Position is responsible for the management and supervision of the Council on Aging Department, including identifying the needs of the seniors in the community and implementing programs and services to meet the needs of the City's older population, including outreach, social services and wellness.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type 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.

• Administers, directs and coordinates activities of the Leominster Council on Aging and Senior Center. Develops plans, policies and procedures for the establishment and maintenance of senior services. 
   
• Develops, manages, and monitors annual operating budget and capital improvement plans. 

• Responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising Senior Center employees and volunteers.

• Directs staff, volunteers and oversees daily Senior Center operations, including congregate lunches and Meals on Wheels, and the Senior Transporation program.
   
• Researches, formulates, prepares, and applies for grants for Federal, State, local and regional funding sources and implement and manage grants received.

• Prepares State, Federal and City’s reports as required, including reports required to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, specifically the Formula Grant proposal; monitor spending within specified categories; prepare Statement of Balance, track units of service for various reports.  Advocates for seniors at local, state and national levels.

• Collaborates with City, local, regional, and other organizations to optimize client service delivery, resource information; maintains effective and constructive working relationships with various community groups; facilitates response to the needs of senior citizens. 

• Advises Council on Aging Board on needs, problems, and progress relative to policies, operations, programs, activities, and goals. 

• Prepares newsletter, publicizes events and services and manages social media.

• Interprets anticipated demographic changes as they relate to future senior service needs, develops strategic plans in partnership with the Council on Aging to prepare for these needs.

• Administers the Senior Tax Program for the City.
   
• Performs all other related job duties as necessary.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Under administrative direction, the manager works from policies, goals, and objectives; establishes short-range plans and objectives, departmental performance standards and assumes direct accountability for department results; consults with the supervisor only where clarification, interpretation, or exception to policy may be required or as requested by the supervisor. The employee exercises control in the development of departmental policies, goals, objectives and budgets and is expected to resolve all conflicts, which arise and coordinate with others as necessary.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

The manager is accountable for the direction and success of programs accomplished through others.  Responsible for analyzing program objectives, determining the various departmental work operations needed to achieve them, estimating the financial and staff resources required, allocating the available funds and staff, reporting periodically on the achievement and status of the program objective; and recommending new goals. The employee typically formulates or recommends program goals and develops plans for achieving short and long-range objectives; determines organizational structure operating guidelines and work operations .

JUDGMENT AND COMPLEXITY

Guidelines only provide limited guidance for performing the work which may be in the form of administrative or organizational policies, general principals, regulations, legislation or directives that pertain to a specific department or functional area. Extensive judgment and ingenuity are required to develop new or adapt existing methods and approaches for accomplishing objectives or to deal with new or unusual requirements within the limits of the guidelines or policies. The employee is recognized as the authority in interpreting the guidelines, in determining how they should be applied.

NATURE AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

Relationships are constantly with co-workers, vendors, the public, groups and/or individuals such as peers from other organizations, and representatives of professional organizations. The employee serves as a spokesperson or recognized authority of the organization in matters of substance or considerable importance, including departmental practices, procedures, regulations or guidelines.  May be required to discuss controversial matters where tact is required to avoid friction and obtain cooperation.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Manager has regular access at the departmental level to a wide variety of confidential information, including personnel records, medical records, lawsuits and client records.  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s Degree in social work, gerontology, psychology, human services or related field, Master’s Degree preferred, and five to seven years of relevant experience, or any equivalent combination of education, training, certification, and experience.  A valid Massachusetts Driver’s License is required; CPR, First Aid, and Safe SERV certifications preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY, AND SKILLS

Knowledge:  Comprehensive knowledge of gerontology and the needs of the aging population.   Working knowledge of the resources and services available to seniors and caregivers on a local, state and federal level.   Understanding of state, federal and local laws and regulations impacting the senior population and caregivers.  Knowledge of Council on Aging regulations, policies, programs, and operations; knowledge of office management principles and practices and computer systems and equipment used by the department. Knowledge of budgeting and bookkeeping principles.   Knowledge of Massachusetts procurement laws.

Abilities:  Ability to use word processing, database and spreadsheet programs and relevant computer programs with proficiency.  Ability to manage and supervise employees and volunteers effectively.  Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.   Ability to maintain good public relations and effective collaborative working relationships with City departments, department heads, fellow employees, officials and the general public.  Ability to meet deadlines.  Ability to work independently and exercise independent judgment. Ability to stay calm and deal tactfully, patiently and appropriately with all clients; Ability to show empathy and compassion.  Ability to multitask and prioritize.  

Skills: Proven interpersonal skills, public speaking skills and problem resolution skills.  Management and supervisory skills.   Customer service skills.  Organizational skills and must be detail oriented.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The majority of work is performed in an office setting. 

PHYSICAL, MOTOR, AND VISUAL SKILLS

Physical Skills

Minimal physical demands are required to perform most of the work.  The work principally involves sitting, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing.  May be required to lift objects such as files, boxes of papers, office supplies, and office equipment weighing up to 30 pounds. 

Motor Skills

Duties require motor skills for activities such as moving objects, using office equipment, including but not limited to telephones, personal computers, handheld technology, and other office equipment. 

Visual Skills 

Visual demands require routinely reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes.