Elder Rights Program Specialist

Are you a compassionate and dedicated professional looking to make a positive impact on the lives of others?

Do you value collaboration, support and seek a healthy work/life balance?

If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

The Elder Rights Program Specialist role plays a central part in advancing AgeOptions' mission, by driving elder rights initiatives and other key social service programs across suburban Cook County. You will be guiding our Adult Protective Service partners to success through program management and by providing technical assistance and support to comply with the program guidelines and offering services and support to older adults with disabilities. Use your project management, program planningmanagement, and strong relationships to develop new initiatives that complement the core programs of our Elder Rights area. Be an integral part of making sure that older adults and adults with disabilities have their rights respected and supported in suburban Cook County.

Who is AgeOptions?

Since 1974, AgeOptions, whose main office is in Oak Park, IL, has been a nonprofit organization and Area Agency on Aging dedicated to serving approximately 200,000 people annually. Our mission is to connect older adults and their caregivers with resources and service options, promoting independence in their homes and communities. Recognized nationally for our innovative community-based resources, AgeOptions is seeking individuals to join our team and contribute to our impactful work. Please visit: https://www.ageoptions.org

Benefits

We offer a inclusive work environment where diversity is celebrated. In support of our great team, AgeOptions offers a competitive salary and benefits package to include:

• Starting Annual Salary Range -$45,000-$60,000
• 35-hour work week (on average and Monday-Friday with few exceptions)
• Hybrid work schedule which includes in-office, field, and regular remote work responsibilities
• Vacation with quick rewards for service -13 days 1st year
• Sick Days
• Eleven Paid Holidays 2 Personal Holidays
• Healthcare Coverage (medical, dental, and vision) Significant portion of employee's coverage funded by AgeOptions
• Agency paid Short-Term/Long-Term and Life Insurance
• 403(b) 5% automatic employer contribution
• EAP - Employee Assistance Program
• Professional development support

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

The Elder Rights Program Specialist provides strategic leadership, coordination, and oversight for key Elder Rights initiatives, including Adult Protective Services (APS), the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, and Legal Assistance Services. The role also encompasses guidance and supervision of Financial Abuse Prevention efforts, as well as Veterans' Support and Advocacy Programs. Together, these programs ensure the protection, empowerment, and wellbeing of older adults and adults with disabilities across the service areas. More specifically, the successful candidate would perform the following:

Technical Assistance and Training:

• Provide timely and high-quality technical assistance on best practices, program rules, requirements.
• Respond to program issues by assessing concerns, reviewing action plans, supporting staff in resolving problems and knowing when to escalate issues.
• Facilitate regular meetings and professional development opportunities for partner organizations.
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert and remain up to date on program changes and trends in the field
• Review reports and budgets for quality assurance.
• Serve as an information resource to AgeOptions staff, partners, and clients by consulting on issues related to adult protective services and the protection of rights of older adults and adults with disabilities.
• Assist the Grants Unit with program monitoring, as needed.
• Provide analysis and knowledge on Federal and State laws and current guidelines, policies, and procedures of all programs under his/her purview.

Program Development and Outreach:

• Work with external partners to develop and enhance Multi-Disciplinary Team efforts related to Fatality Review Teams (FRT) and Financial Abuse Specialist Teams (FAST).
• Identify funding opportunities and prepare grant applications and proposals.
• Work with external partners to increase awareness of elder and disability needs and resources.
• Provide outreach, education, and training.
• Make recommendations for program development.
• Advocate for increased supportive interventions for older adults and adults with disabilities
• Work with the fiscal department and manager to oversee budget and program expenses.
• Represents AgeOptions at events, meetings and professional associations and organizations.

Reporting and Analysis:

• Review federal and state guidelines, administrative rules, and program standards.
• Provide guidance to provider agencies, policy analysis and written public comments.
• Maintain appropriate program elements in internal information systems and databases.
• Responsible for input on and the preparation of regular reporting.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in social work, social sciences, planning, gerontology, community health, public health, or a related field. Advanced degree beyond bachelor's (MSW) is desirable
• At least 3 years of experience in social services, programming and planning, preferably in aging or related areas
• Certification(s): Illinois Adult Protective Services Supervisor or Case Worker, Ombudsman Level 2, LSW or LCSW is desirable
• Program development experience and experience coordinating and conducting training preferred
• Ability to develop strong working relationships with community partners
• Strong verbal and written communication, including presentation skills
• Ability to prepare written reports, grant applications, and position papers
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 Suite Office programs including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Strong technical, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, working autonomously and with others
• Ability to travel within suburban Cook County on a regular basis, and travel outside of Cook County on an occasional basis

AgeOptions is an Equal Opportunity Employer where diversity is celebrated, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. Join us in making a difference in the lives of older adults and contributing to community-based resources that enhance independence.

Keywords: Social Services, Elder Care, Program Coordinator, Program Specialist, Program Support Specialist, Support Specialist