Friendship Bench DC Program Associate

HelpAge USA (www.helpageusa.org) is seeking a Program Associate for a six month contract, with the possibility of extension, to support Friendship Bench DC, a pilot program in Washington, DC. Based on a successful program in Zimbabwe, Friendship Bench DC provides a confidential, safe and supportive environment for individuals who needs to connect, feel a sense of belonging, and be heard with a trusted older person (“Grandparents”). Friendship Benches are staffed with older lay people (“Grandparents”) who are trained in problem-solving talk therapy to listen and support people struggling with mild anxiety or depression.

The Program Associate will play a critical role in supporting Friendship Bench DC Grandparents and the program, coordinating with HelpAge USA staff and Host Partners to ensure success. Host Partners are nonprofit organizations, primarily in Wards 7 and 8, that have a Friendship Bench on their premises to serve their community, such as schools, houses of worship, and wellness centers.

Responsibilities include:

Scheduling

• Ensure that each Host Partner site is staffed with Grandparents during designated hours and coordinate session scheduling based on availability and sign-up forms through Host Partners or direct calls.
• Confirm appointments in advance and be on site at locations for scheduled sessions.

Debriefs and Program Optimization

• Grandparents
  • Conduct debrief sessions to assess session quality and identify areas of improvement.
  • Help identify their training needs and provide refresher sessions.
  • Assist in developing individualized and group plans for skill strengthening and growth.
  • Provide regular program updates and organize meetings for discussion and support
  • Help prepare for the training of the second cohort of Grandparents.
• Visitors
  • Assist with Visitor referrals to additional resources or services as needed.
  • Analyze common issues and assist with establishing thematic support groups as needed.

Host Partner Relationships

• Assist with outreach and recruitment efforts for new Host Partners and members.
• Assist with Host Partner meeting preparation.
• Support with ideas on bench design and maintain area to ensure it is clean and welcoming.

Facilitation of Data Collection and Tracking

• Contribute to tracking sessions and entering data into a secure portal.
• Maintain protocols for confidential data collection.

Team Meetings

• Participate in meetings with the HelpAge USA team, Host Partners, and community organizations as needed.

Desired Skills

• Experience in social work and/or mental health.
• Interest in supporting older people to contribute to the wellbeing of their community.
• Familiarity with community programs particularly in Washington DC.
• Excellent communication skills; flexible, patient and resourceful attitude; willingness to adjust/pivot as needed.
• Warm and friendly personal style, and ability to work well with different types of people with varying perspectives and backgrounds, including external partners and beneficiaries.
• Ability to deal with administrative and logistical tasks including: manage timelines, schedules, and multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks; maintain organized files, databases, and records, and ensure accuracy in documentation and reporting.
• Access to various modes of transportation including an automobile.

Timing: January 2024. Expected hours/week: 35–40.

Compensation: Commensurate with experience.

Interested applicants should contact info@helpageusa.org with a cover letter of interest and resume.