*SENIOR & DISABILITIES SERVICES DIVISION DIRECTOR
Pay Range GC26

INTRODUCTION

This classification serves as director of the senior services division of the health and social services department and performs professional, administrative and management duties in planning, developing, managing and evaluating a broad range of health, financial, social, protective and long term care service programs for senior citizens of Douglas County.  Program goals include increase access of older persons to community services and facilities with the purpose of applying for and receiving services; increase the nutritional wellbeing of older persons; increase the opportunity for older persons to live independently at home or with others; protect older persons from physical and mental abuse, neglect and exploitation; plan and develop a comprehensive and coordinated system of social, nutritional, health and long term care services.  The division director supervises both county and state professional and support staff in varying degrees and has final responsibility for work performed in the senior services division.

EXAMPLES OF PRINCIPAL DUTIES

(Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not limited to, the following examples.)

1. Provide management direction to management staff in assessing needs of senior citizen population and develop programs to address those needs, monitoring and evaluating the quality and effectiveness of services provided, coordinating services with other social service agencies to assure that minimal duplication of effort occurs and that senior citizens needs are met.

2. Prepare and administer division long-range and annual plans; resolve administrative matters relating to budget, personnel and operating procedures.

3. Prepare budget and monitor or manage fiscal operations including negotiating for and securing federal, state and local public and private funding such as Older Americans Act, Medicaid, Oregon Project Independence; direct development of requests for proposals; negotiate contracted/subcontracted service agreements and leases; collect and analyze statistical data and prepare reports; maintain and update division policy and procedures.

4. Monitor program services to ensure compliance with federal, state and county laws, regulations and ordinances; analyze impact of services due to federal and state regulations.

5. Develop area agency of aging plan for the Oregon Senior & Disabled Services Division (SDSD) serve as department representative to Oregon Association of Area Agencies on Aging; assists in developing administrative rules, policies and procedures related to the Oregon SDSD; represent administrator on matters related to division operations in discussions and negotiations with the Oregon SDSD.

6. Supervise, assign work to and monitor managerial and support staff members.  Ensure work is in compliance with appropriate regulations.  Assume accountability for work performed within division.  Participate in the selection and evaluating of staff; responsible for staff development programs and on-going training for personnel; maintain knowledge of training available from outside sources.  Establish and interpret policy and procedure.

7. Provide staff support and direction to the advisory council; conduct public hearings on the needs of senior citizens.

8. Respond to elected officials, media, clients and/or their representatives and the public regarding client specific issues and/or other operational issues of the division.

9. Represent the interests of older persons to public and private organizations; monitor, review and comment on issues affecting older persons at federal, state and local levels.10. Serve as a part of the department management team and participates in development of goals and objectives both for the division and the department.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION

Knowledge of: Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration including public relations, personnel, budget and fiscal management to develop, implement and evaluate administration and management of the division programs; thorough knowledge of the field of gerontology; considerable knowledge of state and local health and social services, long-term care, medical, transportation, housing, volunteer, employment and income maintenance services serving older persons; considerable knowledge of the major public entitlement and discretionary programs for the elderly; thorough knowledge of resources relating to development and funding of programs; thorough knowledge of the laws, regulations and ordinances as they pertain to the provision of services for the elderly.  Skill in: Writing clear and concise correspondence, records, grants, reports and statistical data; budget and contract administration.  Ability to: Communicate effectively in both oral and written form; support, lead, and motivate staff who have diverse work assignments; work independently and manage time efficiently; make decisions independently in accordance with established policies and procedures, establish new policies when applicable, and use initiative and judgement in completing tasks and responsibilities; utilize problem identification and resolution techniques; remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high pressure situations; gather statistical information and compile into meaningful reports; courteously meet and deal effectively with other employees, county officials, federal and state agencies, advisory councils, committees, vendors, citizen's groups and the public.

Education, experience and training:  Bachelor's degree in public administration, management science or the social sciences or a closely related social science field and four years experience, two of which have been in a management role in health and social services OR  a satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience and training.  At time of appointment, must possess valid Oregon driver's license.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION

Work is performed under the guidance of the health and social services administrator.  The employee works independently in administering a complex area of responsibility and confers with supervisor for professional advice.  Discretion is required in applying general goal and policy statements, in development of recommendations, policies and procedures and in resolving program problems.  Work is accomplished within a broad framework, with authority and responsibility in area of service.  Periodic reviews of work performance are conducted in terms of expected results.

GUIDELINES

Work is performed within departmental policy and procedures, federal, state and county statutes, rules, regulations and ordinances; established professional practices, management and fiscal reference manuals, state contracts, collective bargaining agreements, personnel rules, contracts, leases, agreements and requests for proposals and with respect for advisory council recommendations.  Employee uses discretion in applying general goal and policy statements, in development of recommendations, polices and procedures and in resolving program problems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Regular and consistent attendance is required.  Work is performed in an office environment; may require hearing voice conversation, keyboarding, lifting up to 10 pounds, sitting, standing and walking.   An infrequent amount of driving is required.