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
- Self-Help for the Elderly is seeking a Computer Instructor 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.

Adult Day Services - ADS
Social Worker
- Responsible for assessing the social, emotional, and economic needs of Adult Day Services’ participants and providing social services to meet these needs.
- Essential Functions:
  - Interviews and screens referrals to determine the general appropriateness of prospective participants for the full assessment process and adult day program participation; provides referrals for persons not appropriate for adult day services.
  - Makes home visits to conduct intake and assessment; obtains all information needed to complete the enrollment process and completes the necessary paperwork.
  - Coordinates transportation for potential participants to come in for the initial assessments by the Center’s multidisciplinary team; schedules the 3-day assessments with the potential participants upon approval of the transportation applications and receipt of physicians’ paperwork.
  - Develops and implements Individual Plans of Care (IPCs) to address participants’ medical social service needs; monitors participants’ attendance.
  - Provides counseling, support, and intervention to participants and caregivers as needed; serves as a liaison between caregivers and the multidisciplinary team and/or other community services involved in the care of the participants; schedules appointments for psychiatric/psychological services.
  - Promotes peer group relationships through problem-centered discussion groups; facilitates various support groups for participants as part of the program’s activities and/or monthly caregiver support groups.
  - Documents services provided in a timely manner; documents participants’ progress in meeting the established goals at least quarterly; conducts 6-month reassessments according to established IPC meeting schedules; revises IPCs as necessary.
  - Discharges participants when they are no longer appropriate for adult day services; assists participants and/or caregivers with discharge planning.
  - Participates in morning huddles, IPC meetings, and staff meetings; attends other meetings as assigned.
  - Develops and maintains positive working relationships with human service agencies and community members.
  - Submits accurate reports in a timely manner.
  - Oversee participants’ Individual Plan of Care assigned to Social Work Assistants.
  - Performs other duties as assigned.
- Qualifications:
  - 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 license, satisfactory driving record, and auto insurance coverage as specified in Self-Help's policy.
Registered Nurse
- Self-Help for the Elderly is seeking a Registered Nurse who provides skilled nursing assessment, planning and care in order to maximize the comfort and health of Adult Day Services participants.
- Conducts initial, quarterly, and 6-month nursing assessments of participants; develops and implements nursing care plans. Acts as a liaison to participants’ primary care physicians. Provides routine counseling to participants and caregivers; develops and implements self-medication and continence training programs and assists families in the management of incontinence. Provides health education presentations to the participants. Evaluates participants’ need(s) for evaluation and/or services by registered dietitian, speech therapist, psychiatric consultant, podiatrist, and/or other medical services; makes referrals according to the program’s procedures. Maintains appropriate nursing records in participants’ charts. Oversees the administration of personal care services by program aides. Provides in-service training for staff on health-related topics and medical consultation to other staff. Maintains an inventory of medical supplies and equipment, medications ordered by personal physicians, and PRN medications. Dispenses medications and disposes medications, needles, syringes, and hazardous waste materials according to the program’s procedures. Participates in morning huddles, multidisciplinary team meetings and staff meetings as schedule permits, and other meetings as assigned. Performs other duties as assigned.

Nutrition San Mateo
Meal Site/Home Delivery Worker Full time/ On call
- Provides food services and performs other duties at the senior center.
- Assists in operating the meal programs; maintains sanitary and safe procedures in all areas of food service delivery in accordance to County Senior Nutrition Program standards. Checks and keeps record of delivery time and temperature of catered food; maintains appropriate food temperature as required. Prepares room and furniture for meal service and activities; directs volunteers in setting up and cleaning up the kitchen and dining areas. Prepares beverages and other food items for meal programs; serves the prescribed portion of meals to participants. Provides general clean up after meals: cleans all equipment and work areas; washes and sanitizes food service wares. Prepares meals according to established menus, recipes, and number of clients to be served. Assists in food preparation for special events at different senior centers as needed. Attends in-service training. Performs other duties as assigned.

Nutrition San Francisco
Center Coordinator
- Self-Help for the Elderly is seeking an Center Coordinator who is responsible for managing the daily operation of activities and services at a senior center.
- Qualifications: College degree preferred or high school graduated with at least three years work experience in community services. Must be self-motivated and possess leadership skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with older adults as well as individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Must be bilingual in English and Chinese (Cantonese/Mandarin). Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the internet. Must pass health screening for TB clearance. Must pass a strength test for physical fitness for the job: able to lift up to 35 pounds. Must acquire CPR and First Aid certificates within 3 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.
Meal Site Worker/Home Delivery Worker
- Self-Help for the Elderly is seeking an Center Coordinator who provides food services and performs other duties at the senior center.
- Essential Functions:
  - Assists in operating the meal programs; maintains sanitary and safe procedures in all areas of food service delivery in accordance to County Senior Nutrition Program standards.
  - Checks and keeps record of delivery time and temperature of catered food; maintains appropriate food temperature as required.
  - Prepares room and furniture for meal service and activities; directs volunteers in setting up and cleaning up the kitchen and dining areas.
  - Prepares beverages and other food items for meal programs; serves the prescribed portion of meals to participants.
  - Provides general clean up after meals: cleans all equipment and work areas; washes and sanitizes food service wares.
  - Prepares meals according to established menus, recipes, and number of clients to be served.
  - Assists in food preparation for special events at different senior centers as needed.
  - Attends in-service training.
  - Performs other duties as assigned.
- Qualifications:
  - Minimum one year of experience in community and food service.
  - Experience in food production or catering, preferred.
  - Must be bilingual in English and Chinese. Good communication skills.
  - Must pass a strength test for physical fitness for the job: ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
  - Must pass health screening for TB clearance.
  - Must obtain certification in food safety (ServSafe) within 3 months from the date of employment
Home Delivery Driver
- Self-Help for the Elderly is seeking a Home Delivery Driver who deliver meals to congregate meal sites and home delivery program participants.
- Essential Functions:
  
  Picks up and delivers meals to meal sites; packs home-delivered meals at meal site and delivers meals to clients on foot, by bus or by car.Communicates and regularly reports changes, meal status of clients and issues of operation to HDM / Transportation Coordinator. Maintains vehicle in good condition and keeps records of all services, vehicle usage/mileage. Communicates with clients on delivery requests/instructions and problems. Observes conditions and needs of clients and provides appropriate assistance and referrals. Operates vehicle in a safe manner and adheres to traffic laws. Collects and records daily donations and number of meals served. Attends driving safety and/or in-service training as assigned. Cleans home delivery containers, thermal bags and tools.Performs other duties as assigned.

Social Services
Medical Social Worker
- Provides case management services for a caseload of 17-22 clients. Responsible for the assessment of clients with multiple medical and psychosocial problems. Plans for and monitors services and interventions ensuring provision of quality care.
- Essential Functions:
  - Conducts comprehensive assessments and on-going re-assessments of the client and including psychosocial, physical and mental health, environmental and spiritual needs.
  - Writes comprehensive assessments. Based on assessment information with the client develops and initiates the Care Plan, which is client-centered, comprehensive and consistent with agency guidelines as outlined in the Policy and Procedure Manual.
  - Identifies arranges for and monitors appropriate community services base on good knowledge of Medicare, Medi-Cal, and other entitlement programs.
  - Establishes and maintains a care management relationship with clients and their significant others as appropriate, offering respect, dignity and support. Provides crisis intervention, advocacy, and problem solving and therapeutic interventions.
  - Meets with clients at least monthly, and more often as needed. Maintains court settlement agreement meeting schedule for discharges when appropriate. Reviews and modifies their Care Plan on an ongoing basis.
  - Documents via progress notes all case management activity regarding identified problems within 24 hours, adding any new problems to the service plan, as needed.
  - Maintains required paperwork and follows a clear, concise, and consistent system of charting to allow for continuity of care.
  - Ongoing evaluation for client Purchase-of-Services needs and follow-up to determine if services have been provided in a timely manner.
  - Educates clients and significant others about resources and when possible, trains them to provide their own case management.
  - Establishes and maintains open and effective communication with community providers, including physicians and other health care and social service workers. Provides appropriate information on all significant aspects of individual client care and program operations, while maintaining necessary confidentiality.
  - Monitors the quantity and quality of the services provided by other involved providers.
  - Working closely with the team, continuously evaluates the clients’ ability to remain safely at home; coordinates placement as appropriate, according to agency guidelines.
  - In collaboration with the client, caregiver, and involved services, terminates clients when appropriate. Documents the process as required.
  - Participates in research studies and data collection, as required.
  - Participates in and promotes ongoing efforts towards Continuous Quality Improvement.
  - Attends and actively participates in team and program meetings, activities and problem-solving endeavors; contributes to open lines of communication within the team.
  - Utilizes supervision appropriately; maintaining open lines of communication and providing updates on caseload activity.
  - Actively incorporates the ethical standards of the National Association of Social Workers into all aspects of interactions with others.
  - Understands and applies the regulatory and procedural requirements of agency as well as the policies and procedures of the local, state and federal.
  - Attends continuing education classes and/or in-service training to increase knowledge, skills and attitudes related to case management, gerontology, family and community systems and other areas relevant to the Community Living Fund client population.
  - All other reasonably related responsibilities as assigned.
- Qualifications:
  - Master's degree in Social Work required.
  - One year’s experience working with disabled adults and/or frail elderly required.
  - Experience with and understanding of the medical and psychosocial problems of functionally impaired adults and the frail elderly.
  - Bilingual highly preferred; English plus Cantonese and / or Mandarin.
  - Exceptional communication and presentation skills relating to the frail elderly, functionally impaired adults, their support systems and teams of health professionals.
  - Demonstrates case management skills and experience in the community health care delivery system.
  - Detail oriented with good problem solving skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
  - Computer literacy required.
  - Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
  - Ability to reach, bend, and walk.
  - Five finger manipulation.
  - Ability to speak and write English clearly.
Senior Escort Service Worker
- Self-Help for the Elderly is seeking Senior Escort Service Worker who will be responsible for providing escort services to Asian-American adults to perform activities such as bank, grocery shopping, medical or dental appointments, senior centers etc.
- Required to attend required training once hired. Must have interest to work with older adults and disabled adults. Ability to work independently and in a team environment. Bilingual in English and Chinese. Be able to follow emergency procedures and call 911 when needed, report to related department. Familiar with the community of San Francisco. First aid and CPR certificates 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.