What are the responsibilities and job description for the Aging Services Specialist position at Commonwealth of PA?
THE POSITION
Do you possess dynamic leadership skills and have a passion for serving Pennsylvania's older adult population? The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) is eager to welcome an Aging Services Specialist to our team to assist with ensuring eligible individuals receive the services and supports they need. Join us in our mission to promote independence, purpose, and well-being in the lives of older adults across the Commonwealth. Our vision is a Pennsylvania where older adults are embraced and empowered to live and age with dignity and respect. We look forward to hearing from you!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
As an Aging Services Specialist, you will work in the Pennsylvania Department of Aging's (PDA) Bureau of Aging Services. You will provide oversight and support to the network of 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) administering the OPTIONS home and community-based service program, Domiciliary Care (Dom Care) program, and innovative housing programs, such as SHARE and ECHO, at the local level.
As a subject matter expert, you will be responsible for providing technical assistance, training, and guidance to the AAA network relating to program policy. This work also includes developing, reviewing, and updating policies and procedures to continually strengthen the programs and services provided to eligible individuals. As a member of the Bureau of Aging Services team, you will participate in the comprehensive performance evaluation of the AAAs to ensure OPTIONS program compliance, collect, review, and analyze data from PDA's Wellsky SAMS database, PDA's custom or benchmark reports, or other identified sources to improve program performance, and provide analysis of the impact of policy and legislation to the programs you oversee.
Excellent communication skills are utilized when responding to written and verbal inquiries of information, providing formal and informal presentations at meetings and conferences, and resolving complaints. You will foster and develop partnerships with internal and external stakeholders and collaborate with other agencies and bureaus to create and maintain positive working relationships.
As a subject matter expert, you will be responsible for providing technical assistance, training, and guidance to the AAA network relating to program policy. This work also includes developing, reviewing, and updating policies and procedures to continually strengthen the programs and services provided to eligible individuals. As a member of the Bureau of Aging Services team, you will participate in the comprehensive performance evaluation of the AAAs to ensure OPTIONS program compliance, collect, review, and analyze data from PDA's Wellsky SAMS database, PDA's custom or benchmark reports, or other identified sources to improve program performance, and provide analysis of the impact of policy and legislation to the programs you oversee.
Excellent communication skills are utilized when responding to written and verbal inquiries of information, providing formal and informal presentations at meetings and conferences, and resolving complaints. You will foster and develop partnerships with internal and external stakeholders and collaborate with other agencies and bureaus to create and maintain positive working relationships.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Full-time employment
- Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
- Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. Management may discontinue the telework arrangement at any time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg.
- Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
- Two years of professional experience in a human services program conducting human services related research or providing social services to clients, and a bachelor’s degree; or
- An equivalent combination of experience and training.
Other Requirements:
- You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
- You must be able to perform essential job functions.
How to Apply:
- Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
- If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
- Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
Veterans:
- Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
- 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
- Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
- Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
- Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
-
You must provide complete and accurate information or:
- your score may be lower than deserved.
- you may be disqualified.
- You may only apply/test once for this posting.
- Your results will be provided via email.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
- Eligibility rules apply.
