Transportation Advocate

CARIE, an independent advocacy non-profit dedicated to promoting the well-being, rights, and autonomy of older adults through advocacy, education, and action, is hiring a Transportation Advocate for the CARIE LINE program.

Position:

Under contract with Philadelphia Corporation for the Aging (PCA), CARIE administers the Transportation Service Advocacy Program (T-SAP) and provides support and advocacy for older adult public transit riders in Philadelphia. The Transportation Advocate will work in the CARIE LINE, a program providing individual education and advocacy to older adults and those who care for them. This full-time position involves contact with older adults, their families, and caregivers, with a focus on issues related to transportation. Public speaking, outreach activities, and resource development are among the tasks involved with this position. This position reports to the CARIE LINE Supervisor.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Direct Service

• Investigate and resolve transportation related complains and concerns of older adults, their families, professionals working with them, and others who are involved with caring for their well-being.
• Intervene with SEPTA CCT Connect management, staff, and subcontractors on behalf of older adult riders.
• Educate callers about transportation services available to older adults, particularly about navigating the SEPTA Shared-Ride Program system.
• Prepare monthly reports regarding transportation complaints.
• Help older adults resolve problems on a wide range of topics, including health insurance coverage, long term care, housing, and other eldercare issues through telephone-based education, information and advocacy.
• Provide Medicare and other health insurance counseling as a credentialed PA Medicare Education and Decision Insight (MEDI) counselor.
• Help update and main CARIE's collection of community resources.
• Record consumer interactions into databases and help collect information needed to complete outcomes measurement.
• Work with CARIE staff to identify issues and opportunities for systemic advocacy on behalf of older adults.
• Help identify community resources and develop those relationships.

Education/Training

• Present seminars and workshops to older adults, caregivers, and professionals on issues related to aging.
• Help develop educational brochures, public service announcements, and other materials.
• Schedule, publicize, and facilitate town hall meetings in Philadelphia County for non-sponsored SEPTA riders to voice feedback regarding SEPTA and the SEPTA CCT Shared Ride Program.

Educational Requirements:

• Minimum of bachelor's degree in Social Work or a related field.
• A master's degree in Social Work or a related field is preferred.
• Professional experience with aging and/or transportation services is preferred.

Experience/Skill Requirements:

• Experience in and/or knowledge of aging policy, resources for older adults and their caregivers, and transportation systems.
• Experience in negotiating or resolving problems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Public speaking and/or training expertise.
• Experience in coordinating meetings or trainings.

Required Screening:

• Criminal background check.
• Professional references.
• Must be free of conflict of interest.
• Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination.

Physical and Mental Demands:

Must work well under pressure and be creative and analytical. Will be expected to operate office equipment including but not limited to: computer, telephone, fax, and copier. Will be expected to move freely around the office and sit or stand at a desk and telephone for long periods of time. Will be expected to communicate in person and over the telephone, with individuals and groups. This position may require occasional work outside of normal office hours and includes travel locally in Philadelphia County.