What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Specialist - Aging (Project) Dementia Stabilization & Care Transition Unit (DSCT) position at Dane County, WI?
Dane County Human Services has a vacancy for a Program Specialist - Aging (Project) position.The eligible list created from this posting may be used for future vacancies for the next six (6) months all are encouraged to apply.COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSIONAs an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open / honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence - the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. DEFINITION Under the direction of the Manager of APS, and in collaboration with Planning Initiative stakeholders, the purpose of this Program Specialist-Aging position will be to provide overall project management coordination for the Dementia Stabilization and Care Transitions unit planning process, to include : research and presentation of options for unit licensing and regulations required, consideration of staffing levels and needs, and cost analysis and assessment of risk aversion / education needed. The position is dedicated solely to the planning for a Dementia Stabilization and Care Transition Unit. They are responsible for drafting and completing final documents upon approval by planning initiative stakeholders. EXAMPLES OF DUTIESResponsible for all project planning and task management related to the research and development of a Dementia Stabilization & Care Transition Unit (DSCTU) in order to open such unit in early 2026. Research includes licensing requirements, staffing levels consistent with licensure, best practice dementia and IDD specific advanced training for these persons during periods of dysregulation, cost analysis and risk assessment, coordination of and convening key players in all aspects of planning (ie Adult Protective Services, Law Enforcement, Corporation Counsel, etc.). The Program Specialist will create a work plan reflecting deliverables, deadlines, resource allocations, regulatory compliance and regularly communicating project updates and status of action items to DSCTU project team. In addition, they will work with Corporation Counsel to develop and draft financial agreements, Memorandums of Understanding, contacts, etc.Education, Training and Experience : Applicants with a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in a human services related field or Health Care Administration will be screened through. Candidate shall have at least two (2) years of professional experience in understanding, developing policy and procedures to meet, and applying Wisconsin Statutes regarding Nursing home regulations.Background Check Statement : Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job's responsibilities. Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 - 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position's responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant's criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.For Bilingual Positions :
- Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, Hmong, etc.).
- Applicants being considered for bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process prior to employment. This will primarily consist of passing an oral language proficiency assessment from English to foreign language and foreign language to English, but may require additional language testing, such as written translation, if it is an essential function of the job.
- If applicable, individuals may confirm with the Employee Relations Division whether results of bilingual language certifications / examinations they currently hold qualify them for the position's bilingual designation.Physical and Environmental Work Requirements : Requires sitting and standing; work inside and outside of an office environment which includes home visits and meetings with service providers. Ability to sit or stand to operate a personal computer with or without assistance. Ability to travel from office to other locations. Ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without adaptive devices.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities : Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication, and organizational skills. Understanding of project management principles and ability to keep projects on task. Ability to synthesize information for documentation in required formats. Familiarity with Wisconsin Nursing Home Codes / Regulations and protective services standards for adults. Knowledge of the Dementia informed best practices. Knowledge of community resources and how to use them effectively. Proven ability to convene and lead project stakeholders to achieve project results. Ability to relate to persons from a variety of ethnic and racial backgrounds in an unprejudiced and understanding manner. Ability to prepare and maintain complex records, documents and reports. Ability to participate effectively as a member and facilitator of a team. Ability to plan and organize work to effectively achieve project objectives. Ability to understand and follow oral and / or written instructions. Ability to use a computer to generate reports, complete forms, and document activity. Demonstrated ability to adapt to change and be flexible regarding learning new skills and new practice methods for project related tasks.