PROGRAM ASSISTANT, OFFICE FOR THE AGING

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is a responsible position concerned with assisting in the development and day to day operation of the local Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and/or Senior Recreation Programs.  A person in this position is responsible for assisting in the coordination and development of volunteer placement sites based on Genesee County’s volunteer needs and/or assisting in the coordination and development of Senior Recreation Activities.   The duties are performed under the supervision of the Director, Office for the Aging or his/her designee.  Does related work, as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

When assigned to the Volunteer Program:

Assist RSVP Coordinator in the implementation and operation of
     specific volunteer assignments, based on community need, and
     performs a variety of tasks to support both older volunteers and
     stations in these assignments;
Recruits senior volunteers for specific new programs through public
     speaking to senior groups, personal contact, and use of local
     media;
Orients volunteers and stations to RSVP policies regarding time
     sheets, travel reimbursement, insurance, etc.;
Drafts/composes letters and flyers to volunteers, stations and local
    
agencies using RSVP computer system;
Maintains contact and works with various community agencies to
     promote volunteerism;
Assists RSVP Coordinator with volunteer recognition and special
     events requests for volunteers from agencies.

When assigned to the Recreation Program:
Assists in coordinating, promoting and implementing recreational,
     educational, and
wellness programs for Senior citizens;
May involve some weekend and evening work, on-site and off-site;
Greets program participants and assures that proper equipment
     needed or set-up
necessary has been completed for the group’s
     needs;
Schedules groups and activities for various rooms at the Senior
     Center;
Writes promotional information on planned programs to publicize in
     the aging
newsletter, penny savers, radio and newspaper;
Makes arrangements with bus company, restaurants, tour
     destinations, etc., for
planned trips and activities.  Prepares
     payment request for same;
Attends meetings and speaks to groups concerning recreation,
     wellness and
socialization opportunities available for senior
     citizens;
Collects program data and prepares reports.

 

The above examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Working knowledge of the characteristics, needs and interests of the aging; working knowledge of community agencies, facilities and services and programs which can be utilized to aid the elderly; working knowledge of public information and relations techniques; ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing; ability to organize.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is required to walk, talk and hear.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

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.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Department of Education, AND EITHER:

 

A.        One (1) year of full-time, paid experience in adult education,
           recreation,
community development, community health
           services, counseling social work, public administration, work
           placement or related fields;

OR:

B.        An equivalent combination of education and experience as
           defined
by the limits of (A) above.

 

NOTE: Part-time and/or volunteer experience may be credited on a pro-rated basis.

 

Competitive Class

Non-Competitive (PT)

Adopted 8/20/74   Revised 4/29/98, 10/17/00