Supportive Care Specialist (1:1)

Organization Overview

Golden Gate Senior Services (GGSS) was established in 1975 with a mission to maintain and improve the well‑being of older adults and adults with disabilities. Our neighborhood‑based centers—the Richmond and Castro Senior Centers—foster healthy aging through activities, nutrition, education, and community.

Project Integration (PI) supports older adults with developmental disabilities to participate fully in senior center programs. For participants who have mobility challenges or require individualized support, GGSS provides one‑to‑one assistance through a Supportive Care Specialist.

Position Summary

The Supportive Care Specialist (1:1) provides individualized, person‑centered support to an older adult with developmental disabilities who is attending a community senior center. This role supports safe mobility, engagement in daily activities, and progress toward participant‑identified goals while maintaining dignity, safety, and inclusion. The Supportive Care Specialist ensures the participant can safely and meaningfully engage in programming throughout the center day.

This position includes essential physical functions necessary to safely support participants.

Duties and Responsibilities

Mobility, Transfers & Safety

• Provide hands‑on assistance with transfers from seated to standing positions.
• Walk alongside the participant during transitions, including exiting transportation and moving throughout the senior center.
• Monitor for weakness, fatigue, shakiness, or fall risk and respond promptly.
• Wait outside the restroom and remain available to provide assistance with standing and returning to mobility devices when requested.
• Provide occasional toileting support as needed.

Program Participation & Engagement

• Encourage and assist participation in activities such as arts and crafts, exercise classes, and social programs.
• Support inclusion and positive interactions with peers and staff.
• Facilitate games or activities tailored to the participant’s interests, needs, and abilities.
• Coordinate with senior center staff to support smooth transitions between activities.

Participant Goals & Skill Development

• Support participant‑identified goals (e.g., practicing patience, asking for help appropriately).
• Use modeling, reminders, encouragement, and positive reinforcement.
• Communicate progress and concerns to the Program Manager.

Documentation & Communication

• Take daily attendance.
• Contact participants to check on wellbeing following an unplanned absence.
• Encourage participants to express preferences for activities.
• Complete brief daily progress notes documenting participation, mobility, mood, and goal progress.
• Report safety concerns, incidents, or health changes promptly.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold participant rights.

Requirements/Qualifications:

• Experience working with older adults and/or individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Ability to provide physical assistance with transfers and supervised walking.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; patient and supportive demeanor.
• Ability to complete basic written documentation.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently and as part of a team.

Physical Requirements (Essential Functions)

The physical requirements listed below are essential functions of the position and are necessary to ensure participant safety:

• Ability to safely assist with standing, steadying, transfers, and short‑distance walking for participants with mobility challenges.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds using appropriate body mechanics.
• Sufficient strength, balance, and stability to physically support occasionally unsteady adults weighing up to 165 pounds, including during ambulation or transfers.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the program day.
• Ability to respond quickly and appropriately to prevent falls or injuries.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Hours: 25 hours per week

Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:30AM – 1:30PM

Equal Opportunity Employment, Equity & Inclusion Statement

At Golden Gate Senior Services, diversity is a strength and inclusion is a practice. We are committed to building a workplace where people of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences feel welcomed, respected, and valued. We believe that a diverse and inclusive team strengthens our ability to serve older adults and adults with disabilities with dignity, compassion, and cultural humility.

GGSS is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We make employment decisions based on skills, experience, and alignment with our mission and values. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or expression, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic unrelated to an individual’s ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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