FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2022

Contact: Ross Goldsmith, AASC
614-360-2609 / rgoldsmith@servicecoordinator.org

Report: Health & Independence of Older Adults Living in HUD Affordable Housing Negatively Impacted as Providers Struggle to Retain, Attract Staff

COLUMBUS, OH – A newly released American Association of Service Coordinators (AASC) report reveals affordable housing providers are experiencing a high number of Service Coordinator vacancies, resulting in negative impacts to older adult residents’ health and wellbeing across the country.

According to the report’s findings, Service Coordinators working in affordable housing for older adults funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are leaving their positions in high numbers, largely because of low wages, fatigue, and burnout. As a result, vulnerable, low-income individuals throughout the United States are going without the critical support of a Service Coordinator who can connect them to essential resources that allow them to continue aging in their community.

“This report underscores how devastating it can be for residents to lose access to a Service Coordinator. A vacant Service Coordinator position could mean the end of food delivery services to a property, unrenewed medical or energy assistance benefits for the lowest-income residents, and increased evictions of residents who rely on a complex system of supports to remain living independently.” AASC President and CEO Michelle Missler says. “Federal decision makers must take steps to support affordable housing providers and the Service Coordinator profession to ensure the vulnerable residents they serve aren’t left behind.”

High Service Coordinator Turnover Rates, Difficulty Filling Positions Negatively Impact Older Adult Residents Living in HUD Affordable Housing is based on an AASC survey completed by affordable housing providers, Service Coordinator supervisors, quality assurance providers, and property managers representing a reported 86 organizations that employ more than 2,000 Service Coordinators.

At the time of the survey, more than half of respondents (57%) reported Service Coordinator vacancies and said Service Coordinator turnover had increased since March 2020 (56%). Two-thirds of Service Coordinators reported they’re seeking higher pay, making it the most common reason for leaving a position. Unlike private sector employers, HUD housing providers currently do not have the flexibility to respond to post-pandemic labor market demands and subsequently are struggling to retain and attract Service Coordinators. Mental burnout was the second most common reason Service Coordinators give for resigning.

Key survey findings include:

  • Available salary plays a major role in ability to retain and attract qualified Service Coordinators
  • Delays in HUD funding for grant-based Service Coordinator positions lead to layoffs and job security concerns
  • Mental burnout among Service Coordinator workforce is prohibitive to long-term job satisfaction
  • Residents’ health and wellbeing is negatively impacted when there is a gap in service coordination resulting from turnover
  • Funding flexibility is providers’ preferred method to address high turnover rates
  • Training and tuition support provide opportunities to retain and attract qualified workers

AASC is making several recommendations to improve Service Coordinator retention and recruitment based on the report’s findings. These include expanded funding and budget flexibility, increased training access, student loan forgiveness, and improved HUD program oversight and data collection.

The Expanding Service Coordinators Act, which was recently introduced by Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA), seeks to address industry challenges by increasing federal funding for the program, making Service Coordinators eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, and creating a mandatory training funding set-aside.

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About the American Association of Service Coordinators

The American Association of Service Coordinators (AASC) is a professional membership association and a national resource for service-enriched housing professionals. AASC’s more than 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. Established in 1999, AASC provides education, advocacy, best practices, leadership, and networking opportunities for its members.

American Association of Service Coordinators
659 High St., P.O. Box 1090, Worthington, OH 43085
ServiceCoordinator.org | (614) 848-5958 | info@servicecoordinator.org