Careers

Who we are?

Self-Help for the Elderly promotes independence, well-being and dignity for older adults through culturally aligned services and programs in the San Francisco Bay Area. We envision a world where all elders have the respect, care, and support to lead dignified and vibrant lives.

Founded in 1966, each year we serve over 40,000 older adults in San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Alameda Counties by providing a compressive range of multicultural and multilingual services to empower seniors to help themselves and others. Over 90% of our clients come from low-income minority community.

What we do?

We currently have nine service departments specializing in Adult Day Services, Affordable Housing for Independent Seniors, Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly, Home Health Care Program, Hospice Care Program, Employment Training & Economic Development, Nutrition and Senior Centers, Social Services, and Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP).

Why Self-Help?

At Self-Help, we are firmly committed to the senior’s security, freedom, and peace of mind. If you enjoy working with seniors… if you believe in giving back to the community… if helping others makes you happy… come join us in making a difference together!

Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer

Self-Help for the Elderly is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmation Action Employer and we welcome diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law. We participate in E-Verify.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Qualified applicants with criminal history will be considered for employment in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Americans with Disabilities Act

We may provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please email us at hr@selfhelpelderly.org or call (415) 677-7600 for special assistance.

Benefits Package:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including a multiple range of medical and dental plans, commuter benefits, flexible benefits plan, retirement plan, paid time off, paid holiday, and etc.

We are seeking the following positions:

• Administration-IT

  Computer Instructor - Chinese

  • Self-Help for the Elderly is seeking a Computer Instructor (Chinese) who is responsible for teaching seniors to use computers and the Internet at SF Connected Technology Labs throughout San Francisco.
  • Qualifications: Must have high school diploma; teaching and/or training experience preferred. Current working knowledge of PC computer technology/equipment, smartphones, tablet computers, MS Office software applications, internet, online communication and social media platforms. Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work with older adults as well as individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Ability to effectively instruct senior learners on basic computer use and online programs using PC platforms. Must be bilingual in English and Chinese (Cantonese or Mandarin). Biliterate in Chinese a plus. Must be available to work at least three days a week. Must be self-motivated, patient, detail-oriented and able to follow through. Must be able to travel via public transportation or personal/department vehicle for performance of job duties. If driving, must have and maintain a valid CA driver license, satisfactory driving record, and auto insurance coverage as specified in Self-Help’s policy.

  Computer Instructor - Russian

  • Self-Help for the Elderly is seeking a Computer Instructor (Russian) who is responsible for teaching seniors to use computers and the Internet at SF Connected Technology Labs throughout San Francisco.
  • Qualifications: Must have high school diploma; teaching and/or training experience preferred. Current working knowledge of PC computer technology/equipment, smartphones, tablet computers, MS Office software applications, internet, online communication and social media platforms. Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work with older adults as well as individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Ability to effectively instruct senior learners on basic computer use and online programs using PC platforms. Must be bilingual in English and Russian. Must be available to work at least three days a week. Must be self-motivated, patient, detail-oriented and able to follow through. Must be able to travel via public transportation or personal/department vehicle for performance of job duties. If driving, must have and maintain a valid CA driver license, satisfactory driving record, and auto insurance coverage as specified in Self-Help’s policy.

• Adult Day Services - ADS

  Program Aide

  • Self-Help for the Elderly is seeking a Program Aide who is responsible for providing personal care services, conducting group activities, preparing and distributing meals to Adult Day Services participants.
  • Qualifications: Experience in providing personal care to frail or disabled adults and/or experience in working with older adults with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Food service experience and previous experience working in a day care program preferred. California Home Health Aide certificate or Certified Nursing Assistant certificate highly preferred. Must be self-motivated and able to work in a team environment. Ability to communicate in Cantonese and simple English. Must pass a strength test for physical fitness for the job: able to lift up to 40 lbs from floor to waist level. Must have TB clearance within 12 months prior to employment and maintain clearance annually thereafter. Must acquire CPR and First Aid certificates within 6 months of employment and maintain current certificates thereafter.

  Social Worker

  • Self-Help for the Elderly is seeking a Social Worker responsible for assessing the social, emotional, and economic needs of Adult Day Services’ participants and providing social services to meet these needs.
  • Bachelor’s degree in social work with two years of experience providing social services in the field of aging, health, or long term care services; or master’s degree in social work, psychology, gerontology, or counseling and at least one year of work experience in the field of aging, health, or long term care. Knowledge of the physical, mental, and social needs of the elderly and disabled adults and demonstrated aptitude for working with frail older adults. Experiences in adult day services, counseling, and conducting assessments for individuals affected by dementia highly desirable. Experience in and/or ability to facilitate support groups. Good organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Bilingual in English and Cantonese; Mandarin a plus. Must have TB clearance within 12 months prior to employment and maintain clearance annually thereafter. Must acquire CPR and First Aid certificates within 6 months of employment and maintain current certificates thereafter. Must be able to travel via public transportation or personal vehicle for performance of job duties. If driving, must have and maintain a valid CA driver's license, satisfactory driving record, and auto insurance coverage as specified in Self-Help's policy.

  Activity Assistant

  • Self-Help for the Elderly is seeking an Activity Assistant responsible for creating and handling the logistics for daily, weekly, and monthly activities in an effort to engage the participants. Speak to participants to get feedback, manage resources, and deliver fun, safe activities while on time. Should be detail-oriented, observant, driven, creative, and caring and possess excellent interpersonal and time management skills; Ability to strive to stage entertaining, engaging activities that will appeal to the age and physical or emotional condition of the participants.
  • Qualifications: High School Diploma and certain certifications may be required. More education or experience with recreational activities, or related may be preferred. Job training and first aid and CPR training is necessary. Ability to pass a background check and drug screening. Physical finesses, ability to walk, dance, stand, lift, or meet other physical demands. Adaptability and strong organization and time management skills. Excellent resource management, computer, record keeping, interpersonal, decision-making, and verbal and written communication skills. Patience and compassion when dealing with others, especially those who are sick, injured, elderly, or from different backgrounds. Willingness to adhere to and enforce all safety policies and procedures.

  Psychiatric Consultant

  • Self-Help for the Elderly is seeking a Psychiatric Consultant responsible for providing counseling, consultation and training to staff and participants
  • Qualifications: Must be a licensed psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, psychiatric licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), or psychiatric nurse (i.e., a registered nurse with a graduate degree in psychiatric nursing and one year of psychiatric nursing experience within the past five years, or a registered nurse with a baccalaureate degree in nursing and three years of psychiatric nursing experience in an acute psychiatric setting or a psychiatric health facility, one year of which should have been within the past five years). Previous experience in working with the elderly or the chronically ill. Experience in home health, public health, or acute care and/or experience in working as a member of a multidisciplinary team highly desirable. Bilingual in English and Cantonese preferred. Must pass health screening for TB clearance.

  Physical Therapist

  • Self-Help for the Elderly is seeking a Physical Therapist responsible for Instructing participants in a therapeutic regime to maximize function of body parts and muscles and to maximize endurance.
  • Qualifications: Licensed by the California Board of Physical Therapist. One year of experience working with the frail elderly or the chronically ill. Experience in home health, public health, or acute care and/or experience in working as a member of a multidisciplinary team highly preferred. Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills. Bilingual in English and Chinese preferred. Familiar with different patient transferring techniques. Must pass a strength test for physical fitness for the job: able to lift up to 401bs from floor to waist level. Must have TB clearance within 12 months prior to employment and maintain clearance annually thereafter. Must acquire CPR and First Aid certificates within 6 months of employment and maintain current certificates thereafter. Must be able to travel via public transportation or personal vehicle for performance of job duties. If driving, must have and maintain a valid CA driver license, satisfactory driving record, and auto insurance coverage as specified in Self-Help's policy.

• Employment Training & Economic Development

  Registered Nurse

  • Self-Help for the Elderly is seeking a Registered Nurse responsible for providing skilled nursing assessment, planning and care in order to maximize the comfort and health of Home Care patients and families.
  • Qualifications: Current California Licensed Registered Nurse. Minimum one year professional nursing experience in home health, hospice, acute or sub-acute required. Ability to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team. Current CPR certification. Must pass health screening for TB clearance, physical examination, and background check. Knowledgeable of OASIS. Bilingual in English and Cantonese. Mandarin & Toishanese a plus. Must be able to travel via public transportation or personal/department vehicle for performance of job duties. If driving, must have and maintain a valid CA driver license, satisfactory driving record, and auto insurance coverage as specified in Self-Help's policy.

  Home Health Aide - Full Time/Part Time

  • Monitors patient condition by observing physical and mental condition, intake and output, and exercise. Supports patients by providing housekeeping and laundry services; shopping for food and other household requirements; preparing and serving meals and snacks; running errands.
  • Qualifications: Must be a graduate of Self-Help for the Elderly’s Home Health Aide Training Class. Must have a Home Health Aide Certificate issued by the California Department of Public Health. Ability to communicate in English preferred.
  • Must have current CPR & First Aid certifications. Must pass a strength test for physical fitness for the job: must be able to lift items up to 30 lbs; able to move heavy and bulky items up to 50 lbs during the course of cleaning. Must be able to walk, sit and stand for 8 hours when required. Must pass health screening for TB clearance and background check.
  • Must be able to travel via public transportation or personal/department vehicle for performance of job duties. If driving, must have and maintain a valid CA driver license, satisfactory driving record, and auto insurance coverage as specified in Self-Help's policy.

• HICAP San Mateo

  Program Assistant

  • Self-Help for the Elderly is seeking a Program Assistant who will assist the Program Coordinator with administrative duties, answering phones and scheduling client appointments, data entry, and performs other program and clerical duties for San Mateo HICAP.
  • Qualifications: High school graduate with one year of experience working in an office setting. Must complete HICAP counselor training and/or registration within 6 to 12 months of employment, depending on program needs. Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills. Bilingual in English and Chinese/Spanish preferred. Great attention to details, good organizational skills and ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks. Ability to work independently and in a team setting; lift or pull 25 lbs; competent typing skills (60 wpm). Proficient in MS Office, Google Calendar and the internet. Must be able to travel via public transportation or personal/department vehicle for performance of job duties. If driving, must have and maintain a valid CA driver license, satisfactory driving record, and auto insurance coverage as specified in Self-Help's policy. Must pass a background check.

• HomeCare and Hospice

  Administrative Assistant

  • Self-Help for the Elderly is seeking an Administrative Assistant to provide administrative support to the department.
  • Qualifications: Prefer college degree with at least one year of medical office experience; or high school graduate with at least two years of medical office experience. Knowledge of medical terminology strongly preferred. Knowledge of home health care and hospice systems and procedures preferred. Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task. Attention to detail and problem-solving skills. Demonstrate good communication skills and phone skills. Proficient in MS Office and the internet. Bilingual in English and Chinese preferred. Must pass a background check.

  Nurse Practitioner

  • Self-Help for the Elderly is seeking a Nurse Practitioner who conducts face-to-face visits with hospice patients in their homes to assist the hospice team in determining whether the patient is still eligible for continuation of hospice services.
  • Qualifications: Must be a current California Licensed Nurse Practitioner. One year of prior professional nursing experience. Home health, oncology or hospice experience preferred. Must have understanding of hospice principles of care and philosophy and familiarity with hospice requirements. Current CPR certification. Must pass health screening for TB clearance, physical examination and background check. Bilingual in English and Cantonese preferred. Must be able to travel via public transportation or personal vehicle for performance of job duties. If driving, must have and maintain a valid CA driver license, satisfactory driving record, and auto insurance coverage as specified in Self-Help's policy.

  Physical Therapist Assistant

  • Self-Help for the Elderly is seeking a Nurse Therapist Assistant who provides therapy services upon physician order and under the supervision of a Physical Therapist to help patients relieve pain, improve the body’s movement and function, maintain cardiopulmonary function, and limit disabilities resulting from injury or disease. Actively participates in the implementation of the treatment program as developed by the supervising Physical Therapist, communicates the patient’s progress and response to treatment as appropriate and participates in discharge planning. Services are provided according to the plan of care, within the scope of practice for the Physical Therapist Assistant as defined by the Physical Therapy Practice Act. Maintains accurate and timely documentation.
  • Qualifications: Must be currently licensed by the Physical Therapy Board of California. Experience in home health, public health, or acute care preferred. Ability to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team. Knowledge of MS Office and internet, and knowledge of/able to learn and proficiently use electronic health records software. Currently CPR certified. Bilingual in English and Cantonese a plus. Must pass health screening for TB clearance, physical examination and background check. Familiar with different patient transferring techniques. Must pass a strength test for physical fitness for the job: able to use upper extremities for support which routinely requires a pulling/lifting force of approximately 50 pounds to be generated in order to complete a safe transfer. Must be able to travel via public transportation or personal vehicle for performance of job duties. If driving, must have and maintain a valid CA driver license, satisfactory driving record, and auto insurance coverage as specified in Self-Help's policy.

  Medical Social Worker

  • Self-Help for the Elderly is seeking a Medical Social Worker who assesses social and psychological needs of patients/families, and develops plan of care to assist patients and families/caregivers to cope with the social and emotional issues and practical arrangements related to the patient’s illness. (it is currently anticipated that approximately 75% of time will be spent in HomeCare and 25% in Hospice)
  • Qualifications: Master of Social Work degree from a school of social work accredited or approved by the Council on Social Work Education. Coursework in oncology, death and dying, and grief counseling preferred. Has a baccalaureate degree in social work from an institution accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; or a. baccalaureate degree in psychology, sociology, or other field related to social work and is supervised by an MSW; and b. Has 1 year of social work experience in a healthcare setting; c. Has a baccalaureate degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, is employed by the agency before December 2, 2008, and is not required to be supervised by an MSW. Minimum one year of social work experience in a health care setting. Home Health or Hospice experience a plus. Knowledge of chronic and acute disease and how it affects patient and family functioning. Knowledge of community resources and understanding of the influence of culture on health care. Comfortable in working with families in crisis, the frail elderly, the disabled and the terminally ill. Excellent oral and phone skills, and written documentation skills. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team. Ability to engage and work collaboratively and harmoniously with others, including patients, patients’ families clinical team members, and community resources/partners. Knowledge of MS Office and internet, and knowledge of/able to learn and proficiently use electronic health records software. Currently CPR certified. Must pass health screening for TB clearance, physical examination, and background check. Bilingual in English and Cantonese. Mandarin & Toishanese a plus. Must be able to travel via public transportation or personal/department vehicle for performance of job duties. If driving, must have and maintain a valid CA driver license, satisfactory driving record, and auto insurance coverage as specified in Self-Help's policy.

  Registered Nurse - Home Care

  • Self-Help for the Elderly is seeking a Registered Nurse - Home Care responsible for providing skilled nursing assessment, planning and care in order to maximize the comfort and health of Home Care patients and families.
  • Qualifications: Current California Licensed Registered Nurse. Minimum one year professional nursing experience in home health, hospice, acute or sub-acute required. Ability to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team. Current CPR certification. Must pass health screening for TB clearance, physical examination, and background check. Knowledgeable of OASIS. Bilingual in English and Chinese is a plus. Must be able to travel via public transportation or personal/department vehicle for performance of job duties. If driving, must have and maintain a valid CA driver license, satisfactory driving record, and auto insurance coverage as specified in Self-Help's policy.

  Registered Nurse - Hospice

  • Self-Help for the Elderly is seeking a Registered Nurse - Hospice responsible for providing skilled nursing assessment, planning and care in order to maximize the comfort and health of Hospice patients and families.
  • Qualifications: Must be currently licensed by the CA Board of Registered Nurses. Prefer minimum one year professional nursing experience in home health, hospice, acute or sub-acute care. Experience with oncology or hospice preferred. Must be able to cope with patient and family emotional stress and be tolerant of individual lifestyles without judgment. Able to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team. Currently CPR Certified. Must pass health screening for TB clearance, physical examination and background check. Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, and ability to use electronic health record software. Knowledgeable of Medicare regulations. Bilingual in English and Chinese is a plus. Must be able to travel via public transportation or personal/department vehicle for performance of job duties. If driving, must have and maintain a valid CA driver license, satisfactory driving record, and auto insurance coverage as specified in Self-Help's policy.

  Physical Therapist

  • Self-Help for the Elderly is seeking a Physical Therapist contracted or employed through the organization is responsible for providing physical therapy services and for adherence to all conditions outlined in the Service Employment Agreement.
  • Qualifications: Possesses a degree from a baccalaureate or Masters program in physical therapy approved by an accredited organization. Meets personnel qualification stated in §418.114(b)(7). Licensed to practice as physical therapist within the state. At least two years of appropriate experience as a physical therapist. Home health/ hospice experience is preferred. Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills. Possesses and maintains current CPR certification. Must pass health screening for TB clearance, physical examination and background check. Must pass a strength test for physical fitness for the job: able to lift up to 40 lbs from floor to waist level. Bilingual in English and Chinese is a plus. Must be able to travel via personal vehicle for performance of job duties. Must have and maintain a valid CA driver license, satisfactory driving record, and auto insurance coverage as specified in Self-Help's policy.

  Speech Therapist

  • Self-Help for the Elderly is seeking a speech–language pathologist, contracted or employed, is responsible for implementation of standards of care for speech language pathology services and for adherence to all conditions in the Service Agreement.
  • Qualifications: Possesses a degree that includes an internship from an approved Master program in Speech- Language Pathology, or as required by applicable law and/or regulation. Meets personnel qualifications stated in §418.114(b)(4). Meets the education and experience requirements for a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech- Language Pathology, granted by the American Speech- Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Is certified to practice Speech-Language Pathology. A minimum of one year clinical experience in Speech–Language Pathology. Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills. Possesses and maintains current CPR certification. Must pass health screening for TB clearance, physical examination, and background check. Bilingual in English & Chinese preferred. Understands hospice philosophy and focus of patient care is comfort and maintenance of self in current residence. Must be able to travel via personal vehicle for performance of job duties. Must have and maintain a valid CA driver license, satisfactory driving record, and auto insurance coverage as specified in Self-Help's policy.

  Registered Nurse Coordinator

  • Self-Help for the Elderly is seeking a Registered Nurse Coordinator who is a professional, registered nurse responsible for all the clinical and quality activities of the organization. The Registered Nurse Coordinator has accountabilities for the monitoring, implementation, evaluation of processes and systems of the home health and hospice programs to meet regulatory, accreditation and standards of practice.
  • Qualifications: Registered nurse with current licensure to practice professional nursing in the State. Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from an accredited program by the National League for Nursing preferred. Three (3) to five (5) year's clinical nursing experience. (An emphasis in home care/hospice nursing is preferred). Excellent understanding of all aspects of clinical home health and hospice standards and practices including performance improvement, quality assessment, and utilization management. Is self-directed and able to work with minimal supervision. Has excellent coordination and communication skills. Must pass health screening for TB clearance and physical examination. Must be able to travel via public transportation or personal vehicle for performance of job duties. If driving, must have and maintain a valid CA driver license, satisfactory driving record, and auto insurance coverage as specified in Self-Help's policy.

• Housing Services

• Nutrition and Senior Centers

  Program Assistant

  • Self-Help for the Elderly is seeking a Program Assistant responsible for assisting in planning and implementing program activities and performs other duties at designated centers or at other locations for special events.
  • Qualifications: College degree with two years of experience in community service. Must possess strong self-motivation and ability to work with elderly people of all socioeconomic backgrounds; experience in working with seniors strongly preferred. Must demonstrate good communication and interpersonal skills. Must be bilingual and bi-literate in English and Chinese (Cantonese/Mandarin). Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the internet. Must be able to work weekends. Must pass a strength test for physical fitness for the job: able to lift and/or carry 35 lbs. Must pass health screening for TB clearance. Must obtain First Aid and CPR certificates by the end of the 3-month introductory period. Must be able to travel via public transportation or personal vehicle for performance of job duties. If driving, must have and maintain a valid CA driver license, satisfactory driving record, and auto insurance coverage as specified in Self-Help's policy.

• Social Services

  Information & Assistant Specialist

  • Self-Help for the Elderly is seeking an information & Assistance Specialist who assists in the navigation of the home and community-based long-term care system; provides assessment, information, referral and assistance to older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers; performs follow-up to ensure delivery of services; collects, updates and shares information on community resources.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree related to human services, or high school graduate with two years of related work experience. Experience in providing health, social, and/or aging services in the community, especially with diverse communities and knowledge of community resources. Sensitive to the needs of the elderly and disabled adults from diverse ethnic and minority cultures. Good problem-solving skills and ability to follow through. Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills. Bilingual and bi-literate in English and Chinese (Cantonese and/or Mandarin). Proficient in MS Office and the internet. Must be able to travel via public transportation or personal vehicle for performance of job duties. If driving, must have and maintain a valid CA driver license, satisfactory driving record, and auto insurance coverage as specified in Self-Help's policy.

To apply: Please click on the job title to complete an online application.

For more information: Contact Human Resources Department at HR@selfhelpelderly.org.

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