Council on Aging Director

DEFINITION This position is responsible for the overall operation and facility maintenance of the Senior Center and its transportation program in addition to the planning, direction, management, and administration of all Council on Aging programs and services in support of the social, emotional, economic, and health needs of the Town’s elderly, disabled, and citizens in need.

40 hours per week - Union position - Full Range $32.47 - $42.84/hr Expected Hiring Range $32.47-$35.85/hr

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.  In conjunction with Facilities Coordinator, oversees all aspects of building functions and safety.  Plans routine maintenance, deals with unforeseen mechanical issues, coordinates with a variety of contractors, and maintains records.

• Arranges for community use of the Center outside of normal business hours.
• Coordinates with Emergency Management to prepare staff and maintain the readiness of the Senior Center to serve as a Red Cross Shelter during times of need.
• Oversees the financial operations including departmental budget and program budgets, payroll, purchasing, bookkeeping, and researching and applying for grants.
• Plans activities and programs for the elderly and their caregivers including but not limited to invited speakers, recreational trips, educational programs, exercise activities, and wellness programs.
• Develops and monitors program budgets.
• Administers the daily operation of the Senior Center; Plans for and assigns space for activities.
• Supervises and supports outreach staff, provides direct services, including information and referral, counseling, or other support/assistance to participants at the Senior Center.
• Maintains confidentiality and records of contact. Explains and assists in preparation of forms relating to fuel assistance.
• Recruits, trains, supervises, and recognizes staff and volunteers.
• Prepares work schedules and monthly program activity schedules.
• Provides orientation and assigns tasks to participants of the Senior/Veteran Tax Abatement Program in multiple municipal departments.
• Works with Department Heads to clarify their needs based on their requests. Maintains records for all of the above.
• Manages the Senior Van Program, including scheduling appointments and drivers, maintenance and operation of vehicles, supervision of drivers, and program budget. Maintains accurate records for the program.
• Oversees and trains workers to do basic functions.
• Provides publicity and outreach for the Council on Aging programs and activities. Writes, edits, and distributes newsletters. Write and disseminate new releases to media outlets.
• Speaks to groups and organizations on Council on Aging activities. Maintains regular contact with health, meals, transportation, and other service providers in the arrangement of activities and/or supervising meals and/or van reservations.
• Completes necessary documentation including payroll, monthly agendas, and monthly and annual reports.
• Research and apply for grant funding.
• Develop short-term and long-range goals and objectives with the Council on Aging advisory board to meet identified community needs.
• Attends programs and seminars with staff and board members. Arrange for coverage during absences.
• Acts as Mandated Reporter for Elder Abuse filing required documentation as needed.
• Performs other related job duties as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED Appointed by the Select Board; day-to-day supervision is minimal; organizationally reports to the Assistant Town Administrator; Select Board-appointed Council on Aging (seven member volunteer board) provides advisory services.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED Directly supervises two full-time employees (Administrative Assistant and Outreach Coordinator) as well as two part-time van drivers and dozens of volunteers.

The employee is accountable for the direction and success of programs accomplished through others; analyzes program objectives, determines the various departmental work operations needed to achieve them, estimates the financial and staff resources required, allocates available funds and staff, reports periodically on the achievement and status of objectives, and recommends new goals; formulates or recommends program goals and develops plans for achieving short and long-range objectives; and determines organizational structure, operating guidelines, and work operations.

JUDGMENT AND COMPLEXITY The work requires examining, analyzing, and evaluating facts and circumstances surrounding individual problems, situations, or transactions and determining actions to be taken within the limits of standard or accepted practices.

NATURE AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS Contacts are with co-workers, vendors, the public, and representatives of civic or professional organizations. The employee represents the organization in matters of departmental practices, procedures, regulations, or guidelines, and is called upon to tactfully discuss controversial matters and ease interactions with dissatisfied customers.

CONFIDENTIALITY The employee has regular access to confidential records and information at the department level requiring discretion in interactions, attention to detail in handling information and records, and responsibility for following security protocols.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in gerontology, health science, social services, or related field plus 3 to 5 years of related experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, certification, and experience.
• CPR Certified
• Driver’s License

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of client-centered practices, programs, and services available to seniors, and office management systems.
• Effective computer skills with familiarity with Microsoft Office and Publisher, customer service, grant writing, and grant management skills.
• Ability to communicate and show empathy to the senior population, manage a team, make decisions, and manage a budget.

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Works primarily indoors in a Senior Center setting.
• Sits or stands, with intermittent periods of stooping and walking. May be required to move objects such as files, boxes of paper, office supplies, and office equipment weighing up to 30 lbs.
• Applies motor skills to move objects, file, and sort documents, and use office equipment such as telephones and computers.
• Routinely reads documents for general understanding and analytical purposes, including handwriting, spreadsheets, and forms; inspects surroundings and fine details to assess conditions of materials and equipment; and reviews detailed information displayed on a computer screen.