Social Service Technician – Division of Senior Services, Department of Human Services

Organizational Overview:

The Bergen County Division of Senior Services is the primary agency in Bergen County that plans and coordinates services for County residents age 60 and above, and their caregivers. The Division and its various committees advocate for those with the greatest economic and social needs.  The Division also provides support to various community-based organizations that promote the well-being and independence of Bergen County’s 220,000 older adults.

Job Description:           

This employment opportunity is to serve as a Social Service Technician/SHIP Coordinator for the Information and Assistance Unit. Under supervision, responds to consumer calls and walk-ins generated through the Division’s NJ ADRC system; serves as coordinator of SHIP, providing Medicare counseling to individuals seeking service and addresses all training, recruitment and supervision of SHIP volunteers; organizes mandatory monthly, in-house training for Information and Assistance staff as well as invited outside providers.

Job Responsibilities:   

  • Under supervision, respond courteously and professionally to consumer calls and walk-ins generated through the Division’s NJ ADRC System. Follows the standards of the NJ State Division of Aging and the protocols of Bergen NJ ADRC.
  • Serves as coordinator of SHIP, providing Medicare counseling to individuals seeking service through Bergen NJ ADRC and addresses all training, recruitment and supervision of SHIP volunteers.
  • Staff liaison to the Division’s Education committee, providing assistance with and coordination of implementation of planned activities and community outreach.
  • Prepares and submits quarterly service reports in a timely manner.
  • Maintains a 90% or above “satisfactory” rating on consumer service quality surveys.
  • Assumes responsibility with supervisory cooperation for personal growth and gerontology-related development by planned participation in the training opportunities provided by the Unit, the State, the Division, the Department of Human Services and other qualified sources.
  • Organizes mandatory monthly, in-house training for Information and Assistance staff as well as invited outside providers designed to maintain and high level of service.
  • Oversees function of the Caregivers Coalition and assists with agenda as needed.
  • Prepares periodic caregiver newsletter as submitted by members of the Caregiver’s Corner support group and distributes same to network.
  • Adheres to the consumer privacy and confidentiality policies of the Department and Division. 
  • Performs other tasks and duties assigned by Division Director and Unit Supervisor.

Schedule: Full time (40 hours/week) Monday through Friday

Education and Experience Requirements: 

  • Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Public Health, Gerontology, Community Organization or related field preferred
  • Note: Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute additional experience as indicated below on a year-for-year basis with 30-semester-hour credits equal to one year of experience
  • Two (2) years of experience in a social service, health or community agency involving gathering social information from clients, identifying their needs, providing referrals for needed services, or planning and carrying out treatment plans for clients.
  • Note: Possession of a Master’s degree in any of the following fields may be substituted for 1 year of required experience: Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Public Health, Recreation, Gerontology, Community Organization or related field

Other Requirements: 

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Teams, Word, Outlook and Excel programs.
  • Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
  • Appointees will be required to possess a driver’s license valid in New Jersey to perform essential duties of the position.

What we offer:

  • Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Enrollment into the state pension system
  • Life, Short-term Disability & Long-term Disability coverage
  • Generous Paid Time Off
  • Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance and Employee Wellness Programs

Salary: $55,000 / per annum

Please send resume and employment application to resume@bergencountynj.gov – put in subject line job applying for, thank you.

The County of Bergen is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of The County of Bergen not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.

The County of Bergen complies with the New Jersey First Act. An employee’s primary residence must be within the State of New Jersey, or the employee will have 365 days (1 Year) from their date of hire to satisfy the requirement of principal residency.