EPS - Training, Advocacy & Outreach Specialist

Friendly House Mission, Vision, and Values – Friendly House creates a thriving community by connecting people of all ages and backgrounds through quality educational, recreational, and other life-sustaining services.

Job Title – Elder Pride Services Training, Advocacy and Outreach Specialist

FLSA Classification –nonexempt

Salary Grade - $24.50 hour

Benefits - Paid time off and sick leave prorated by FTE. 403b with a 4% match after 90 days of employment, medical, dental, and vision coverage, 11.5 Holidays. Discounts on Preschool, After School, and Summer Camp. EAP program. Fitness center on site. 

Report to – Director of Community Services

Worksite – Primary work location is Friendly House, 1737 NW 26th Ave, Portland, OR 97210. Frequent travel across the Portland Metro area to meetings, events, training, etc. 

Schedule –Typically M-F business hours. Some weekend and evening events are required. This is primarily an in-person position, in the office and at offsite events. Once the initial training period is complete, up to two days per week may be from a remote location.

Supervision – none

Date --June 11, 2025

Job Description – Summary

This position will work collaboratively with other staff, volunteers, community partners, and funders, with the overarching goal of improving the lives of aging LGBTQ+ people through advocacy, outreach and education. The Training, Advocacy and Outreach Specialist’s time working directly with the LGBTQ+ older adult population is limited due to the extent of other work to be done. However, the Training, Advocacy and Outreach Specialist will interact at community and outreach events, through the advisory council, and other activities as time allows.

Trainings and Education: EPS provides training to a wide range of groups providing education on the strengths and challenges of LGBTQ+ older adults. The Training, Advocacy and Outreach Specialist oversees all aspects of EPS training, including, but not limited to, recruitment and onboarding of Elder Panel members, development of curriculum, scheduling, and facilitation. The EPS Elder Panel is composed of skilled volunteers who share their personal stories in training workshops, a key component of the training curriculum. 

Housing: The Training, Advocacy and Outreach Specialist is responsible for all aspects of the Housing Committee (HC). The main goal of the HC is to amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ older adults and foster safe, welcoming communities where they can thrive. This also involves forming partnerships and advocating for housing issues that affect LGBTQ+ older adults.  

Advocacy: In collaboration with community partners and advocates, the Training, Advocacy and Outreach Specialist will support and lead local, regional and national advocacy initiatives. The Training, Advocacy and Outreach Specialist is responsible for staffing the Advisory Council, designed to lead, steer, and support program activities and priorities of EPS.

Essential functions

Trainings & Education

• Lead and facilitate trainings for staff, board, and community members on LGBTQ+ topics and best practices specific to the older adult community.
• Update (as needed) and implement training curriculum and presentations for various audiences.
• Facilitate trainings, presentations and conversations to increase awareness of the needs of LGBTQ+ older adults.
• Support tabling and outreach efforts to ensure community awareness of EPS, FH, and issues which impact LGBTQ+ older adults.

Housing

• Support EPS Housing Committee in creating scope of work, successful execution of committee goals and efforts to increase housing stability and safety for LGBTQ+ older adults including recruitment of volunteer members, preparation for or delegation of the creation of meeting agendas, distribution of meeting minutes, and maintaining roster.
• Outreach and partnership with housing and care providers to provide education, training, and support to increase cultural competency among staff and residents.

Advocacy

• Participate in a wide variety of local and state advocacy efforts.
• Partner with both LGBTQ+ and Aging organizations to effect sustainable change to support the health and safety of LGBTQ+ older adults throughout the state.
• Engage with LGBTQ+ older adults to ensure participant voice is heard in advocacy.

Program support

• Support EPS committees including outreach, recruitment of volunteer members, preparation for or delegation of the creation of meeting agendas, distribution of meeting minutes, and maintaining roster. 
• Collaborate with EPS team to support programming.
• Collaborate with EPS team in developing materials and resources to assist with reporting, updates, and analysis.

Other Responsibilities

• With EPS team, collaborate with Marketing and Development to assist with and provide input into fundraising efforts.
• Contribute towards Friendly House’s mission and goal of building community. Positively promote and encourage a supportive culture reflective of Friendly House values, mission, and history.
• Report any alleged or perceived abuse or neglect of an older adult to Adult Protective Services (APS).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social services, gerontology, or related field OR two years of experience in advocacy and outreach, preferably working with older adults or LGBTQ+ people, OR a combination of education and experience.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including public speaking/comfortable speaking to large groups.
• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Adaptable, can work with ambiguity, creative problem solver, self-starter, independent, and collaborative.
• Knowledge of best practices and/or lived experience in the LGBTQ+ community.
• Knowledge of best practices and/or lived experience with aging people.
• Valid driver’s license, current insurance which meets FH standard, must pass MVR. Must have access to a vehicle; this position cannot be completed utilizing solely public transportation.

Physical Requirements

Employees must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time up to 30-50%, with the ability to move, traverse in the office and work environment. Use hands/fingers to handle/ or feel. Operate the computer and other office equipment. Occasionally ascend stairs or walk in uneven terrain. May need to stoop, kneel, crouch, bend. Communicate information and ideas so others will understand and exchange accurate information in these situations. The ability to see or observe detail at close range. May lift or move items up to 30lbs. May be exposed to smells, cold/heat and outdoor environments.  

If requested, reasonable accommodation will be made available to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent of undue hardship. 

Affirmation Action/EEO Statement

It is the policy of Friendly House to treat all people with dignity and respect. The agency prohibits discrimination based upon race, sex, religion, color, gender identity, age, national origin, marital or familial status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, citizenship status, military service, veteran status, housing status, source of income, political affiliation, union affiliation, physical or mental disability or other protected status in accordance with applicable law. In addition, we shall not discriminate against minority-owned, women-owned or emerging small business.