Established in 1994, Seniors First BC Society (SFBC) is a charitable, non-profit society that provides information, legal advocacy, and support to older adults across BC who are dealing with issues affecting their well-being. SFBC provides free help to older adults through 6 programs: the Seniors Abuse Information Line (SAIL), Victim Services Program, Education and Outreach Program, Elder Law Clinic, Legal Advocacy Program, and the Advance Planning Clinic Program.

The Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL) is a confidential provincial telephone helpline that provides a safe place for older adults, and those who care about them, to talk to someone about situations where they feel they are being abused or mistreated, or to receive information about elder awareness prevention. SAIL is available 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, 7 days a week except statutory holidays. Intake Workers must be available for shift assignments during all of these hours, including on weekends. Part-time work hours per week: 21 hours

Start Date: August 2023

Rate of Pay: $26.49 per hour. An extended health benefits program is offered after the completion of probation.

Hours: Part-time, 21 hours per week

Reports to: Manager, Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL)

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Answer SAIL during assigned times and assess callers’ needs to provide callers with information and assistance on elder abuse identification, response and prevention; including referrals to the legal and victim service programs of Seniors First BC and to external resources;
• Provide callers with emotional and practical support, including safety planning, to assist them with the impacts of elder abuse, neglect and self-neglect;
• Assess needs of callers to determine appropriate referrals, assisted referrals and/or need for additional supports and services;
• Document and maintain appropriate records and information for all calls received at SAIL and complete referral forms to the legal and victim services programs, as appropriate;
• Maintain positive working relationships with external agencies to facilitate coordination, minimize service duplication, and maximize effective referrals across agencies;
• Attend Seniors First BC SAIL and staff meetings as required; and
• Carry out other tasks as assigned by the Manager of SAIL and Victim Services Programs and Seniors First BC Executive Director

Qualifications:

• A Diploma or Degree in Social Services, Gerontology or Social Work or equivalent experience.
• Must have minimum 2 years’ paid or volunteer experience on a telephone helpline for older adults or vulnerable populations.
• Excellent skills in interviewing and assessing callers’ needs over the phone.
• Skilled in navigating complex situations and providing information, support and referrals on issues involving abuse, neglect and self-neglect and other issues that impact older adults.
• Knowledge of issues affecting older adults, particularly abuse, neglect and self-neglect, including legislation, resources and services for seniors.
• Empathy and confidence in supporting older adults, including the ability to remain calm under pressure and demonstrate diplomacy and tact.
• Understanding of trauma-informed approach and working with marginalized communities.
• Cultural competency and ability to work with older adults from various cultural communities.
• Competency working in Microsoft Office programs. Experience with data entry an asset.
• Fluency in English language, verbally and in writing. Knowledge of a second language is an advantage.
• A Criminal Record Check is required

To Apply:

Please apply by sending resume and cover letter to Human Resources, Seniors First BC Society: humanresources@seniorsfirstbc.ca

Please include the text “SAIL Intake Worker” in the subject line of your email.

We thank all applicants for taking interest and applying for this position. Only those offered an interview will be contacted.