Elder Care Specialist

Overview

The Elder Care Specialist plays a vital role within the Disaster Resilience Program by supporting the safety, health, and housing stability of older adults (age 60+) experiencing homelessness, especially during disasters, extreme weather, or emergency drop-offs. This role works collaboratively with outreach, shelter, housing, and healthcare teams to ensure elderly clients receive trauma-informed care, medical coordination, and appropriate shelter accommodations tailored to their unique needs.

• Identify high-risk elderly individuals during extreme weather or disaster alerts and ensure appropriate outreach or relocation is conducted.
• Conduct assessments for older adults to identify medical, mobility, cognitive, and support needs.
• Assist clients with accessing medical care, prescription continuity, transportation, and hygiene needs.
• Coordinate with healthcare providers, mental health services, and aging-focused agencies for referrals and wraparound support.
• Assist clients with completing housing applications tailored to seniors.
• Maintain clear, timely case notes and complete required documentation in HMIS.
• Serve as an active member of the Disaster Resilience Team, with a focus on identifying and supporting elderly clients during extreme weather and emergency events.
• Monitor the physical and emotional well-being of elderly clients during shelter stays and support transitions post-disaster.
• Assist with shelter operations during activations, including intake, staffing support, and basic needs distribution.
• Participate in disaster preparedness drills and trainings.

• 2–3 years of experience working with seniors, preferably in homeless services, healthcare or long-term care settings.
• Knowledge of aging-related conditions (e.g., dementia, chronic illness, mobility challenges) and how they intersect with homelessness.
• Experience in crisis response, emergency planning, or disaster preparedness is a plus.
• Familiarity with housing programs and elder care resources.
• Bilingual (Spanish or Creole) preferred.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays during disaster activations.

• Ability to use a compassionate, patient, and trauma-informed approach.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings/weekends/holidays during emergency events.
• Strong understanding of the physical, mental, and emotional needs of older adults.
• Ability to build trust and motivate clients through compassionate, non-judgmental, and strengths-based communication.
• Ability to identify signs of elder abuse, neglect or medical distress and respond appropriately.
• Ability to work outdoors during extreme weather conditions (e.g., heat, rain, cold) to assist in locating and bringing unsheltered individuals to safety and shelter.

Disclaimer
:
This job description does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position. The employee will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. This description excludes the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to essential job duties.

All duties, responsibilities, and requirements are vital to the job. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" employment relationship.