Outdoor Services Worker - Commission on Aging

Outdoor Maintenance Assistant

Grand Traverse County is a team of passionate and incredible people who are committed to providing responsive, effective quality service to our up-north community. We strive to be a leader in innovative, effective, collaborative, and sustainable county government. We offer stable work environments and competitive salaries to both full-time and part-time employees. Understanding the many challenges facing today's professionals and families, we offer a competitive compensation package including an impressive list of benefits and time off.

Primary function of the job is to provide outdoor maintenance assistance to clients of the Commission on Aging, such as mowing grass, snow plowing, leaf removal and outside window washing.

Employees work as part of a team and are responsible for ensuring that the team meets its objectives.

Employees must meet the minimum requirements, conditions of employment, and be able to perform successfully all essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations.

The work schedule may be irregular depending on the weather, season, or the number and needs of clients requesting service. It may also require travel by the employee in the employee's own vehicle.

Primary duties and responsibilities (may include but are not limited to the following):

• Performs a variety of manual tasks to assist clients with the proper maintenance of their homes and yard which may include the following.
• Cuts grass, blows and rakes leaves, weed whips and removes debris.
• Removes snow and clears walkways and driveways with a shovel, snow blower or snowplow.
• Washes windows.
• Repairs and replaces mailboxes and posts.
• Performs basic, regular maintenance of vehicles and equipment used in performing chores.
• Interacts with clients, performs basic checks and monitoring of client situation and environment, reports all potentially harmful or unusual situations to a supervisor.
• Prepares and maintains accurate records of client services and related information.
• Uses smart phone and iPad app to track schedule and tasks performed.
• Participates in staff meetings, training sessions, and/or other related meetings.

Education, formal training, and experience (minimum requirements)

• Graduation from high school or G.E.D. preferred but not required
• Experience performing yard work, snow removal, minor equipment maintenance, or similar work required (at least one year related experience preferred. Experience working with senior citizens preferred, but not required.

Certifications, licenses (minimum requirements)

• Requires a valid driver's license and personal vehicle insurance and must maintain eligibility to drive as per the County's Vehicle policy.
• CPR Certification

Conditions of employment (legal or contractual pre-employment obligations and/or requirements, such as drug testing, background check, etc.)

A background check may be required initially and periodically for an individual hired, transferred, reclassified, promoted, or currently working in this job. Appointment to or continued employment in this job is contingent upon a satisfactory background check which may include but is not limited to confirmation of a persons' identity; review of criminal conviction records; verification of educational degree, license, or certificate required for the position; review of Department of Motor Vehicles records; Department of Justice fingerprint scan; and/or drug and alcohol testing as required and allowable by law. A satisfactory background check is defined as the absence of a criminal history record which bears a demonstrable relationship to the applicant's or employee's suitability to perform the required duties and responsibilities of the position.

Distinguishing characteristics

Manual labor for job tasks is required and includes regular contacts with senior clients (age 60 and over) of the Commission on Aging, and co-workers to obtain and/or provide information. Supervision consists of general instructions in new assignments with advice and assistance from Team Leader and Program Supervisor.

Physical demands, work environment, and other requirements

• May be required to balance; reach with hands and arms; sit; stand; stoop, kneel, or crouch; talk and hear; smell; use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• Position regularly works in an outdoor environment with exposure to weather-related heat and cold, rain, wind, and related elements.
• May be exposed to moving mechanical parts, vibrations, fumes or airborne particles and infectious diseases.
• May be required to lift/move up to 25 pounds frequently, and potentially up to 100 pounds occasionally.

Knowledge, skills, abilities, competencies (minimum requirements)

• Basic knowledge of English in order to interact effectively with clients and co-workers, as well as to prepare necessary paperwork
• Interpersonal skills necessary to work courteously and effectively with other employees and the public.
• Sensitivity to the needs of older adults.
• Ability to operate equipment required to perform essential tasks (such as lawn mowers and snow removal equipment, etc.) safely and in the manner for which they were designed
• Ability to perform manual labor tasks
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
• Ability to use sound judgment to detect unusual, harmful, or emergency situations and act accordingly
• Ability to use County resources effectively and efficiently.

Compensation:

Starting Hourly Rate: $18.26 USD

Grand Traverse County is a great place to live, work and play. Come join our team and experience what northern Michigan is all about, apply today!

You really should see what we have to offer:

• Medical: The County offers employees a high-deductible plan through Priority Health. To help cover the cost of the deductible, Grand Traverse County will deposit a contribution amount up to $2,000 into an employee Health Savings Account every year. You may also direct deposit funds into this account every pay period.
• Vision: The County provides a no cost plan for employees. We also offer an enhanced plan through EyeMed.
• Dental: Our dental insurance provider is Delta Dental. You will pay no costs or premium for diagnostic and cleaning services.
• Wellness: Grand Traverse County is committed to creating a culture of health. We provide a variety of incentives and programs that allow you to live a healthy lifestyle.
• Employee Recognition: We highly value our employees, which we show by providing our employees awards and recognition throughout the year, and on anniversary dates.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Employees are reimbursed up to $5,250 annually for enrollment in courses at an accredited college, university, or trade school.
• Vacation: Grand Traverse County provides a generous amount of vacation days to benefitted employees so you can spend time with family and friends.
• Holidays: The County gives you 12 days a year to celebrate holidays. Beyond these 12 days, you will receive additional floating holidays to use at your discretion.
• Personal Leave: Employees receive up to 72 hours annually depending on contract, to use for appointments, take care of family needs and other personal reasons. Employees are paid every year for unused personal leave up to 40 hours.
• Parental Leave: Employees may take up to 6 months of leave to begin at birth or date of adoption of their child.
• Retirement: Grand Traverse County offers a defined contribution through MERS. The plan includes a generous match that fully vests after 6 years of employment.
• 457(b) Retirement Plans: The County also offers optional 457(b) deferred compensation and Roth retirement plans with matching contributions up to an approved amount, based on applicable contract provisions.
• Life Insurance: Benefitted employees automatically receive life insurance.
• Short Term Disability: The County provides a plan through Mutual of Omaha, which pays two thirds of your salary or wages for a maximum of 182 days.
• Long Term Disability: The County provides a plan through Mutual of Omaha, which pays 60 percent of your salary or wages for a maximum of 24 months.