FriendshipWorks’ mission is to reduce social isolation, enhance quality of life and preserve the dignity of elders in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Somerville and Newton. We accomplish this mission by recruiting and training volunteers of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds who provide friendship, advocacy, education, assistance, and emotional support to isolated older adults. FriendshipWorks operates programs throughout Greater Boston. One of the cornerstones of our work is our Friendly Visiting program that connects elders one-on- one in their homes with volunteers who provide company, friendship, and support. Friendly visiting matching is provided in all of Boston’s neighborhoods, Brookline, Newton, Cambridge, and Somerville. Other core programs include Medical Escort and Friendly Helping. We also operate two programs that foster connection in congregate settings – PetPals and MusicWorks. We have staff who speak both English and Spanish.
DESCRIPTION
Position Summary: The Friendly Visiting Coordinator is a full-time position. The position is responsible for all aspects of the Friendly Visiting program in assigned neighborhoods. Primary responsibilities include outreach, volunteer recruitment and screening, matching, home visits, and reporting. Additionally, the Coordinator is responsible for regular community engagement and leadership of local neighborhood initiatives that serve the FriendshipWorks mission. The position requires the ability to work independently, as well as in coordination with other Friendly Visitor Coordinators and Friendly Visiting Manager. This position spends approximately: 2 days downtown, 2 days working in assigned neighborhoods and remaining time working remotely. While travel can occur on public transportation, access to a car can be helpful but not required. (Very) occasional evenings may be required.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Overall: ● Commitment to FriendshipWorks’ mission and volunteer-driven model
● Be a spokesperson for all FriendshipWorks programs in the assigned neighborhoods
● Supervise and train interns and volunteers as needed.
● Maintain strong communication with the main office.
● Work with the Friendly Visiting Manager and the Director of Programs and other program staff on defining and measuring impact goals; responsible for reporting on volunteers, elders, and matches.
● Help plan Team volunteer appreciation events.
● Participate in, and be community liaison for, FriendshipWorks events such as the Walk to End Elder Isolation.
● Bring funding opportunities, potential donors and board members to the attention of the Director of Programs and/or Executive Director.
● Other responsibilities as assigned.
Friendly Visiting: ● Conduct outreach for referral of appropriate elder recipients.
● Establish relationships with providers and organizations serving elders in assigned neighborhoods.
● Recruit, interview, screen and train Friendly Visitor volunteers within the designated neighborhoods.
● Conduct home visits to assess needs and appropriateness of elder referrals.
● Assign volunteers to be matched with elders according to their needs.
● Provide supervision and support to volunteers and recipients.
● Maintain program data base on volunteers, recipients and referral sources.
Community Engagement: ● Work with key partners in neighborhoods and develop new partnerships.
● Develop and maintain partnerships in assigned neighborhoods.
● Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS ● Experience and sensitivity in assessing the needs of older adults.
● Experience or comfort working directly with diverse communities, particularly of color.
● Excellent leadership and organizational skills.
● Ability to work independently, but also as part of a team.
● Excellent communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills.
● Comfort with setting healthy boundaries/delegating tasks as needed.
● Ability to foster volunteer commitment.
● Experience in and passion for community outreach and engagement.
● Knowledge of Boston strongly preferred.
● Strong computer skills; familiarity with Salesforce or other databases a plus.
● Fluency in a second language, especially Spanish, Haitian or Cape Verdean Creole, strongly preferred. Salary range: mid-high $40,000, with higher end of range requiring additional years of work experience and/or Master’s degree in a related field.
Please send a resume and cover letter to jobs@fw4elders.org. No phone calls please.
FriendshipWorks strives to create a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone feels welcome and supported. FriendshipWorks provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or creed, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status recognized by federal, state or local law with respect to employment opportunities.