Commission on Aging

July 26, 2021 1pm UPDATE
Boyne Area Senior Center Closed due to Positive Covid 19 exposure.
We have had a positive Covid19 case in our Boyne Area Senior Center confirmed this morning. The individual was vaccinated for Covid and a Senior. The Boyne Area Senior Center will be closed to the public July 26-July 30 for deep cleaning, Quarantine and Home Delivered meals will be provided tomorrow for the week. The Boyne Area Senior Center will be closed to the public August 2 – 6 but we will be providing hot curbside pick up and home delivered meals that week from that center as long as we have staff able to provide this service. Boyne area seniors can go to any of our other locations for their lunches. We hope to reopen the center to the public again on Monday, August 9, 2021.

We encourage you to get vaccinated if you have not already. You can still get COVID if you are vaccinated but the illness it presents is less severe.

July 12, 2021

Employer:  Charlevoix County 
Position: Charlevoix Senior Center Cook  - Full Time
Department: Commission on Aging 
Pay Range:  Full time $16.62 to start, includes benefits and retirement

OVERVIEW of Position and Duties: 
Charlevoix County Commission on Aging is seeking a full time Charlevoix Northside Charlevoix Senior Center Cook.  This position is Monday through Friday, 7:30a – 4:30p for 40 hours a week.  No Weekends, no evenings but will need to work Wednesday evenings April through September until 7p starting aging in 2022 on a revised schedule.  This position is responsible for the daily COA senior center meals for Charlevoix, based in the Northside Charlevoix County Campus.  Routine duties include daily meal preparation for congregate and home delivered meals, assisting with meal services such as packaging or serving as needed, and daily cleaning of the kitchen.  The right person needs to love to work with seniors, and for seniors, on an independent basis.  They should be creative, positive, outgoing, dependable, flexible. The right person also will be supporting meals for the other Senior Center Locations, Charlevoix County offices and Community at the Northside Campus when not doing senior center daily meals. 

 This job posting is presented as an overview and should not be considered all-inclusive.  A full job description is available upon request or at the time of interview.

MANDATORY Requirements:
Must have cooking experience for large crowds
Must possess the physical abilities to lift a maximum of 50 pounds and transfer items to and from vehicles and/or dining and office facilities 
Strong positive communication skills
Strong time management skills

 Environment:

This position is based in a climate-controlled office building atmosphere, with various locations including a gymnasium, senior center, commercial kitchen and multiple offices

How to Apply:  Applications are available for download from the Charlevoix County website “Employment Opportunities” page, and need to be submitted by Friday, July 23, 2021 either via email to administration@charlevoixcounty.org, or via mail to:  Human Resources, 301 State St., Charlevoix, MI  49720.  Charlevoix County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

June16, 2021
WE ARE HIRING!  5 Part time positions.

Employer:  Charlevoix County 
Position: Charlevoix Senior Center Cooks - (2) 
Department: Commission on Aging 
Pay Range:  Part time $14.19 to start

OVERVIEW of Position and Duties:
Charlevoix County Commission on Aging is seeking a part time Charlevoix Northside Charlevoix Senior Center Cook.  This position is Monday through Friday, 8a-1:30p for 25 hours a week.  No Weekends, no evenings but will need to work Wednesday evenings April through September until 7p starting aging in 2022.  This position is responsible for the daily COA senior center meals for Charlevoix, based in the Northside Charlevoix County Campus.  Routine duties include daily meal preparation for congregate and home delivered meals, assisting with meal services such as packaging or serving as needed, and daily cleaning of the kitchen.  The right person needs to love to work with seniors, and for seniors, on an independent basis.  They should be creative, positive, outgoing, dependable, flexible. The right person also will be supporting meals for the County offices and Community at the Northside Campus when not doing senior center meals. 

 This job posting is presented as an overview and should not be considered all-inclusive.  A full job description is available upon request or at the time of interview.

MANDATORY Requirements: 
Must have cooking experience for large crowds 
Must possess the physical abilities to lift a maximum of 50 pounds and transfer items to and from vehicles and/or dining and office facilities 
Strong positive communication skills

 Environment: 
This position is based in a climate-controlled office building atmosphere, with various locations including a gymnasium, senior center, commercial kitchen and multiple offices

How to Apply:  Applications are available for download from the Charlevoix County website “Employment Opportunities” page, and need to be submitted by Wednesday, June 30, 2021 either via email to administration@charlevoixcounty.org, or via mail to:  Human Resources, 301 State St., Charlevoix, MI  49720.  Charlevoix County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Employer:  Charlevoix County 
Position: East Jordan Senior Center Cook 
Department: Commission on Aging 
Pay Range:  Part time $14.19 to start

OVERVIEW of Position and Duties: 
Charlevoix County Commission on Aging is seeking a part time East Jordan Senior Center Cook.  This position is Monday through Friday, 8a-1:30p for 25 hours a week.  No Weekends, no evenings but will need to work Wednesday evenings April through September until 7p starting aging in 2022.  This position is responsible for the daily COA senior center meals for East Jordan, based in the East Jordan Senior Center.  Routine duties include daily meal preparation for congregate and home delivered meals, assisting with meal services such as packaging or serving as needed, and daily cleaning of the kitchen.  The right person needs to love to work with seniors, and for seniors, on an independent basis.  They should be creative, positive, outgoing, dependable, flexible.

 This job posting is presented as an overview and should not be considered all-inclusive.  A full job description is available upon request or at the time of interview.

MANDATORY Requirements: 
Must have cooking experience for large crowds 
Must possess the physical abilities to lift a maximum of 50 pounds and transfer items to and from vehicles and/or dining and office facilities 
Strong positive communication skills

 Environment:
This position is based in a climate-controlled office building atmosphere, with various locations including a gymnasium, senior center, commercial kitchen and multiple offices

How to Apply:  Applications are available for download from the Charlevoix County website “Employment Opportunities” page, and need to be submitted by Wednesday, June 30, 2021 either via email to administration@charlevoixcounty.org, or via mail to:  Human Resources, 301 State St., Charlevoix, MI  49720.  Charlevoix County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Employer:  Charlevoix County 
Position: Floater Senior Center Cook 
Department: Commission on Aging 
Pay Range:  Part time $14.19 to start

OVERVIEW of Position and Duties:

Charlevoix County Commission on Aging is seeking a part time Floater Senior Center Cook.  This position is Monday through Friday, 8a-1:30p for 25 hours a week.  No Weekends, no evenings but will need to work Wednesday evenings April through September until 7p starting aging in 2022.  This position is responsible for the daily COA senior center meals at the senior centers, based daily in one of the three Senior Centers: Charlevoix, East Jordan and Boyne Area Senior Centers.  Routine duties include daily meal preparation for congregate and home delivered meals, assisting with meal services such as packaging or serving as needed, and daily cleaning of the kitchen.  The right person needs to love to work with seniors, and for seniors, on an independent basis.  They should be creative, positive, outgoing, dependable, flexible.

 This job posting is presented as an overview and should not be considered all-inclusive.  A full job description is available upon request or at the time of interview.

MANDATORY Requirements: 
Must have cooking experience for large crowds 
Must possess the physical abilities to lift a maximum of 50 pounds and transfer items to and from vehicles and/or dining and office facilities 
Strong positive communication skills 
Must possess a valid driver’s license to travel from one location to the other

 Environment:
This position is based in a climate-controlled office building atmosphere, with various locations including a gymnasium, senior center, commercial kitchen and multiple offices

How to Apply:  Applications are available for download from the Charlevoix County website “Employment Opportunities” page, and need to be submitted by Wednesday, June 30, 2021 either via email to administration@charlevoixcounty.org, or via mail to:  Human Resources, 301 State St., Charlevoix, MI  49720.  Charlevoix County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Employer:  Charlevoix County 
Position: Boyne Senior Services Assistant 
Department: Commission on Aging 
Pay Range:  Part time $14.19 to start

OVERVIEW of Position and Duties: 
Charlevoix County Commission on Aging is seeking a part time Senior Services Assistant for the Boyne Area Senior Center.  This position is Monday through Friday, 8a-1:30p for 25 hours a week.  No Weekends, no evenings but will need to work Wednesday evenings April through September until 7p starting aging in 2022.  This position is responsible for assisting the daily preparation of the congregate and home delivered meals for Boyne seniors, being a back up home delivered meal driver, and assisting when needed with activities and functions in the Senior Center.  No experience is necessary.  The right person needs to love to work with seniors, and for seniors, on an independent basis.  They should be creative, positive, outgoing, dependable, flexible.

 This job posting is presented as an overview and should not be considered all-inclusive.  A full job description is available upon request or at the time of interview.

MANDATORY Requirements: 
Must possess the physical abilities to lift a maximum of 50 pounds and transfer items to and from vehicles and/or dining and office facilities 
Strong positive communication skills 
Must possess a valid driver’s license to travel from one location to the other

Environment:
This position is based in a climate-controlled office building atmosphere, with various locations including a gymnasium, senior center, commercial kitchen and multiple offices

How to Apply:  Applications are available for download from the Charlevoix County website “Employment Opportunities” page, and need to be submitted by Wednesday, June 30, 2021 either via email to administration@charlevoixcounty.org, or via mail to:  Human Resources, 301 State St., Charlevoix, MI  49720.  Charlevoix County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

June 9, 2021 Update

June 2, 2021 Phased Welcoming Back of our Aging Community!

Senior Center Reopening Guidelines – Non-Nutritional Programs Only

 As we welcome our seniors back to the centers, we want to inform you about our new health and safety guidelines in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The safety of our seniors and staff is our top priority. In order to provide a healthy environment, we have closely monitored state and local requirements and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. Some things will be different, including added cleaning regimens, more safety precautions, and limited building hours. Some of these changes may be temporary, and some may stay in place long term. Programs & classes will be added in a staggered format with your safety and well-being our highest priority.

 What We Have Done to Make the Facility as Safe as Possible:

• Thoroughly cleaned the entire facility including the fogging of the facility with a disinfectant that is EPA & NSF registered and a cover shield. Vital oxide is an anti-microbial protector;
• Barrier/Sneeze guards installed at all areas where staff and members interact face to face;
• HVAC filters will be changed more frequently;
• Removed all unnecessary touchpoints, especially those that cannot be sanitized;
• Hand sanitizer stations located throughout the facility and at every entrance/exit;
• Placement of tissues for proper cough/sneeze etiquette and no-touch disposal receptacles;
• Appropriate social distancing practices have been developed for all activities including:
  • Calculation of social distancing capacity of each room;
  • Rearranging of tables with distance requirements of 6 ft. and removed chairs to limit or space out patrons;
  • Entrance and exit restrictions for seniors;
  • Removal of unnecessary equipment, furniture & tables;
• Disconnected all water fountains, and self-serve items (coffee and hot water machines);
• Staff will be temperature checked, screened and wear a mask.

 How to Participate in Activities:

In order to simplify operations to keep seniors and staff safe, only those seniors who have made a reservation to participate in specific classes and activities will be allowed in the senior center. Seniors will be required to register for all senior center activities that are free or involve a fee ahead of time. There will be no “drop-ins” and no use of the facility for socializing at this time unless it is a scheduled social time.

 Reservation Process for All On-Site Activities:

Register for all senior center activities that are free or involve a fee ahead of time by calling the senior center site coordinator at the senior center you wish to go to.

• Brenda – East Jordan Senior Center 231-536-7831
• Loretta – Boyne Area Senior Center 231-582-6682
• Vikki – Charlevoix Senior Center 231- 547-3844
• Lonnie – Beaver Island COA Office 231-448-2124

On-Site Activities:

• Fitness Activities: Low impact games, exercise classes will be held in the gym, designated exercise room or dining area.
• Walking: Will occur in their designated appropriate locations such as the gym or dining area.
• Enrichment, Games & Art and Woodshop Programs: These programs will be held in the Gym or dining area.
• Appointments with the Foot Clinic Nurse: Call the senior center site coordinator at the senior center you wish to go to.

Health & Safety Guidelines for the Senior Centers:

The following health and safety guidelines are what you can expect when you visit the center.

• Everyone must wear a face covering in the building at all times. If you do not have a face covering, one will be provided to you.
• The water coolers are not available, so please bring a water bottle or beverage.
• Adhere to social distancing and directional signs throughout the facility.
• Facility access is limited to the area in which your activity is being held.
• Staff and signage will direct participants to available bathrooms.
• Arrive 10 minutes before scheduled class or program.
• All seniors will enter through the main entrance and park in the parking lot.
• Members will be greeted by staff who will provide the following:
  • No-contact temperature check and;
  • Conduct a health screening, verify your reservation or appointment, and collect a signed revised Code of Conduct/Disclaimer. The revised Code of Conduct/Disclaimer is available on the website to download and sign prior to your reservation and will also be available at check-in.
• Once the above process is completed, staff will provide entrance to the facility.
• Upon entering the facility, use the hand sanitizer in the vestibule.
• The site coordinator will guide you to your reserved activity.
• Once the reserved activity is completed, you will be asked to leave the facility through the main door.

Temporary Building Hours: Monday-Friday when activities are scheduled.  Building is not open to meals at this time.  Meals are provided by curbside pickup, disaster meals and home delivered meals.

Facility Cleaning and Disinfecting

The COA has conducted a risk assessment considering federal and state guidance and has made changes that will reduce possible COVID-19 exposure. In the event of an COVID-19 exposure from an employee or visitor the facility will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with EPA and CDC recommended products and procedures. In addition, on-going scheduled disinfecting and cleaning will be conducted throughout the day. The ongoing cleaning schedule will include: Hourly or periodic disinfection checklists for any hard surfaces – tables, chairs, computer screens, door knobs, railings, countertops (frequently touched surfaces and objects).

 Exposure: The COA has taken the steps to minimize exposure of COVID-19 by providing training and educating employees on protective behaviors that reduce the spread of COVID-19. Part of our education is understanding the exposure of COVID-19. Infected people can spread COVID-19 to other people. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person, including:

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• By touching a surface or object that has COVID-19 on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
• People are most contagious when they are most symptomatic {i.e., experiencing fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath}.
• Spread is also possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this type of asymptomatic transmission with this new coronavirus.
• The CDC website provides the latest information about COVID-19 transmission: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html.

 Isolation Room: If an employee, volunteer, or senior gets sick while at the senior center, they will be directed to leave the premises. If they do not have means to leave at that moment, they will be directed to the isolation room until transportation arrangements can be made.

Hygiene: All individuals in the facility need to continue safe personal hygiene including frequent, vigorous washing of hands for at least 20 seconds, disinfecting personal work surfaces, using hand sanitizers, avoid touching your face, wearing a mask or face shield, and practicing social distancing. 

Social Distancing: The COA has taken measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the potential risk of exposure to visitors by implementing social distancing in the facility. Social distancing will include but is not limited to:

• Restricting the number of visitors present on premises
• Keeping everyone on the premises, at least six feet from one another to the maximum extent possible, including members standing in line.

Confirmed Cases:  If an employee, volunteer, or senior has a confirmed case of COVID-19:

• The COA Assistant Director or Executive Director will:
  • Notify the County Health Department of a confirmed case so that all persons who may have come into close contact with the infected individual within the past 14 days can be contacted.
• The entire facility, or the affected parts of the facility (depending upon the individual’s presence in the facility) will be closed and thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
• The infected individual will not be allowed back into the facility until the following conditions, consistent with CDC and OSHA guidelines, have been met:
  • No fever for at least 72 hours, other symptoms have improved, and at least 14 days have passed since the first symptoms appeared

Thank you for your patience and continued support. We will keep monitoring federal, state, and local officials and policies for your health and safety.

COA:
The Charlevoix County Commission on Aging continues to assess and re-assess as the State opens regions with less reports of the virus. Our desire is two-fold; keep our seniors safe and healthy and provide information and opportunities when safe and appropriate. Based on the recommendations from MDHHS, we will not reopen for congregate meal service until 60 days after we enter the proposed safe Risk Phase. In the meantime, we are planning a strategic and careful course forward as we re-engage in providing services inside and outside of our building.

There are many areas of consideration as we look to re-engage. We are required to have COVID-19 reopening plans that safely outline our strategy to protect seniors and staff. We must be certain that staff have the appropriate protections in order to not become infected or further spread the disease to seniors. We must be certain that we have ample and appropriate cleaning products to protect seniors from risk of infection. We must make accommodations for staff who are over 60 or those with underlying health conditions, as it is currently medically inadvisable for them to return to direct service work. We have continued to distribute Home Delivered Meals daily, Curbside Meals daily and Weekly Disaster meals along with other nutritional support so we need to be careful that our reopening plan does not compromise staff who provide this necessary service.  

The Health Department now has a vaccine dashboard: https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.nwhealth.org_covid19dash2.html&d=DwIFAw&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=YXhAg81HP0R_nVnAS5q_1U7dFohUhwIoAY5Qdwbx_1s&m=lXcHnquZ6Sak3_QUNw-2KNzYfFs0SSktF4B7C-Wt5lk&s=DLd6XScQd7aFiFmKdn-aCztoXdfQpqtbMioNEMqTpF8&e=

  Health Department Vaccine sign-up https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__forms.office.com_Pages_ResponsePage.aspx-3Fid-3D4xP8m8Tf30ioPl-2Dm-2DGgVOJGNgaFN23hCrtZMZ4IEWUVUMFlYQlcwRU1aRDlGTzRXNEQzNEk3NzhKSi4u&d=DwIFAw&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=YXhAg81HP0R_nVnAS5q_1U7dFohUhwIoAY5Qdwbx_1s&m=lXcHnquZ6Sak3_QUNw-2KNzYfFs0SSktF4B7C-Wt5lk&s=ScE3BbEXCA2PXZ2zsbKnVj_rb70M18mNiUQsB_V4n40&e=

 Or those without technology can call 231-715-5557 (Area Agency on Aging)

Testing is still available and open.

Special Additional Training for Covid-19

ServeSafe Training Certificate for Foodservice Delivery during Covid-19
ServeSafe Training Certificate for Foodservice Take Out during Covid-19

Exercise Resources:
Fall Prevention Exercises
Total Knee Exercises
Total Hip Exercises

The mission of the Charlevoix County Commission on Aging is to provide the highest quality senior services in partnership with the community.  We focus our efforts on advocacy and support for seniors and their caregivers by promoting health, wellness, and education to achieve a dignified and enriched quality of life.

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