City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve the revised addendum for the Senior
and Social Services Specialist (Disability Services) classification specification.
BACKGROUND
The Senior and Social Services Specialist classification (Attachment 1) includes
addendums for each of the different programs to which incumbents can be assigned,
i.e., Disability Services, Social Services, Nutrition Services, Programming, and the
Retired Senior Volunteer Program. In light of the recent vacancy within Disability
Services, Staff has reviewed the addendum and is proposing various revisions to
reflect changes that have occurred with the position.
DISCUSSION
An analysis of the Senior & Social Services Specialist classification indicates that it
is reflective of the general functions associated with the classification; however, the
Disability Services Addendum no longer meets the needs of the department or the
growing needs of the community. Expanding the services currently provided is
paramount to meeting these needs. Members of the Disability Advisory Committee
have reviewed and are in agreement with the proposed revisions.
Minor revisions have been made to eliminate the duties and responsibilities that are
no longer associated with the position. The following significant changes have been
made to the Disability Services Addendum:
Meeting Date: 12/10/07 Item Number: A-13
AGENDA ITEM: Approval of the Revised Classification Specification for Senior
and Social Services Specialist (Disability Services).
Contact Person/Dept.: Mary Ortiz Phone Number: 310-253-5650
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [ x ] General Fund: Yes [] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [x] Attachments: [x]
Public Notification: Master Notification List, Culver City Employees Association on
December 5, 2007
Department Approval:
Serena Wright (12/05/07)
City Attorney Approval:
Carol Schwab (by H. Iker) (12/05/07)
Fiscal Impact Review:
Marlee Chang (12/05/07)
City Manager Approval:
Jerry B. Fulwood (12/05/07) City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
• The “Essential Duties” section has been revised to specify that the position,
“in collaboration with other city staff and community-based disability
organizations, assists in providing services, resources, and advocacy for
people with disabilities and provides a revised list of disability related
services.” In addition, the reference to the maintenance of an emergency
database of disabled city residents has been added to reflect a duty that is
already associated with this position but which had not been documented
previously.
• The “Requirement” section has been revised to reference the acceptability of
“any combination equivalent to training and experience that could likely
provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities.” In addition, Recreation
Administration and Rehabilitation & Disability have been added as examples
of acceptable fields of study.
The Civil Service Commission approved the revised Disability Services addendum
(Attachment 2) for the Senior and Social Services Specialist classification
specification at the November 7, 2007 meeting (Attachment 3).
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is no additional cost associated with the Disability Services revised addendum
for the Senior and Social Services Specialist classification specification.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Classification Specification for Senior and Social Services Specialist
2. Revised Disability Services addendum
3. Draft of Meeting Minutes for Civil Service Commission dated 11/07/07
MOTION
That the City Council:
Approve the revised Disability Services Addendum for the Senior and Social
Services Specialist classification specification.
ATTACHMENT 1
Revised November 2007 1
Revised May 2002
November 1998
SENIOR AND SOCIAL SERVICES SPECIALIST
DEFINITION
Occupants of this classification are in the classified service and contribute to the effective day-
to-day functioning of Division programs by providing a full range of client services and
programs. The incumbents of this classification require minimal supervision. The work
performed will vary considerably based upon which specialty the position is assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a generic job description, to describe the general duties that are characteristic to all of
the Specialist positions. Specific job duties for each position are provided as addendum
attachments.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
The incumbents of this classification report to the Senior and Social Services Supervisor and/or
may report to the Senior and Social Services Manager.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
The following tasks are essential for this position. Incumbents in this classification may not
perform all of these tasks, or may perform similar related tasks not listed here.
1. Responds to a high volume of daily public service requests and inquiries, both in person
and by telephone, referring to other staff and agencies as necessary.
2. Provides supportive counseling for clients with a variety of service or emotional needs,
requiring utilization of listening, behavioral management, and problem solving skills.
3. Coordinates programs, events and provision of services as required by service specialty
and Center operations. Coordination may include but not be limited to: networking with
public and private agencies and organizations to secure cooperative support efforts; fund-
raising; budget planning; marketing of events utilizing public relation skills; develop staffing
for event, including utilization of volunteers; planning of event; functional operational plan;
and ensuring safety of the public at all times.
4. Maintains records of service provisions and program activities in order to utilize data for
operation studies and required reports. When appropriate, maintain client records and Page 2
Senior and Social Services Specialist
2
waiting list information. Utilize data to enhance programs and services and develop
program/service enhancements or expansions to meet program participant and social
needs.
5. Participates in advisory councils and network organization committees/activities having a
direct impact on Center programs.
6. Assists in the preparation of the annual Division budget.
7. Trains, supervises, and monitors part-time and volunteer staff. Ensures proper, efficient
and courteous delivery of service to the public.
8. Prepares and submits reports in a timely fashion, including but not limited to: grant
proposals and reports (as required); budget information; monthly, quarterly, and annual
Commission Reports; monthly newsletter information.
MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY
Knowledge of:
• Social services and programs available to seniors and the disabled.
• Community outreach resources.
• Counseling techniques.
• Program development.
• Methods of employee selection and supervision.
• Networking with other allied professionals and agencies specializing in senior adult/disability
programs and services.
• Office procedures and equipment.
• Budget management practices, including basic bookkeeping and cash management.
• Event planning and organization skills.
Skill and Ability to:
• Work with a diverse group of people and personalities.
• Coordinate and manage multiple activities simultaneously.
• Communicate effectively in both verbal and written form.
• Convey information clearly to the general public.
• Properly operate office machines such as adding machines, computers, copy machines and
fax machines.
• Maintain records, research, document information, and write reports.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions, work independently in the absence of
supervision.
• Interpret rules and regulations and effectively apply to assigned work.
• Organize work effectively, in order that deadlines are met while standards for accuracy and
detail are fully achieved. Page 3
Senior and Social Services Specialist
3
• Utilize strong interpersonal skills with a diverse socioeconomic and cultural population.
• Implement programs.
• Work cooperatively with supervisors and fellow employees.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATE
Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license may be required if assigned to drive.
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination equivalent to training and experience that could likely provide the required
knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge,
skills, and abilities would be: a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a
minimum of two (2) years full-time professional experience in a social service setting, including
a high volume of interaction with the public. A Master’s Degree can be substituted for one year
of work experience.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
• Require vision (which may be corrected) to read small print.
• Require mobility of arms to reach and dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small
objects. Lower body mobility may not be required.
• Perform lifting, pushing and/or pulling which does not exceed 50 pounds and is an
infrequent aspect of the job.
• Is subject to office environmental conditions.
• May be required to work evenings or weekends.
ATTACHMENT 2
Revised November 2007 1
November 1998
ADDENDUM: DISABILITY SERVICES
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
The following tasks are essential for this position. Incumbents in this classification may
not perform all of these tasks, or may perform similar related tasks not listed here.
1. Responds to requests from the public for assistance with disability-related services
In collaboration with other City staff and community-based disability organizations,
assists in providing services, resources, and advocacy for people with disabilities.
These services may be related to needs such as housing, transportation,
counseling, social security, employment, in-home support services, education,
support groups, health insurance, recreation, mental health services, etc.
2. Oversees the administration of the Culver City Lift Van para-transit program,
including screening applicants to determine eligibility. 4. May supervise, monitor
and/or assist City staff in conducting disability service related programs, and
fulfilling all the grant requirements, including monthly and annual report writing.
3. 9. Maintains accurate records of public assistance contact, agency interaction, and
facility use by organizations serving the disabled, for office statistical support and
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) reporting requirements.
4. Coordinates meeting and activity arrangements for local disability support
organizations using Culver City facilities.
5. Counsels newly-disabled individuals/families in adjusting to a disability, providing
resources and referrals as indicated.
6. Develops community awareness programs and outreach to educate and sensitize
the general public as to the needs and abilities of people with disabling conditions.
3. Provides assistance and support with developing recreational opportunities for
people with disabilities and assists department staff in making existing programs
more accessible. Plans and implements This would include the planning and
implementation of community-wide special events for the disabled.
7. 2. Develops diverse programs and training materials and provides direct support to
assist City employees in interacting with co-workers and members of the general
public who have disabilities.
8. 10. Maintains a current and thorough working knowledge of the Americans with
Disability Act, Title 24 of the California Building Code, the Fair Housing Act, and
provisions of the California Government Code, Health & Safety Code, Vehicle
Code, Elections Code and Public Resources Code as applied to the Accessibility
Statutory Section.
9. Reviews City Council agendas, interoffice memorandums, meeting notices,
departmental reports, and other literature/correspondence to identify situations
where accessibility issues/needs should be addressed. Page 2 – Senior and Social Services Specialist Addendum (Disability Services)
Revised November 2007 2
November 1998
10. 11. Reviews legislative mandates, City documents and conducts site visits of major
remodeling and new construction projects in the City for to verify compliance
conformity with state and federal access mandates. and Makes recommendations
as appropriate.
11. Provides technical assistance to all City departments to ensure that all legislative
mandates relating to disability are being complied with.
12. 12. Evaluates and makes recommendations regarding City department programs,
policies, and site conditions to ensure access and compliance with all applicable
laws. Reviews the City’s ADA Transition Plan to monitor progress and updates as
necessary.
13. Conducts site visits to investigate complaints of barriers to access, and code
violations, and makes reports to the Building Official.
14. 6. Monitors and documents ongoing needs and requests from the public for access
projects for consideration of funding by the Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) program.
15. 7. In collaboration with other City staff, solicits and reviews bids and specifications
for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funded projects.
16. Oversees the acquisition, installation, and maintenance/repair of equipment for
disability programs and access in the community.
17. 8. Prepares semi-annual quarterly Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
reports for all disability program services and access projects.
18. 13. Attends meetings, networks with community-based organizations, and serves
on committees related to disability issues.
19. Networks with community-based disability organizations. Ensures that clients
receive appropriate services offered by both the City and the respective agency
programs.
20. Provides consultation to local businesses, special event coordinators, and to the
Culver City School District to ensure accessibility provisions are being addressed.
21. Seeks eligible students with disabilities from the school district for special
opportunities such as scholarships and leadership training as notices are received.
22. 14. Makes presentations to a wide variety of groups and organizations discussing
the issues and needs relating to individuals with disabilities as well as information
on City programs and services available.
5. Maintains an emergency database of Culver City residents who have disabilities and
may need assistance in the event of a disaster.
REQUIREMENTS
Any combination equivalent to training and experience that could likely provide the
required knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain this Page 3 – Senior and Social Services Specialist Addendum (Disability Services)
Revised November 2007 3
November 1998
would be: a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Recreation
Administration, Rehabilitation and Disability, Social Work, Public Administration, or a
related field appropriate to working with people who have disabilities. and a minimum of
two (2) years full-time professional experience in a social service setting. focusing on
Must have coursework or experience in relation to disability related issues, including but
not limited to working with people with disabilities. Experience with disability
programming is desirable. A Master’s Degree can be substituted for one year of work
experience.