The Elder Program Assistant will help the Senior Center offer support and State/National program information to clients through one on one counseling and information sharing. The AmeriCorps member will support individuals making choices which affect their health, & financial well-being.
Service Activities
Become a State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) volunteer to assist clients with Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits;
gain knowledge of community elder resources and help connect clients with appropriate services; assist clients with benefits
counseling to insure they are getting all the services they need to maintain an independent lifestyle; make referrals to other agencies
and programs when appropriate; maintain and submit contact records; promote awareness of senior services offered and assist with
on-going volunteer recruitment for related grant programs; visit home-bound clients to enroll them in services and accompany them to
medical appointments; provide advocacy for clients at medical appointments; meet regularly with site supervisor.
5. Assist in creating an atmosphere that is harmonious and pleasant; interact with seniors during lunch, assist with fundraising
activities and other outreach efforts.
Community Need Addressed
Senior citizens need assistance with health care and other resources available to them in rural, northern Nevada. Many of these people
do not have access to the Internet and due to the rural nature of many communities in northern Nevada, Social Security and Medicaid
offices are hundreds of miles away. Specialists may come from Reno, Elko, or Carson City once a month, but they have not developed a
relationship with the clients needing resources and therefore many senior citizens do not trust them with personal information. An
AmeriCorps member serving at the senior center on a daily basis is important to insure that both a rapport is built with the seniors and
therefore seniors receive appropriate assistance, resources and referrals. It is expected that a larger number of seniors will receive
information on health insurance, access and benefits and seniors will report an increase in health care well being. All interactions
between the AmeriCorps member and seniors will be kept in a database and used for reporting.
Position Outcomes
Increase in the number of seniors and disadvantaged individuals receiving resources and referrals.Better health and longevity due to increased food and housing security and access to appropriate health care options.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Stipend, Training
Education Benefits
GED/High School Diploma
Skills you will gain
Will get training and knowledge on SHIP, Medicare, Medicaid and many other the assistant programs .
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem
Teamwork
Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented
Decisions
Accepts responsibility
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Drive decision making
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment