OElder Pride Services Opal Engagement Specialist

This position will work collaboratively with other staff, volunteers, community partners, and funders, with the overarching goal of improving the lives of aging LGBTQ+ people. The Engagement Specialist for Elder Pride Services (EPS) at The Opal works both independently and collaboratively to enhance community engagement and enrichment for residents of The Opal through creative, engaging, and varied activities and programming.

The engagement services focus on helping residents stabilize their housing, improve their health, and reduce feelings of isolation through intentional community building.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, coordinate, and execute a vibrant calendar of culturally appropriate activities that support residents’ physical, emotional, social, and cognitive wellness. Accommodate the interests and needs of residents in planning activities. Communicate with residents regarding activities and events.
• Seek out opportunities and resources to elevate the program—volunteers, entertainers, community groups, and more.
• Successfully engage residents in building community at the Opal, and connecting with the broader Friendly House and LGBTQ+ older adult communities. Provide a resident-centered approach to activities and community‑building that promotes independence and autonomy.
• Assist with planning and hosting special events in partnership with EPS staff, property management, and community partners.
• Think outside the box, overcome obstacles, and inspire participation (even from those hesitant at first).
• Collaborate with Opal Resident Services Coordinator to ensure resident’s understanding of staff roles and responsibilities, and on activities of overlap, such as food pantry, resource events, etc.
• Responsible for monthly newsletter, in collaboration with EPS Engagement Coordinator

• Track and report on attendance and other metrics.
• Ensure common areas are clean and orderly upon completing activities, programs and resident events. Demonstrate responsibility for the safety of residents and property.
• Develop positive relationships and work collaboratively with Elder Pride Services team members, Friendly House staff, Property Management, and community partners to enrich and support residents.
• Actively participate in Friendly House All Staff, EPS Team meetings, and at least one FH staff committee.
• Positively promote and encourage a supportive culture reflective of Friendly House’s values, mission, and history.
• Demonstrate responsibility for the safety of residents and property
• Report any alleged or perceived abuse or neglect of an older adult to Adult Protective Services (APS).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Associate’s degree in social services, gerontology, recreation or related field OR two years of experience in activities planning and coordination, preferably working with older adults or LGBTQ+ people, OR a combination of education and experience.
• Ability to approach different people and situations culturally appropriately, including effective communication with people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Knowledge of best practices and/or lived experience in the LGBTQ+ and/or aging community.
• Excellent communication skills including active listening, verbal and written communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Dependable, reliable, and punctual.
• Computer‑literate with working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Publisher, Canva, and virtual meeting platforms.
• Demonstrated use of professional judgement while providing services to vulnerable diverse populations.
• Understand the importance and need to establish boundaries and can clearly communicate and uphold boundaries.
• Self‑Starter:
  Takes initiative, can start tasks independently, and demonstrates critical thinking skills.
• Flexibility to adapt services and programming to meet resident and organizational needs.

It is the policy of Friendly House to treat all people with dignity and respect. The agency prohibits discrimination based upon race, sex, religion, color, gender identity, age, national…