Assistant Director (UC), Aging & Disabilities

About the Department

The Aging and Disabilities (AD) Department and its network of community and agency partners improve lives and support self-determination for older adults, adults with disabilities, and communities. The Aging and Disabilities Department is committed to building age-friendly, inclusive, and accessible communities, while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of older and dependent adults.

The Opportunity

The Department is seeking three accomplished executive leaders to serve as Assistant Directors of the following bureaus within the Aging and Disabilities Department:

• Area Agency on Aging
• Disability Services and Community Programs
• Adult Protective Services

These positions report directly to the Chief Deputy Director and play a critical role in advancing the Department’s mission to ensure older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their families can live safe, healthy, and self-determined lives in their communities. Each Assistant Director will oversee a major portfolio of programs and services that strengthen Los Angeles County’s aging and disability services system, expand equitable access to supports, and improve outcomes for the diverse populations served. Additionally, each executive will help shape the Department’s strategic direction, align programs with long-term priorities, and implement innovative initiatives that promote accessibility, inclusion, and community well-being. They will serve as key members of the executive leadership team and may act on behalf of the Director as needed.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidates are experienced public sector leaders with demonstrated success guiding complex human services systems and achieving measurable outcomes. They will bring strong strategic thinking, operational leadership, and a deep commitment to public service.

Successful candidates will be:

• Strategic and mission-driven leaders capable of guiding large programs and initiatives that improve quality of life for older adults, dependent adults, and people with disabilities.
• Collaborative partners and relationship builders who can foster trust with County departments, state and federal agencies, community-based organizations, advocates, and residents.
• Champions of equity and accessibility committed to ensuring programs serve diverse communities in culturally responsive and inclusive ways.
• Data-driven and results-oriented executives who use analytics and performance management to inform decision-making and improve service delivery.
• Innovative change leaders comfortable implementing reforms, expanding services, and navigating complex public sector environments.

Responsibilities

Shared responsibilities of all Assistant Directors include:

• Serve as members of the Department’s executive leadership team and contribute to organizational strategy and policy development.
• Promote a culture of trust, collaboration, and employee engagement.
• Lead and mentor senior managers while ensuring clear priorities, accountability, and professional development opportunities.
• Utilize data and performance management systems to drive continuous improvement and measurable outcomes.
• Create, implement, and monitor policies, procedures, and administrative systems in the context of budgetary, legal, and administrative functions.
• Develop short- and long-range strategic plans to meet current and emergent needs in disabilities, aging and adult protection services supports and programs.
• Identify funding opportunities and guide strategic investments that expand services and improve community impact.

Assistant Director, Area Agency on Aging

• Provides executive leadership for the County’s Area Agency on Aging (AAA) programs and initiatives serving older adults and family caregivers.
• Oversee planning, administration, and evaluation of aging programs funded through federal, state, and local sources.
• Lead implementation of initiatives addressing the evolving needs of an expanding aging population.
• Direct strategic planning efforts, including the Area Plan and other age-friendly initiatives.
• Ensure effective administration of programs funded through the Older Americans Act, the Older Californians Act, and related funding streams.
• Lead subordinate managers in program performance monitoring, data analysis, and outcomes measurement.
• Promote innovative and accessible service delivery models that improve independence, health, and well-being for older adults.
• Strengthen coordination with Adult Protective Services, Aging Network partners, community organizations, and other stakeholders across the aging services ecosystem.
• Identify and resolve operational barriers while promoting continuous improvement and accountability across programs.

Assistant Director, Disability Services and Community Programs

• Provides executive leadership for the Department’s Disability Services and Community Programs and plays a central role in advancing the Department’s commitment to equitable, inclusive and accessible communities.
• Direct strategic planning, program development, and operational oversight for disability services and community programs.
• Lead the implementation of initiatives that expand accessibility, strengthen community connections, and increase opportunities for adults living with disabilities.
• Guide the transformation of various programs to ensure the promotion of inclusive engagement, learning, wellness, and social connection for residents of all ages.
• Advance the Department’s Disability Services Strategic Plan and promote person-centered, equity-focused program design.
• Direct managers responsible for program performance, service delivery, and data management.
• Identify emerging community needs and develop innovative service models that expand independence, housing stability, health, and community participation.
• Secure and leverage funding opportunities to support program growth and sustainability.
• Strengthen partnerships with federal and state agencies, County departments, and community-based organizations to enhance coordination and emergency preparedness planning to ensure equitable response for residents with disabilities and others.

Assistant Director, Adult Protective Services

• Provides executive leadership for the County’s Adult Protective Services (APS) programs and initiatives to guide strategic direction, strengthen operations, and drive performance excellence across a continuum of legally mandated, compliance-heavy services.
• Lead and elevate a countywide protective-services system that is grounded in equity, accountability, compassion, and innovation.
• Strengthen partnerships with federal, state and county agencies, County departments, legal entities, labor partners, and community-based organizations and a variety of external stakeholders that are critical to the success of programs and initiatives.
• Use data and performance analytics to inform operational improvements, identify service gaps, and align staffing and resources across APS.
• Identify and implement operational efficiencies, including process improvements, and workload optimization.
• Consult with County Counsel, district attorneys office, the court, and state agencies to ensure compliance with state law, regulations, and federal, state, and county policies and procedures.
• Manage and oversee complex and sensitive matters including emergency protective interventions.
• Coordinate services with other County departments, law enforcement, health care providers, legal entities, community-based organizations, and outside agencies.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Gerontology, Social Work, Business Administration, Public Administration, Human Services, Public Health or a closely related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience within a comparable human services or social services agency or organization, including at least one (1) year in a highly responsible management capacity, directly through subordinate managers and influencing organizational strategy.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets and diverse funding streams related to aging & disability services.
• Strong project management, verbal, writing and communication skills.

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in Gerontology, Social Work, Business Administration, Public Administration, Human Services, Public Health or a closely related field.
• Extensive experience managing responsive, customer-focused programs serving older adults, family caregivers, and adults with disabilities.
• Demonstrated experience administering federal, state, or county categorical grant programs and conducting community or organizational needs assessments.
• Experience developing and implementing innovative programs that connect residents to housing stability, health services, social supports, and economic opportunities.
• Proven success improving program effectiveness through technology, data analytics, and emerging funding opportunities.
• Experience leading strategic planning efforts for large, complex organizations.
• Knowledge of the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) network and disability policy frameworks.
• Experience developing cross-system partnerships and coordinated service delivery models that improve access to services and supports for older adults, adults with disabilities, caregivers, and other vulnerable populations.
• Experience building integrated partnerships with County departments, community organizations, advocacy groups, businesses, and the public.
• Ability to translate complex data into actionable insights that guide strategic goals and improve service outcomes.
• Leadership experience in a highly regulated environment, ideally in probate, conservatorship, guardianship, or adult-protective systems.