Elder justice advocate

Lifespan is a trusted, mission-driven, regional nonprofit dedicated to helping older adults take on the challenges and opportunities of longer life. We are a great place to work where staff can grow personally and professionally in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Non-exempt, full-time (37.5 hours/week)

Hourly Rate: up to $23.00

POSITION SUMMARY

The Upstate Elder Abuse Center is seeking a compassionate and dedicated professional who is committed to supporting older adults in living safely, independently, and with dignity. This position partners with older adults and their support systems to identify strengths, navigate challenges, and access resources that align with individual’s goals, values, and preferences. Using a person-centered, trauma-informed approach, the Advocate provides assessment, supportive counseling, advocacy, and care coordination services to older adults who may be experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation. The Advocate collaborates with community partners while honoring client choice and self-determination to promote safety, well-being, and quality of life. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference through direct client engagement, community education, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Client Support and Advocacy:

• Build relationships with older adults and their families through compassionate, strength-based engagement.
• Work collaboratively with older adults experiencing or at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation, to explore options and promote informed decision-making.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments to better understand each client’s strengths, needs, goals, concerns, and available support systems.
• Partner with clients to develop individualized service plans that reflect their priorities and desired outcomes.
• Provide supportive counseling, emotional support, crisis intervention, and advocacy.
• Assist clients in accessing resources and services that support their safety, independence, health and overall well-being.
• Support clients as they navigate complex healthcare, legal, and community systems.
• Collaborate with community partners, including Adult Protective Services, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and other service organizations to support client goals.

2. Community Education and Outreach:

• Provide educational presentations and professional trainings that increase awareness of elder abuse, domestic violence in later life, healthy aging, and available community resources.
• Build collaborative relationships with community organizations and service providers throughout the region.

3. Professional Practice:

• Maintain accurate, timely and confidential documentation.
• Complete required reports and program records in accordance with agency and funding requirements.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and continuing education opportunities.
• Contribute to program initiatives and special projects that advance the mission of the Upstate Elder Abuse Center.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) or related human services field required, Master’s degree in social work (MSW) or related field preferred.

EXPERIENCE: Experience in case management, counseling, advocacy, crisis intervention, or community-based social work required. Experience working with older adults, caregivers or aging services preferred. Knowledge of trauma-informed care and community resource systems preferred.

REQUIREMENTS

• Travel throughout the Finger Lakes region is required, including visits to clients in their homes and community settings.
• Combination of community-based and office-based work.
• Strong written, verbal, and public speaking skills required.
• Ability to respond thoughtfully and professionally to sensitive and complex situations.

Lifespan offers great benefits including:

If working 37.5 hours, the following benefits are available

• Vacation (21 days)
• Sick (10 days)
• Personal Time (3 Days)
• Holidays (11)
• Medical Insurance (3 options)
• Dental Insurance (2 options)
• Vision (2 options)
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account with company contribution
• 403(b) Retirement Program
• Hybrid Work Schedule may be available after successfully completing the probationary period

If working less than 37.5 hours, accrued time is pro-rated.

Salary/Hourly Rate

Multiple factors will be considered for salary/hourly determination including, years of relevant service, skills required, education, and internal equity.

Lifespan is an equal opportunity employer and, as such, affirms in policy and practice to recruit, hire, train, and promote, in all job classifications, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, gender identity/expression or any other protected characteristic. Lifespan will not discriminate against persons because of their disability, including disabled veterans, and will make reasonable accommodations for known physical and mental limitations of qualified employees and applicants with disabilities.

Deadline to Apply: Open until Filled