SPECIALIST ON AGING, H32

BASIC PURPOSE:

Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities involving the development of service programs for the aged and the stimulation of general public interest in the problems of the aged.  This includes consulting with public and private organizations to encourage and promote such programs and participating in program planning and policy and program implementation.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:

• Plans and evaluates activities necessary to implement programs under the Older Americans Act and other legislation pertaining to the elderly.
• Reviews funded projects on-site for evaluation of programs; ensures adherence to agency policies and state and federal regulations.
• Provides ongoing technical assistance to designated Area Agencies in the areas of grant management, staff selection, training, fiscal management, police and procedure development and to projects outside such areas in the planning and development of programs for the aged.
• Provides consultation on aging to community leaders, civic groups, organizations and individuals;  interprets the overall objectives of the Older Americans Act; stimulates and promotes community awareness of the needs of the elderly.
• Develops plans to initiate needed services; promotes services which enable the elderly to remain self-directing and independent as long as possible in their own homes.
• Encourages community leaders to involve older people in the mainstream of life by providing useful and meaningful opportunities to serve the community; develops materials for and conducts workshops to train area staff.
• Assists in the development and maintenance of a state management information system and data base pertaining to the elderly population.

LEVEL DESCRIPTORS:

This job family consists of only one level and incumbent employees are assigned responsibility for performing all functions associated with the position to which assigned.

Level I:                                                Code:  H32A                                         Salary Band:  J

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required include knowledge of the needs and concerns of the aged; of program planning for older citizens; of the basic principles of grant writing and administration; of community services for older citizens; of demographic, environmental, social, and economic characteristics of the state; of analyzing and interpreting policies, procedures and federal and state regulations; and of interviewing techniques.  Ability is required to stimulate local interest in the problems of the aging; to organize and coordinate local efforts to serve senior citizens; to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and to conduct meetings and public hearings.

Education and Experience requirements consist of a bachelor's degree in a social science and three years of professional experience in a social service agency, including two years working with the aged or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

No substitution will be allowed for the two years of experience working with the aged.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this position.