Position Summary The Greater Ishpeming Commission on Aging (GICOA) is seeking two compassionate, organized, and resourceful Senior Services Case Workers to help older adults remain independent, connected, and safely in their homes and communities. The Senior Services Case Worker provides assessment, service coordination, advocacy, information and assistance, and direct support to adults age 60 and older throughout the GICOA service area. The Case Worker works with individuals to identify their needs, develop appropriate service plans, connect them with community resources, and monitor services to ensure that identified needs are being addressed. This is a relationship-centered position that combines work at the senior center with regular in-home assessments and reassessments and community outreach at township meal sites and other designated locations. Each Case Worker maintains an individual caseload, generally consisting of approximately 40-60 clients. Many clients require infrequent contact, while others may need more active coordination and support. The two Case Workers will maintain their own caseloads while working collaboratively and sharing knowledge, resources, and office space. The GICOA service area includes Ishpeming City and shpeming Township, Ely Township, Tilden Township, Michigamme Township, Republic Township, Humboldt Township, and Champion Township. Key Responsibilities Case Management & Service Coordination Assess and reassess the needs of older adults and develop, implement, and monitor appropriate service plans. Coordinate services and support based on individual client needs and preferences. Assist clients in identifying and accessing appropriate public, private, and community resources. Make referrals and follow up with clients and service providers to ensure services are received, and needs are addressed. Advocate on behalf of clients when appropriate and assist individuals in navigating complex systems. Evaluate the effectiveness and benefit of services provided and make adjustments as needed. Coordinate Homemaking, Respite Care, Chore, Meals on Wheels, and other supportive services through initial and recurring assessments and internal systems. Respond appropriately to concerns involving potential abuse, neglect, or exploitation of older adults, including fulfilling mandated reporting responsibilities. Information, Assistance & Advocacy Provide individuals and families with information regarding available programs, services, and community resources. Assist clients with paperwork and applications related to state and federal taxes, tax credits, insurance reimbursement, medical and prescription plans, food assistance programs, household management, and other financial concerns. Help clients understand and navigate Medicare, Medicaid, and other public assistance programs. Provide State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counseling after completing required training. Provide advocacy, intervention, problem-solving, and follow-up based on individual client needs. Participate in outreach activities and provide information at township meal sites, community locations, and other designated locations. Documentation & Grant Compliance Maintain accurate, timely, secure, and confidential client case notes documenting client contacts and services provided. Complete required assessments, reassessments, referrals, and service documentation using GICOA's internal systems. Maintain accurate records of client contacts, referrals, mileage, and time worked for grant reporting and administrative purposes. Complete documentation in accordance with GICOA policies and applicable Office of Services to the Aging standards and grant requirements. Protect client confidentiality and maintain appropriate professional boundaries. Collaboration & Professional Development Collaborate with the other Case Worker and GICOA staff to coordinate client services and share community resource information. Review cases with the Senior Services Coordinator and participate in team and collaborative meetings. Develop and maintain current knowledge of local, state, and federal programs and resources available to older adults. Attend training, community meetings, and collaborative meetings to maintain and enhance knowledge of available resources and services. Support senior center activities and programs when needed. Perform other related duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in social work, a health-related field, human services, or another related field or an equivalent combination of education and substantial relevant experience. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with individuals who may have difficulty expressing their needs. Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and maintain an organized caseload. Strong coordination, problem-solving, and follow-through skills. Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients, families, coworkers, and community partners. Ability to exercise sound judgment, compromise, negotiate, and work collaboratively with others. Basic computer proficiency and ability to learn and use electronic documentation and internal case-management systems. Valid driver's license and valid automobile insurance. Reliable access to a personal vehicle for required work-related travel. Mileage is reimbursed according to GICOA policy. Preferred Qualifications Prior case management or care coordination experience. Experience working with older adults. Knowledge of local community resources and service providers. Familiarity with Medicare, Medicaid, and other public assistance programs. Experience working with individuals or families who have complex social, financial, health, or community-support needs. Experience with advocacy, benefits navigation, social services, or community-based programs. Training GICOA provides and coordinates the required training for employees to become State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselors. Work Environment & Schedule This position is primarily based at the senior center and includes regular travel throughout the GICOA service area for in-home assessments and reassessments, community outreach, and other client-related activities. The regular work schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., 24 hours per week, with no evening or weekend hours.

The two available schedules are:

Monday-Wednesday Wednesday-Friday The Case Workers will share office space and maintain individual caseloads while collaborating closely on client needs, resources, and service coordination. Employment Requirements All GICOA employees are required to successfully complete applicable background and registry checks, including: ICHAT/Michigan criminal history background check Sex Offender Registry check Physical Requirements Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods while performing office and computer-based work. Ability to travel throughout the GICOA service area and conduct in-home and community-based visits. Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Pay:

From $19.00 per hour Expected hours: 24.0 per week

Benefits:

Mileage reimbursement

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Ishpeming, MI 49849