AGING PROGRAM SPECIALIST II

DEFINITION

This is senior-level supervisory and consultative work for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services in planning and development, or program implementation and monitoring in a senior citizen service program or organizational unit.

This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills or abilities associated with this classification.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Supervises the planning, development and/or implementation of programs of services for senior citizens, including assessing needs, determining client population and scope of the program.

Determines budgetary impact, assessing compatibility with existing programs, recommending policies and procedures, conducting field work with staff during implementation and monitoring program effectiveness.

Develops policies and procedures for implementation of a statewide program for the identification and treatment of elderly abuse and neglect; interprets, clarifies and modifies procedures as required.

Develops criteria used in review and approval of Area Agency on Aging (AAA) annual plans; develops plan format and accompanying instructions; recommends policies and procedures related to planning activities; and provides technical assistance as required.

Manages activities associated with the monitoring of in-home service providers under Title XX, including establishing and implementing corrective action plans for Social Services Block Grant providers experiencing difficulties complying with state and federal regulations.

Designs, implements and maintains data-base systems for minority elderly participation information; reviews, analyzes and interprets data to adjust methods and programs to ensure participation by the minority elderly in Department programs.

Plans, develops and implements service programs specifically targeted towards the elderly minority population to include determining elderly minority needs and desires and reasons for minority elderly under-utilization of Division programs.

Assists a Health and Senior Services Manager in managing a large alternative services region, including supervising subordinate Home and Community Services Area Supervisors; planning, developing and coordinating the integration of regional specialized caseloads; and developing regional personnel policies and resolving problems.

Manages the activities of the central office correspondence unit, including responding to inquiries from the general public, legislators and other interested agencies; developing and submitting media release materials; preparing and disseminating reports to area, state and federal agencies.

Assists in the administration of the Home and Community Services Program, including policy and procedure development, monitoring and evaluation of activities and programs, and special projects.

Reviews and analyzes federal regulations and proposed and adopted legislation to determine the impact on the department; develops recommendation for the agency's response or recommends a plan for implementation.

Coordinates the integration of new programs or services with existing programs in order to ensure compatibility and effectiveness in meeting the needs of clients.

Supervises professional, technical and clerical staff.

Exercises significant independence and initiative in the performance of responsibilities; receives general administrative direction.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

Comprehensive knowledge of the methods and techniques of program planning and development, as applied to services for senior citizens.

Comprehensive knowledge of social, economic and health problems impacting the elderly.

Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state and local programs and services for senior citizens.

Comprehensive knowledge of community services organizations, especially those which provide services to senior citizens.

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and techniques of public administration as applied to planning, directing and evaluating a program unit.

Ability to supervise and direct the activities of professional, technical and clerical staff.

Ability to interpret and apply federal and state regulations, policies and procedures.

Ability to communicate effectively with groups and individuals.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, public officials, community groups and others.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

(The following requirements will determine merit system eligibility, experience and education ratings, and may be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers. When practical and possible, the Division of Personnel will accept substitution of experience and education on a year-for-year basis.)

Two or more years of experience as an Aging Program Specialist I or Home and Community Services Area Supervisor with the Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System.

OR

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 15 earned credit hours in one or a combination of the following: Gerontology, Public or Business Administration, Health Services Management, Human Development and Family Studies, Community Planning and Development, Education, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Nursing, Criminal Justice, Pre-Medical, Pre-Law or closely related field; and,

Five or more years of experience in social services program design, implementation, or evaluation and policy development of state or federal programs targeted to the elderly or mentally disabled; or working with an Area Agency on Aging.

(24 earned graduate credit hours from an accredited college or university in the specified areas may substitute for one year of the required general experience. A Master's degree from an accredited college or university in the specified areas may substitute for two years of the required experience.)

(Minor Revision 2/8/06)