The Organization Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) is an innovative New York City-based nonprofit with a mission to “harness the power of technology to change the way we age.” Founded in 2004, OATS is a national leader in empowering older adults through the provision of free access to digital technologies, intensive technology training and support, a thriving online community, and the establishment of the country’s first technology-themed community center for people aged 60 and older in Chelsea, Manhattan. OATS achieves extraordinary outcomes with older adults, improving their social engagement, health and well-being, financial security, and opportunities for social activism, creative expression, and life-long learning.

The Project

Over the next year, OATS will be a central player in a groundbreaking digital inclusion initiative at North America’s largest housing development located in Queens, New York. In partnership with the New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA), OATS will conduct needs assessment and community outreach activities, design a community-specific digital literacy program, procure and establish physical assets, and deliver innovative training and program activities.

OATS is leading this pilot initiative to maximize technology participation by residents aged 60 and over, train and support these residents in using broadband technology to enhance income and economic security, and create digital and community linkages that will help older adults continue to live successful, independent lives in their communities.

The Position

This part-time position is a unique opportunity for an energetic, results-oriented, hands-on team member to make a difference in the quality of life for older adults in the area.

Working with the project leader and other OATS staff members, the outreach coordinator will contribute in the following areas:

• Outreach engagement
  • Conduct a comprehensive outreach campaign to reach the seniors residing in the housing development
    • Outreach activities include door-knocking, home visits, information sessions, surveys, telephone calls, and other interactions.
• The goal is to create a community profile that identifies the interests, preferences and concerns of the older residents, gauges their existing levels of digital literacy, and encourages them to join the new on-site program that will offer free technology training courses and other tech-related programs, all designed to respond to their individual and community needs and empower the local older generation to become tech-savvy agents of change in their own lives and in the larger community.

The Candidate

The ideal candidate will exhibit the following characteristics:

• Culturally competent. The candidate will need the know-how to successfully navigate a diverse community, and have sufficient “street smarts” to approach and personally engage with a range of older adult residents living in a public housing development.
• Highly-organized. The candidate will be detail-oriented and meticulous about quality, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Clear and confident communicator. Perceptive listener and clear speaker.
• Strong customer service orientation. Will exhibit responsiveness and genuine interest in serving others and continually improving levels of service.
• Account management skills. When interacting with internal and external contacts, will be focused on desired outcomes, and will attain outcomes in a well-informed, mature and diplomatic manner. The ability to motivate others to make timely decisions is important.
• Familiarity with NYCHA housing, grassroots/field campaigns, and social justice issues is a plus.
• Experience using Salesforce database, Google apps, and Microsoft Office applications.
• An affinity for consumer technology (PCs, tablets, smartphones, video gaming consoles).
• The ability to work part-time with a flexible schedule, starting June 15th or sooner if possible.

Please send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@oats.org outlining how your experience and qualifications relate to the skills and characteristics that OATS is seeking. Email as Word or PDF format.

OATS is committed to maintaining a diverse environment and is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.