Aging Services Case Manager (LSNC West 65 Older Adult Center)

Organization Overview: The Goddard Riverside Community Center (Goddard Riverside) and the Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center (Isaacs Center) are well-established Manhattan community-based agencies that support services to approximately 30,000 New Yorkers. We are two of New York City’s leading human services organizations meeting the needs of children, youth and families, homeless individuals, and older adults through-out Manhattan and New York City. We work every day for a fair and just society where all people have the opportunity to make choices that lead to better lives for themselves and their families. The Isaacs Center focuses primarily on the needs of children and low-income families, out-of-school and out-of-work youth, and aging New Yorkers. We operate at community centers located in the neighborhoods of East Harlem and Yorkville, and seek to deliver programs that are impactful, innovative, and intergenerational.

Program Description: Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center (LSNC) is a multigenerational program of Goddard Riverside, dedicated to meeting the educational, recreational, and cultural aspirations of the Lincoln Square community, with a primary focus on residents of Amsterdam Houses and Amsterdam Addition. Founded by the New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA) and the New York State Office for the Aging (SOFA), LSNC Aging Services provide comprehensive support to over 800 active members, fostering health, engagement, and social connection. Older adults (ages 60+) benefit from daily nutritious hot lunches, wellness programs promoting physical and mental health, educational and arts programming to encourage lifelong learning and social services. Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) or LSNC NORC specifically serves residents aged 60+ living in the Amsterdam Houses and Amsterdam Addition—a NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA) development. NORC enhances aging in place by offering social services (case management, benefits assistance, and advocacy), health promotion (collaboration with onsite nurses, wellness screenings, and health education), recreational, cultural, and social opportunities to foster community engagement and reduce isolation.

Position Summary: The Senior Center Case Manager plays a vital role in supporting older adults, helping them maintain independence and dignity while aging in place. This position provides individualized case assistance and comprehensive support, ensuring that seniors have access to the resources, services, and advocacy they need to thrive safely and comfortably in their own homes.

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 35 hours per week (8 am- 4 pm), Late hours (4-6) /once a month Weekends: Cooling Center Administration if required (occasionally, summer only, rotation schedule)

Salary Range: $48,000 - $52,000

Candidates must have the required qualifications to be considered for the position. The salary offer will be based on the candidate’s number of years experience in the exact or comparable position and additional preferred qualifications will be taken into account.

Roles, Responsibilities, and Essential Duties

1. Client Services (NYC, No Catchment Area)

• Provide comprehensive support and advocacy for older adults on a wide range of issues, including entitlements, healthcare, mental health, food assistance, housing, financial security, and social services.
• Conduct annual assessments and reassessments, as well as home visits for homebound seniors, to evaluate their needs, connect them with essential services, and ensure their overall well-being.
• Assess clients for cognitive changes and implement appropriate interventions, referrals, and support to ensure their safety and quality of life.
• Identify and respond to potential elder abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, collaborating with Adult Protective Services (APS), law enforcement, and legal services when necessary.
• Provide advocacy and support by occasionally accompanying seniors to medical, social service, or legal appointments, including hospital visits when admitted.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of all services provided and client interactions in NYC Aging online database, ensuring compliance with program, agency, and funder guidelines.
• Plan and facilitate support groups, educational workshops, and wellness sessions.
• Connect caregivers to support services, including individual consultations, counseling, and referrals to caregiver assistance programs.
• Educate family members on aging-related challenges and available community resources to strengthen their ability to provide support.
• Assist families in navigating long-term care planning, Medicaid applications, and elder care options, ensuring they have access to the necessary services.
• Assist seniors in scheduling and coordinating medical appointments, ensuring they have transportation and follow-up reminders for continued care.
• Monitor seniors' health and well-being, responding promptly to crisis situations and coordinating emergency services or hospital care when needed.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers and community resources to ensure seniors receive comprehensive and continuous care.
• Oversee and coordinate friendly visiting and telephone reassurance services provided by program staff, ensuring regular social contact for isolated seniors.
• Foster a supportive and engaging environment for seniors by encouraging participation in center activities, social programs, and community initiatives.

2. Team Collaboration & Program Support

• Actively participate in staff meetings, case conferences, and professional development training.
• Engage in program evaluation and contribute to service improvement initiatives.
• Assist in the daily operations of LSNC Aging Services, responding to client needs and crisis situations as they arise.
• Collaborate with the Program Team to organize and support client engagement programs.
• Conduct outreach efforts to expand program participation, including registration/re-registration, telephone reassurance, and friendly visiting for isolated seniors.

3. Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor in alignment with the primary responsibilities.

Qualifications & Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (BA, BS, or BSW) in social work, psychology, gerontology, or a related field. MSW is preferred.
• Minimum of two years of professional experience working with older adults in case management, social services, or healthcare settings.
• Fluency in a second language (Spanish, Cantonese/Mandarin, or Russian) is preferred.
• Deep sensitivity to the needs, strengths, and challenges of the older adult population.
• Strong work ethics and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write clear and concise case notes.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to assess situations and respond effectively.
• Proficiency in engaging with older adults who may have disabilities (physical, hearing, visual) and/or mental health conditions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to quickly learn and navigate electronic databases for case management documentation.
• Prior experience with DFTA Peer Place (STARS) database is preferred.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to circulate within the senior center, engage with clients in common areas, and escort individuals to appointments as needed.
• Ability to stand and walk frequently during programming activities.
• Ability to travel locally for home visits, hospital visits, and fieldwork.
• Work environment includes a senior center located in a NYCHA facility, with shared office space on the second floor (accessible by elevator).

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace community grounded in respect for differences. We support hiring a broadly diverse team of qualified individuals who will contribute to our organizations.

Goddard Riverside and Isaacs Center provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of duties and responsibilities that will be required of this position and title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be requested to perform job related task other than those specifically presented in this description. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.