Maine Service Fellow: Skowhegan, ME (Older Adult Housing Fellow)

Maine Service Fellow: Spectrum Generations Fellow, Skowhegan Maine

About the position

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Spectrum Generations is the name of the Central Maine Area Agency on Aging (CMAAA), a local non-profit agency servicing aging adults across Somerset, Waldo, Lincoln, Kennebec, Sagadahoc, and Knox counties. Spectrum Generations provides essential resources that support independence, safety, and community well‑being. As part of this mission, the organization is launching a housing‑focused community resilience project in Somerset County. The Maine Service Fellow will serve a full-time, 10‑month term, dedicated to understanding and addressing the housing‑related challenges faced by older residents.

Strengthening Community Resilience 

Maine’s climate plan notes that rising temperatures and extreme weather events create serious risks for older adults, rural residents, and those without adequate housing. As highlighted in Working Across Generations for Community Resilience, “this rise in temperature poses serious health risks—especially for people in Maine who lack air conditioning, work outdoors, are older, or have chronic health conditions.” Somerset County’s aging population is especially vulnerable, and recent storms “claimed four lives… and caused 90 million in damage.” By collecting data and assessing needs, the Fellow will help reduce climate‑related risks and strengthen preparedness for older adults.

Engaging Underserved Communities 

The Climate Action Plan calls for elevating the voices of underserved groups, including “low‑income Mainers, rural residents, and older Mainers,” and emphasizes research‑based, community‑driven action. Through data collection, community engagement, and program development, the Fellow will support these goals and ensure rural and aging populations are included in Maine’s climate‑resilience efforts.

WORKPLAN OVERVIEW

During the 10‑month service term, the Maine Service Fellow will:

• Conduct research on housing instability among Somerset County residents aged 60+, identifying individuals at risk of losing their homes or living in unsafe conditions.
• Develop a project plan outlining strategies to support these individuals through Spectrum Generations’ services and programs.
• Recruit volunteers to assist with Spectrum Generations’ programs for eligible community members.
• Collaborate with program staff to assess consumer needs and coordinate the implementation of Spectrum Generations’ services and programs. 
• Build and strengthen community partnerships by fundraising, supporting grant‑writing efforts, and engaging community members to enhance community resilience and ensure the program aligns with climate‑action priorities and local needs.

Work Site and Local Community

Somerset County is home to 33 cities and towns, ranging from its largest, Skowhegan, with 8,680 residents, to its smallest, The Forks, with just 48 residents. 

Skowhegan offers a blend of historic charm, walkable streets, outdoor recreation, and seasonal festivals, with nightlife centered around local breweries, pubs, and community events. The Kennebec River runs through the center of town, shaping both its landscape and identity. 

In contrast, The Forks is known for its vast outdoor recreation opportunities, including summer camps, ATV trails, fishing, and whitewater rafting, and is a popular location for spotting wildlife such as whitetail deer, moose, birds, and foxes.

                
Position duties:

The Fellow will lead the research and data collection in Somerset County for the housing crisis in relation to older adults. The Fellow will work alongside Spectrum Generations programs (such as Ramping Up Repairs [RUR], Nutrition, Outreach, and Volunteerism) to provide solutions for the aging adults in Somerset County. 

The Fellow will:

• Demonstrate compassion for aging community members and a commitment to supporting their needs.
• Work independently, including remotely when necessary, and show initiative as a self‑starter.
• Approach challenges creatively, using strong problem‑solving skills to develop effective solutions.
• Build community connections with an outgoing, collaborative approach.
• Represent Spectrum Generations professionally as an advocate in the community.
• Manage projects from start to finish with strong time‑management and follow‑through.
• Bring solid administrative and technical skills, including proficiency in Outlook, Excel, Word, OneDrive, phone outreach, assisting with grant‑writing, fundraising, and more.

Minimum requirements:

• Must successfully pass a Spectrum Generations background check, which includes a Motor Vehicle Report, Federal Criminal File search, Adult Protective Services registry check, and State Sex Offender registry check.
• Must be at least 20 years of age.
• Within the last 5 years, have completed a college degree (associates, bachelors, or graduate).
• Be eligible to work in the United States and pass a background check that includes a criminal history record check.
• Commit to devoting full-time effort to the assignment (1700 hours total over 43 weeks).
• Agree to live in the community impacted by the project.

Strong applicants will enjoy and have relevant experience in: 

• Conducting community‑based research, including gathering qualitative and quantitative data to understand local housing and aging‑related needs.
• Organizing and facilitating community discussions to elevate the voices of older adults and rural residents.
• Working with data to identify trends, gaps, and priority areas within Somerset County.
• Collaborating with nonprofit organizations, Area Agencies on Aging, Meals on Wheels programs, community senior centers, and other aging‑services partners.
• Supporting grant‑writing, fundraising, and resource development efforts that strengthen community resilience and expand program capacity.
• Recruiting, coordinating, and supporting volunteers, particularly for community‑based service projects.
• Engaging with food‑security and nutrition programs such as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) and the Senior Farm Share program.
• Building relationships across diverse community groups and working in rural settings where creativity, persistence, and adaptability are essential.

About Us:

Maine Service Fellows is a statewide service program designed to help rural communities tackle their most critical needs, with a focus on building climate resilience. The program increases the opportunities for recent college graduates to devote a year of service, use their skills to make a difference, and strengthen civic engagement and community resilience through engaging community residents in volunteer-based solutions. Maine Service Fellows recruits individuals who completed a post-secondary degree with the last 5 years. 

Compensation and benefits: 

• Living allowance of approximately $27,100 per term (10 months)
• Educational award for student loans of ~$5,420
• Full health care coverage
• Paid time off
• Hybrid work location

Start Date: June 1, 2026