01/02/2009 41108

DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES AND ADVOCACY, AGING

DEFINITION: This is professional, administrative and managerial work in planning and directing the Office of Program Management and includes responsibility for the development and implementation of aging programs, regulations, policies and procedures for the Department of Aging.

The employee in this class coordinates the work of the Bureau of Home and Community Based Services, Bureau of Contracts and Management, and the Planning and Research Division within the Department of Aging. Work involves managing the work of staff engaged in the development, implementation, coordination and maintenance of Aging programs, within the Department of Aging and the Aging network. The incumbent serves as the Department of Aging's liaison with other state and federal officials, including; Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries, Bureau Directors, policy offices and other high level officials, in the design, redesign and implementation of statewide aging policies and programs. Work involves the optimum utilization of public resources by recognizing, developing and
adopting creative alternatives to complex human service delivery issues. Work also involves reviewing, revising and coordinating the development of legislation affecting state and federal aging programs. Work includes managing and directing a staff of professional employees. This position reports directly to the Secretary of Aging where guidance and direction are provided as well as input into various areas of policy development, implementation and administration.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Plans, coordinates, administers and manages a statewide program of services provided to the aged through the Aging Network.

Directs staff in the development, implementation, coordination, and maintenance of policies, regulations, and procedures in support of aging program services.

Integrates the work of the research and planning unit with the work of other divisions and bureaus within the Office of Program Management.

Reviews and analyzes existing Departmental policies to determine their appropriateness to the overall intent of aging programs in the Commonwealth.

Revises and approves aging policies and regulations affecting the state administration of aging programs.

Establishes methods to determine the effectiveness of ongoing programs and processes and adjusts those that lack effectiveness.

Participates in conferences and seminars in the field of gerontology representing the Department on behalf of the Secretary of Aging.

Signs correspondence in reply to inquiries and contacts made to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Aging.

Serves as liaison between the Department of Aging and the area agencies on aging on program issues.

May serve as the Departmental spokesperson when providing program information to the broadcast and print media representatives.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of Federal and State regulations and Departmental standards, policies, and procedures governing aging and related human service and long term are programs.

Knowledge of problems and issues facing older people.

Knowledge of the human services programs of state government and the laws and regulations governing human service agencies.

Knowledge of basic statistical, fiscal, personnel and programmatic principles.

Knowledge of existing legislation and regulations governing the administration of programs for older people.

Ability to interpret and apply Federal and State regulations and Departmental standards, policies and procedures governing aging programs.

Ability to understand and interpret legislation.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Ability to plan and supervise work of a professional staff.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, Federal, State and local government officials, administrators and the public in general.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Ten (10) years of experience in human services programs which includes three (3) years of supervisory experience, three (3) years of experience in aging related services, and two (2) years of administrative or management experience; and a bachelor's degree. A master's degree in gerontology, social work, or related field may be substituted for one year of the required non- supervisory or non-administrative or management experience.

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training.