Senior Companion Program Manager - Center For Healthy Aging

Position Title: Senior Companion Program Manager

Department: Center for Healthy Aging

Reports To: Assistant Director for Volunteer Programs

Date Created: May 2024

Classification: Exempt; Full-Time

Salary: $58,000 - 62,000/Year

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Agency Mission

InterFaith Works affirms the dignity of each person and every faith tradition, builds racial and religious equity, and creates bridges of understanding among us.

Agency Vision Statement

InterFaith Works builds bridges of understanding to affirm the dignity of all people in Central New York. Working with the different faith communities and the diversity of the region's people, we address deeply embedded social divisions. Informed and influenced by the values and ethics of the faith traditions, we work with the community to find common ground on its issues. Using the tools of interfaith and cross-cultural dialogue, we create life-changing experiences that lead to actions for the creation of a more equitable and loving community.

Overview of the Program Area

InterFaith Works has a 38-year history of serving older adults by addressing issues of isolation and loneliness that people can experience as they age. The Center for Healthy Aging's programs and services promote activity, socialization and life-long learning, empowering older adults to age with dignity.

The Senior Companion Program provides low-income, active, and healthy older adults (called Senior Companions) with the opportunity to stay engaged in their community by providing supportive friendships to older people who want to continue to live in their homes in Onondaga, Madison, Oswego and Cayuga Counties. Companions receive a stipend for their service. The Senior Companion Program is funded by the AmeriCorps Seniors, a federal agency that creates service opportunities for volunteers to address critical needs in their communities.

Position Summary:

The Senior Companion Program Manager has full-time responsibility for the development and daily operation of the Senior Companion Program in Onondaga, Cayuga, Madison and Oswego Counties. This includes volunteer recruitment; developing volunteer training, assignments, and support activities; supervising staff; cultivating relationships with community partners to ensure the success of the program; ensuring compliance with program regulations; ensuring the program meets funded targets; and tracking and reporting on program activities. The Project Manager participates in activities to coordinate program resources with those of related local agencies, boards, or organizations.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and at least three years of relevant experience required. Experience working with those over 55 years of age and volunteers is essential. Flexibility, management and supervision skills, computer literacy, and personal transportation are requirements. Experience managing federal grants is preferred. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills necessary for preparing written reports and giving oral presentations and trainings. Ability to attend after-hours and weekend meetings/events is required. Local and regional travel is a requirement of this position. Must demonstrate a commitment to equity and inclusion, and an awareness of and interest in aging Central New York.

Responsibilities:

Under direction of the Assistant Director, the Program Manager's duties include, but are not limited to:

Volunteer Development

• Recruit and select a diverse corps of volunteers over the age of 55

• Provide volunteer orientation, in conjunction with volunteer stations and staff

• Supervise placement and service provided by Senior Companions

• Provide ongoing support to volunteers

• Arrange for formal and regular recognition of volunteers

• Appraise volunteer performance

• Supervise preparation of monthly payroll for Senior Companion benefits

Program Development, Evaluation and Reporting

• Plan and develop all phases of SCP operations, in accordance with AmeriCorps Seniors regulations and guidance

• Ensure National Service Criminal History Check are completed for all covered staff and volunteers in accordance with AmeriCorps Seniors requirements and agency policy

• Implement agreed upon performance measures and other SCP grant requirements

• Develop and maintain appropriate fiscal, personnel, program and volunteer records and reports

• Maintain program policies and procedures and ensure program is operating according to AmeriCorps Seniors regulations and guidelines

• Ensure SCP program activities meet funded targets

Partnership and Collaboration Development

• In collaboration with the Assistant Director, develop and maintain a Senior Companion Advisory Council; keep members informed and solicit their participation and advice on matters affecting program operations

• Maintain close coordination and relationships with volunteer stations, including development of volunteer assignment plans

• Develop and manage a network of volunteer stations; assess appropriateness and performance of volunteer stations

Community and Public Relations

• Plan, develop, and implement ongoing public relations opportunities, including social media

• Conduct in-person volunteer recruitment, including presentations, tablings, and vendor fairs

• Enhance the total efforts of SCP through active involvement with community organizations and other national service programs

• Attend regional and national meetings, conferences and trainings conducted or authorized by AmeriCorps Seniors

Fiscal and Fund Development

• Work in cooperation with InterFaith Works staff, Advisory Council members, and volunteer station staff to obtain in-kind resources to benefit Senior Companions

Management, Supervision and Administration

• Must be team oriented, with a dedication to building and nurturing a team environment

• Train, supervise and assist with hiring adequate program staff, interns and volunteers

• Develop work plans to ensure that staff are aligned and working effectively to meet all program targets

• Conduct annual evaluations of project staff

• Adhere to and administer IFW personnel policies and procedures for staff

Other duties as assigned

Level of Decision Making Responsibility: High

Working conditions and physical demands required:

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job:

• Must have valid driver's license and personal vehicle for regular travel through the four-county service area (Onondaga, Cayuga, Madison and Oswego counties); must be able to travel through the service area at least 50% of the time using reliable transportation, traversing streets, ascending/descending stairs, and exposed to outside weather conditions

• Occasional nights and weekends required

• Remain in a stationary position at a workstation and use a computer approximately 50% of the time

• Ability to frequently sit for long periods attending meetings/trainings

To apply: Please send cover letter and resume to Melissa Morral at mmorral@ifwcny.org.