jobs

posted: 03/31/2026

Categories: Customer Service, Other

Senior Programs Specialist

Title: Senior Services Specialist

Classification: Non-Exempt

Reports to: MOW Manager and Senior Services Program Manager

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Senior Programs Specialist will be responsible for the following:

• Coordinating nutrition site activities within the guidelines set forth by the Meals on Wheels (MOW) Program.
• Coordinating the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in the assigned county/counties.
• Providing direct client support as needed to meet the goals of the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP/SHAP/MIPPA/BAA).
• Coordinating the Friendly Visiting Program.
• Overseeing the day-to-day operation of these senior programs with primary focus on personal contact with the participants and volunteers.
• Maintaining and submitting accurate records and required paperwork of these senior programs.

DUTIES:

Meals on Wheels (MOW)

1. Check quality, quantity, and temperature of food when it is delivered and record information on the weekly temperature charts.  Call the central office if any discrepancies are found and then make necessary arrangements to correct these.  Keep food at Food Code mandated hot and cold temperatures.
2. Pack home-delivered meals in appropriate containers while ensuring correct sanitation procedures are followed.
3. Complete weekly center report and deposit money daily for the nutrition site in the MOW account at the local bank.
4. Train volunteers in all aspects of MOW site and sanitation procedures.  Encourage volunteerism and check volunteer sign-up sheets for accuracy.
5. Recruit volunteers for home-delivered routes and packing of home-delivered meals.
6. Conserve MOW resources by using supplies carefully and following meal reservation policy.
7. Share nutrition education information sent by the Meals on Wheels Manager with congregate and home-delivered participants.
8. Submit reports to the Meals on Wheels Manager in the timeframe required.
9. Make referrals to any other agencies that may benefit the participant.
10. Provide at least one hour of active outreach a month with documentation on specified form.
11. Work with the Site Council and Project Council members on matters which deal with the meal site.
12. Work with the community in sponsoring a yearly fund raiser.
13. Keep current listing on all home-delivered clients.
14. Maintain site procedures manual as directed.

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

1. Recruit volunteers and volunteer workstations.
2. Provide orientation of volunteers and volunteer workstations.
3. Contact volunteers and workstation supervisors regularly for the purpose of assessing the effectiveness of the volunteer and the workstation.
4. Periodically visit workstations to complete the annual Safety and Accessibility survey and to ensure prohibited activities are not taking place.
5. Conduct annual surveys of volunteers, workstations and advisory council served by RSVP.
6. Keep accurate volunteer files, workstation files, and electronic records according to AmeriCorps Seniors Rules and Regulations and those required by the RSVP Program Manager and Director.
7. Collect time sheets and input data on volunteer reporter database.
8. Development of new volunteer assignments.
9. Submit all volunteer information and documentation to the RSVP Manager by the 10^th of the following month.
10. Assist in the preparation of RSVP volunteer training, Advisory Council meetings, volunteer recognition, and other RSVP events.
11. Attend quarterly staff meetings.
12. Maintain site procedures manual as directed.

Other Senior Service Programs (SHIP/SHAP/MIPPA/BAA and Friendly Visiting)

1. Complete training and certification needed for SHIP and participate in continuing education as required.
2. Schedule appointments, provide counseling on Medicare, assist with the evaluation of Medicare Part D plans, assist older adults and the disabled with filling out and submitting applications for financial assistance, and reporting activities.
3. Complete training for the Benefits Access Application program, assist older adults and the disabled with applying for the Illinois License Plate discount, monitor application, and upload documentation as requested by the Illinois Department on Aging.
4. Report all SHIP/SHAP/MIPPA/BAA activities to the Senior Services Director by the 5^th of each month.
5. Monitor the activities of the Friendly Visiting Program, screen MOW participants for the Friendly Visiting service, place participants with visiting volunteers and report Friendly Visiting activities to the Senior Services Director each month.
6. Attend various community functions to inform the public of the MOW, RSVP, SHIP, and Friendly Visiting programs that are available to the community.
7. Ensure all duties stated above will coincide with duties in other counties to ensure across the board program stability, flexibility and compliance with the Rules and Regulations of the MOW, RSVP, SHIP/SHAP/BAA program, and Friendly Visiting programs.
8. Attend staff meetings and training sessions as assigned.
9. Provide reports as requested.
10. Other tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must meet the agency and AmeriCorps Seniors applicable requirements for position including submitting to fingerprinting and complying to and passing a background check before initial hire.
• Must have the ability to relate to the needs of the elderly.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be computer literate.
• Must have good communication skills and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Must have strong organizational skills.
• Must be able to recruit and supervise volunteers, give and receive clear instructions.
• Must have a current valid driver’s license and the use of a private automobile with state required minimum insurance.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Writing, speaking, motivational and resource management skills preferred.
• Must project a professional image and attitude.
• Must support the goals, objectives, and policies of C.E.F.S. and those of the senior programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Object Manipulation

Using writing tools and kitchen utensils, opening latches, working with computer and/or office machines, locking/unlocking doors, carrying, lifting, and reaching for items

Sensory and Cognitive Abilities

Reading, analyzing and interpreting data, mathematical skills, giving presentations, computation in determining eligibility and compliance of clients, tasting and smelling of food, listening, communicating with clients and community partners

Physical Demands

Sitting, standing, forward reaching and/or bending and twisting, kneeling, crouching/stooping, squatting, walking up and down stairs (4 steps), lifting 30 lbs. floor to waist, lifting 30 lbs. waist to shoulder

Training and Certification

Illinois Food Service Sanitation Certificate

Environmental Demand:

Working indoors 80% of the time, work off-site 20% of the time for meetings, assessments, recruitment, etc.

Employment applications must be sent to:

C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation
P.O. Box 928, Effingham, IL 62401
Attention: Personnel Department

OR

Apply online via Indeed.

Applications are available via agency website at www.cefseoc.org

Equal Opportunity Employer