Project Specialist/Aging and Wellness

Number of Vacancies: 1

Area of Consideration: Open To The Public

Position Status: Full-Time, Regular

Pay Plan, Series & Grade: DS0058/8

Salary Range: $68,582.71 - $72,727.23

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Location: 4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Brief Description of Duties

The Project Specialist/Aging and Wellness for the Institute of Gerontology (IOG) reports to the Director of the Center for Nutrition, Diet and Health, in the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). Consistent with the Land-grant mission of CAUSES, the Project Specialist has primary responsibilities in community education, community engagement, and research. The Project Specialist’s position requires leadership and coordination in advancing the goals of the IOG to improve the health, wellness, fitness, and quality of life of the older adult population in the District of Columbia. This position has supervisory responsibilities and will serve as a Lead Coordinator that reviews and directs the work of others assigned in the IOG. The incumbent is required to participate in all background checks and fingerprinting required by funders and partner agencies to achieve the objectives of the programs of the IOG.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops, coordinates, implements and evaluates lifelong learning programs for older adults in the District.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates education programs including workshops, certificates, and materials addressing identified needs of the older adult population.
• Provides supervision to all staff assigned and programs within the Institute of Gerontology.
• Teaches land-grant certificate courses in the field of gerontology or other appropriate areas.
• Maintains and completes required reports, including plan of work, program outcomes, impact statements and achievements, and other documentation needed to assess program and research effectiveness.
• Maintains productivity standards by prioritizing tasks effectively, and managing resources.
• Develops and maintains an awareness of community needs by involving organizations, professionals and community members in program, and research planning.
• Utilizes a variety of available delivery modes to implement and assess program and research objectives using evidence-based results to improve programs for the older adult.
• Collects information and data on the impact of programs and research projects and reports and reviews outcomes and objectives with program sponsors, community partners, and other appropriate stakeholders.
• Pursues opportunities for professional practice and leadership development.
• Demonstrates accountability for the proper use of protected data and other relevant information.
• Prepares reports for funding agencies developing and negotiating support for continual expansions and funding.

Other Duties 

• Works effectively and collaboratively with the Director, program staff in the Institute of Gerontology, and other colleagues in CAUSES and the University. 
• Monitors and evaluates demographic trends for use in program and community development and research opportunities in the older adult population.
• Maintains existing grants, identifies funding sources, and actively pursues grant opportunities to meet program development and research interests in the older adult population.
• Participates in interagency meetings, task forces, and projects as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirement

• Master’s degree in Gerontology, Public Health, Psychology, Human Development or an appropriate discipline from an accredited college or university.
• A minimum of three years of experience in increasingly responsible positions supervising staff, students, and volunteers.
• A proven commitment to continuous improvement and to proactive, outcomes-oriented work.

Information to Applicant

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is not part of the collective bargaining unit.  

Employment Benefits: Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the University of the District of Columbia' s retirement plan (TIAA).

Equal Opportunity Employer: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.

Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the University of the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business,  or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act.  In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act.  Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated.  Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

Veterans Preference:  Applicants claiming veterans preference must submit official proof at the time of application.

Visa Sponsorship: At this time, the University of the District of Columbia does not provide sponsorship for visas (e.g. H-1B). This position is also ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Residency Preference: A person applying for a position who is a bona fide District resident at the time of application for the position, may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District applicants, unless the person declines the preference points. If selected, the person shall be required to present no less than 8 proofs of bona fide District residency on or before the effective date of the appointment and maintain such residency for 7 consecutive years from the effective date of the appointment. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the 7-year period will result in forfeiture of employment.

Drug-Free Workplace: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.

Background Investigation: Employment with the University of the District of Columbia is contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation.  The determination of a "satisfactory background investigation" is made at the sole discretion of the University of the District of Columbia.  The University may refuse to hire a finalist, rescind an offer of employment to a finalist or review and may terminate the employment of a current employee based on the results of a background investigation.

Disposition of Resume: Resumes received outside the area of consideration and/or after the closing date will not be given consideration. You must resubmit your resume to receive consideration for any subsequent advertised position vacancies. For the purpose of employment, resumes are not considered job applications. Therefore, if selected for employment a UDC application will be required.

Job Offers: Official Job Offers are made by the University of the District of Columbia, Office of Human Resources only.

Contact Information:  All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Human Resources at (202) 274-5380.

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University’s EO Policy Statement, please visit: https://www.udc.edu/human-resources/equal-opportunity/ .