Certificate Program in Senior Housing Issues

This certificate program has been created as a joint effort between social workers who work in senior housing around the state, and the Rutgers School of Social Work, Institute for Families.  It is intended to enhance the skills and knowledge of service coordinators, property managers and other building staff who work in senior citizen housing developments. The program consists of workshops taken from the various gerontology programs and workshops specifically designed for this group. Workshops will emphasize a team approach to issues relevant to staff.

Certificates of completion will be offered after each workshop.  Participants not seeking the certificate program can take individual workshops. All workshops offered in this certificate program are non-clinical.

To receive the final Senior Housing Certificate, a participant must attend:
  • 5 Required Workshops
  • 2 Elective workshop
  • A total of 9 days


REQUIRED WORKSHOPS (7 Days Total)
1. Aging: The Human Process                         15 C.E.H. Clinical
  • Articulate social and biological theories of aging
  • Define normal, abnormal, dysfunctional changes
  • Describe the changing social context of life for the elderly

2. Ethical Dilemmas in Working with the Elderly                5 C.E.H. Clinical
  • Address confidentiality concerns, individual capacity and behavior
  • Approach ethical dilemmas in ways that produce the best outcomes
  • Use culturally competent decision-making
  • Demonstrate resolution and mediation strategies

3. Legal Issues and Planning for the Elderly                    5 C.E.H. Clinical
  • Identify surrogate decision-making, health and financial planning issues
  • Address issues of medical power of attorney, guardianship and conservatorship
  • Describe rights of the elderly; trust and wills

4. Health Problems and Medication                         5 C.E.H. Clinical
  • Review of common health problems of the elderly
  • Identify common problems associated with medication use

5. Working Together: Property Management and Social Services Staff        5 C.E.H. Clinical
  • Identify roles and responsibilities of the service coordinator
  • Develop a team approach to case management
  • Utilize effective communication skills

ELECTIVE WORKSHOPS (Choose two)
The electives may be selected from the following 4 workshops:
  • Communication with the Elderly
  • Practical Case Management
  • Resources for the Elderly
  • Cultural Competence and Health Care Literacy