belonging.
6. Conduct periodic check-ins with residents to assess well-being and engagement.
7. Connect residents with social service providers as needed.

 Resident Engagement & Activities

1. Develop and implement an inclusive planning and delivery process for social programming for the residents of H.O.M.E.’s three intergenerational buildings.
2. Implement plans that reflect residents’ preferences for social integration and social interaction.
3. Plan, coordinate and facilitate activities including social, recreational, educational and wellness activities.
4. Ensure that H.O.M.E. organizes culturally relevant programs based on residents’ feedback.
5. Design and distribute monthly calendars and sign up for activities.
6. Provide on-site support for activities including evenings and weekends as needed
7. Coordinate logistics including supplies, space, and transportation.

 Volunteer Management

1. Recruit, schedule, and communicate with community volunteers who assist resident activities.
2. Maintain volunteer calendar and sign-up.

Administrative Support

1. Document resident engagement, participation and updates for required reports.
2. Collaborate with Resident Assistants for additional coverage of activities.
3. Develop and manage budget for resident engagement, including tracking expenses related to meals, celebrations, excursions, speakers and other expenses.
4. Reconcile expenditures as instructed by Housing Team Leader & Accounting.
5. Assist with various other duties as requested by the Housing Team.

Requirements

Requirements:

Skills

1.      Enthusiasm for working with older people in a compassionate, service-driven manner.

2.      Demonstrated ability to positively engage with older populations.

3.      Strong interpersonal skills with seniors with diverse backgrounds. Able to interact effectively with a broad range of people.

4.      Demonstrated ability to organize and manage small-midsize activities, including securing transportation and coordinating meals.

5.      Knowledge of community resources in Chicago for seniors.

6.      Excellent written and verbal skills.

7.      Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, with experience with expense tracking and service apps preferred.

8.      Valid driver’s license required.

9.      Lives out H.O.M.E.’s values, which includes a collaborative, teamwork approach.

10.  Passion for the mission and vision of H.O.M.E.

Experience/Education:

1.      Bachelor’s degree.

2.      At least three years’ demonstrable experience working with seniors (individuals age 62+).

3.      At least three years’ demonstrable experience in program development/management, including leading an activities-based program.

Work Environment:

• Workplace is a smoke- and drug-free environment.
• Intermittent travel to off-site locations may be required.
• Occasional night and weekend work may be asked of H.O.M.E. staff.
• H.O.M.E. is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at H.O.M.E. are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, ethnicity, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, citizenship status, military service, marital status, order of protection status, handicap, disability (including HIV/AIDS), or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.