Aging & Adult Services- Monterey County DSS

Organization Description

The Monterey County Department of Social Services (MCDSS) administers over seventy programs that daily serve an estimated 100,000 residents of Monterey County. Department services include a variety of public assistance programs, employment services, and social services for children and their families, adults with disabilities, seniors, and military veterans. The Department is the designated agency responsible for the investigation of child, dependent adult and elder abuse in Monterey County. The mission of Monterey County Department of Social Services (MCDSS) is to promote the social and economic self-reliance of each individual and family we serve through:

  • Employment Services
  • Temporary Financial Assistance
  • Social Support Services
  • Protective Services to Children, Dependent Adults and Seniors
  • Partnerships with the Community to Develop and Support Social Change, Highlighting Personal Responsibility and Self-Sufficiency
Program Information

The Aging and Adult Services Branch provides health and social work services to seniors and people with disabilities. Our mission is to empower and serve the aging population and persons living with disabilities to live safely in their homes and with dignity.

The goal of Aging and Adult Services is to delay or prevent inappropriate institutionalization of seniors and people with disabilities. This goal is achieved through the delivery and coordination of home and community based services.

Aging and Adult Services is often the initial point of contact for people seeking information about senior services. This service can happen through phone calls and home visits. Studenst will support the agency mentors with calling clients, scheduling visits, providing clarification of services, as well as completing intakes. Home visits will be a common experience. 

Interdisciplinary opportunities include working with payroll, public authority, adult protective services, and Information Referral Assistance (IRA). 

Shadow Social Workers in the IHSS and Public Authority Units to understand the needs of the program. Assist with ideas and implementing them for recruitment of care providers.

Other: CHHS internship with Public Authority, which helps needy seniors and people with disabilities find caregivers; will likely continue efforts started by current intern to establish Facebook page for Public Authority and assist with outreach to caregivers

Projects include: Resource Guide, Database, and Advocacy support.

Desired Intern Characteristics: enthusiasm, strong communication skills, passion for elders and disabled populations

 

Health & Safety

Home visits can pose risks such as exposure to unsanitary conditions, stories of traumatic experiences, and challenging emotions.

Interns will be instructed on safety for home visits and they will always be shadowing a staff member. It is also helpful to have healthy boundaries, practice self care, and have gloves and hand sanitizer available.

There is a 1 day required Provider Orientation on Fridays.
Additional requirements and/or considerations
  • Background Check (e.g. fingerprinting/livescan, driving record)
  • TB Test
Address 
730 La Guardia St
Salinas, CA 93901
United States
Website:
http://mcdss.co.monterey.ca.us
Student Contact 
Name
Emily Nicholl
Job Title
Program Manager
Phone
(831) 755-4720
Email
nicholle@co.monterey.ca.us
Program(s) 
CHHS
Organization type 
Administrative Entity (Government)
Focus Population(s)
Adopted/Foster Youth or Young Adults, Adults, Guardians/Parents, Seniors
Focus Area(s)
Advocacy and Human Rights, Civic Engagement, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Social Justice, Education, Emergency Services & Public Safety, Food & Housing Security, Health & Medicine
Additional Focus Area(s)
Legal Assistance, Activism, Career or College Exploration, Skill Development, Safety Education, Behavioral Health, Disability Support Services, Family Planning Services, Neglect Prevention and Intervention, Patient Advocacy
Hours of operation 

M-F 8-5 Thursday morning are especially good days

Additional site tags 
senior services, Social work, Disabilities
Maximum students 
2