Connecting Older Adults with Community-based Resources and Options The Area Agency on Aging of Suburban Cook County, since 1974

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"Like my parents, the older generation came to suburban Cook County in the ’40s and created strong communities. Now this same area is experiencing unprecedented changes in demographics and numbers. It is to all of these populations that AgeOptions dedicates our work. We are truly honored to be entrusted with this responsibility."

– Jonathan Lavin
President and CEO
AgeOptions
 

Employment


AgeOptions is committed to improving the quality of life and maintaining the dignity of older persons and those who care about them. We are nationally recognized for our innovative programming and leadership in the field of aging. Our dedicated employees are the key to our success.

AgeOptions offices are conveniently located in downtown Oak Park, Illinois, near the Lake Street El and Northwestern trains. We offer a casual work environment with competitive salaries and benefit packages and opportunities for professional development.

The position below is open:

JOB TITLE:  VISTA ECONOMIC SECURITY INITIATIVE

BASIC FUNCTION

Under the leadership of the Outreach Specialist, the VISTA will assist with two projects: 1) the Economic Security Initiative (ESI), a program designed to assist adults age 55-75, who are under 250% of the federal poverty level, improve their feelings of economic security and 2) the Enhanced Services Program (ESP) database, a web-based resource management tool.  The VISTA will assist stakeholders and advisory council members in the development of an assessment tool for the evaluation of the success of the ESI.  They VISTA will also recruit, hire, train and monitor the progress of nine professional older adult volunteers to assist with the ESI.  The VISTA will update the ESP data base and identify gaps in services as they relate to the Economic Security Initiative.  This is a highly cooperative position that will be working closely with the stakeholder and leadership committees, volunteers and AgeOptions staff.  The position is considered a full-time position working Monday through Friday 35 hours per week.  This position will be located in Oak Park.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Economic Security Initiative (ESI):

  • Work with the Stakeholders and Advisory Council to develop an assessment tool to evaluate the ESI.
  • Evaluate individual client movement toward economic security utilizing ESI database in comparison to national indexes. 
  • Help recruit, hire and train volunteers for ESI
  • Develop a monitoring tool for assessment of ESI volunteer performance
  • Monitor ESI volunteer performance and progress

Enhanced Service Program (ESP):

  • Update all services records for ESP database
  • Research resources for ESP database
  • Bi-weekly status reports on update progress
  • Identify gaps in services as they relate to ESI

CONNECTIONS


Works with the following external partners:

  • Older adult volunteers
  • ESI stakeholders
  • ESI Advisory Council

Works with the following Area Agency staff on collaborative issues:

  • Outreach Specialist
  • Manager of Benefits, Information and Education
  • Healthcare Consumer Protection Coordinator
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree and experience in volunteer coordination, communications, social services, or related area.  Experience working with low-income, minority individuals highly preferred.

Knowledge and Ability

  • Experience working directly with older adult volunteers
  • Ability to work autonomously and with others
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Publisher, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) 
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent presentation skills
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Strong organizational skills

Before applying for this Americorps VISTA position, please visit www.americorps.gov to understand the requirements/criteria of the VISTA program. To apply:  search the state of IL and click on the Economic Security Initiative position. Interested persons must apply online before 9/10/10. To find out more about AgeOptions, please visit our website at www.ageoptions.org.  AgeOptions is an Equal Opportunity Employer, MFDV.