LOCATION: Northfield, IL and Niles, IL
PT/FT: FT (35 hours/week)
Empower Older Adults. Advocate for Independence. Make a Lasting Difference.
Are you passionate about helping older adults navigate life's challenges and access the resources they deserve? Do you thrive in a role where advocacy, education, and human connection come together to create meaningful impact?
If so, North Shore Senior Center (NSSC) may be the perfect place for your next career move.
Each year, NSSC serves more than 24,000 older adults and their families across 26 communities, helping individuals live healthier, more independent, and more fulfilling lives. As a nationally accredited nonprofit and a recognized Best & Brightest Company to Work For, we are dedicated to providing innovative programs and compassionate support that empower older adults at every stage of aging.
We're seeking an Older Adults Benefits Specialist who is ready to make a tangible difference by helping seniors access critical public benefits, navigate complex systems, and overcome barriers that impact their quality of life.
Why This Role Matters
As an Older Adults Benefits Specialist, you'll serve as a trusted guide, advocate, and educator for older adults seeking assistance with programs that can significantly improve their financial security, health, and well-being. You'll work one-on-one with clients, lead and inspire volunteers, and help ensure community members receive the support and resources they're entitled to.
Every application you assist with, every volunteer you mentor, and every client you empower has the potential to change a life.
What You'll Do
Make an Impact
- Meet directly with older adults and their families in our Northfield and Niles offices
- Guide clients through public benefits programs and help them access essential resources
- Advocate on behalf of clients and assist in resolving benefit-related challenges
- Educate community members about services and benefits available to seniors
Lead & Develop Volunteers
- Recruit, train, mentor, and support a dedicated team of volunteers
- Conduct volunteer training sessions and provide ongoing guidance
- Collaborate with site supervisors to ensure exceptional client service
- Help create a positive and meaningful volunteer experience
Grow Expertise & Strengthen Programs
- Maintain certifications and specialized training in programs such as LIHEAP and SHIP
- Evaluate program effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement
- Participate in continuing education and professional development
- Attend team meetings and collaborate across departments to better serve our community
What We're Looking For
- Master's degree in Social Work (MSW), Counseling, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- At least two years of experience working with older adults
- Experience assisting seniors with benefits programs and community resources
- Strong communication, organization, and relationship-building skills
- Experience supervising, coordinating, or leading others; volunteer management experience is a plus
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and serving diverse populations
- Ability to travel between our Northfield and Niles locations
Certifications
LIHEAP and SHIP certifications are preferred, but can be obtained after hire.
Technical Skills
- Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office Suite skills
- Ability to learn state systems and agency-specific software
Why Join North Shore Senior Center?
At NSSC, you'll find more than a job. You'll find a purpose-driven career, supportive colleagues, and opportunities to grow while making a real difference in your community.
We Offer
✅ Competitive benefits package
✅ Employer-matched 401(k)
✅ Generous paid time off and sick leave
✅ 12 paid holidays per year
✅ Medical, dental, and vision insurance
✅ Employer-paid life insurance
✅ Employer-paid long-term disability insurance
✅ Short-term disability coverage
✅ Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
✅ Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
✅ Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
✅ Referral bonus program
✅ Mileage reimbursement
✅ Employee discounts
✅ Free membership to the NSSC Fitness Center
✅ Inclusive, collaborative, and mission-driven culture
Join Us
If you're looking for a career where your expertise, compassion, and advocacy can help older adults live with dignity, independence, and confidence, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and help make aging well possible for thousands of older adults across our community.
EOE: North Shore Senior Center is an equal opportunity employer; applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race (including traits associated with race including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks and twists), color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), marital status, parental status, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,000.00 - $53,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- What is your salary expectation?
Education:
Experience:
- Social Work: 2 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Work Location: In person
