What is AASC and what does it do?
The American Association of Service Coordinators (AASC) is a professional membership association and a national resource for service-enriched housing. Our 4,000+ members assist elderly and disabled residents and families living in affordable housing communities to identify, locate, and acquire the services and supports necessary to become and remain self-sufficient. AASC provides education, advocacy, best practices, leadership, and networking opportunities for our members.
What is a Service Coordinator?
Service Coordinators are a valuable member of the management team in affordable housing communities. They typically have education and experience in social work or human services. The role of the Service Coordinator is to link older adults, people with disabilities and low-income families to supportive services and other community resources. Some Service Coordinator positions are funded through HUD grants, while others are supported through federal rent subsidies or by municipalities through tax income.
Service Coordinators:
- Assess service needs of residents and link them to the appropriate providers and community resources
- Facilitate programs and services such as health and wellness, job training, or transportation
- Develop a resource directory of local social service agencies and providers
- Assist residents with applications for benefits and entitlement programs
- Save taxpayer dollars by helping residents age in place and remain living independently in their own homes
- Advocate for adequate, timely, and cost-effective provision of services
What are the benefits of Service Coordinators?
For seniors and disabled adults, Service Coordinators assist in accessing needed supportive services to allow them to:
- Maintain their independence and remain in their homes
- Avoid premature admission to more costly institutionalized care
For low-income families, Service Coordinators provide assistance and access to community-based supports, skills training and resources. They also work with the adults in the family to develop a plan of action to assist them in:
- Achieving greater economic security by linking them with programs to improve their literacy, job skills, education and money management training
- Improving the educational performance of low-income children by linking them to after-school programs, nutritional assistance and other programs to aid them in moving out of poverty
For owners and operators of apartment communities, Service Coordinators can:
- Reduce apartment turnover and damage by intervening and assisting with resolution of lease violations
- Facilitate a stronger sense of community at affordable apartment complexes thereby decreasing crime and increasing the safety at and marketability of these facilities
Who is eligible to join AASC?
AASC welcomes service coordinators, social workers, quality assurance personnel, property managers and owners, developers, community-based support workers, affordable housing professionals, and all members in the service profession to apply for membership.
Which membership type is best for me?
The Membership webpage notes each of the membership categories that AASC has to offer. If you would like to speak with someone at AASC about which options would be best for you, please contact us at membership@servicecoordinator.org or (614) 848-5958.
How do I update my Membership Profile?
AASC members must log in to the member portal to update a member profile. Look for the Update Member Portal button in the Membership dropdown menu. If you need assistance, please contact us at membership@servicecoordinator.org or (614) 848-5958.
https://members.servicecoordinator.org/profile/edit
When should I renew my membership?
AASC accepts members on a rolling schedule throughout the year. AASC will notify you approximately 60 days prior to your membership expiration date and instruct you with the appropriate steps to renew.
If your property manager arranges for the cost of membership, be sure to notify them of your renewal date to ensure your membership remains active.
Where can I access a listing of AASC members?
AASC members who are in good standing are given access to the Member Directory. Search for AASC members by name, employers or location.
Can I transfer my membership to someone else?
Yes, memberships can be transferred from one member to another in the event that someone leaves the organization before their membership has expired. To transfer, email membership@servicecoordinator.org or call (614) 848-5958.
How do I search for open service coordinator positions?
Search the AASC Career Center for open positions by location, organization, education, or experience level.
What is AASC Online?
AASC Online is web-based documentation software for Service Coordinators. Developed by the Pangea Foundation in collaboration with AASC, AASC Online is custom designed to meet the unique needs of Service Coordinators working in senior and adult disability housing communities. AASC members receive a $300 discount on the annual subscription fee for AASC Online. Learn more here.
What is AASC University?
AASC University is an online education system that provides professional development courses for Service Coordinators and affordable housing professionals. The course videos are available on-demand, so you can complete them on your schedule.
What is My Community Directory?
My Community Directory, a new virtual resource guide for Service Coordinators, features free and low-cost social services and community resources in an online platform powered by findhelp. My Community Directory provides instant access to comprehensive, localized listings with hundreds of programs in every zip code in the U.S.
Where can I find information about the HUD Standards for Success Report?
HUD has provided more information on their reporting framework through their Standards for Success Report. You can access this information here.
Where can I find the HUD Resource Guide?
HUD's Service Coordinators in Multifamily Housing Program Resource Guide details the essential roles of the Service Coordinator position. This PDF is available to read and print here.