Director of Council on Aging

About the role

The Director of the Council on Aging/ Senior Center Department is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, programming, and administration of the Pittsfield Senior Center. This role involves advocating, developing and implementing programs that meet the social, recreational, educational, and health needs of seniors in the community.

Responsibilities

• Administer, direct and coordinate activities of the Council on Aging/Senior Center;
• Develops plans, policies, and procedures for the establishment and maintenance of senior services;
• Provide direct assistance to seniors, addressing their individual needs and connecting them with appropriate resources and services;
• Create, manage, and monitor annual operating budget and capital improvement plan;
• Prepare agenda for Council on Aging meetings, provide reports, monitor performance of services/programs, make recommendations for new or modified services/programs, advise Council on Aging regarding legislative and government issues, as well as new findings and trends in gerontology and program/service needs;
• Develop and build relationships with state and local officials, community leaders, and citizens groups serving senior citizens, health care providers, and senior citizens;
• Cook up the purchase of materials required to operate the Senior Center and the Council on Aging;
• Research grant opportunities; prepare grant applications; administer grant funding received;
• Schedule the operation of the transportation system for seniors and other various programs;
• Explore additional sources of funding, as well as assistance from health and human service agencies in sponsoring programs and events for seniors;
• Act as a representative and liaison of the City and Council on Aging;
• Collaborate with the Building Maintenance Department, oversee and request the maintenance of the Senior Center facility and equipment; ensure compliance with building and fire codes;
• Gather and interpret data regarding demographic changes as they relate to future senior service needs, developing strategic plans in order to prepare and respond to these needs;
• Supervise the operation of the Senior Center and the Council on Aging;
• Perform supervisory activities which may include but is not limited to: responsibility for performance management including annual reviews, hiring, scheduling work hours/granting time off, providing training and development, assigning/reviewing work, rewarding/disciplining employees, conducting regular/monthly staff meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, gerontology, or related field;
• Five (5) – Seven (7) years of experience in senior services, community center management, or a related field, including supervisory experience;
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered;
• CPR/First Aid certification highly desirable;
• Requires broad knowledge of federal, state, and local services available to the elderly;
• Requires the ability to use initiative, persuasion, tact and judgment in advocating for the City’s seniors with local, state and federal officials, and other agencies;
• Strong leadership and organizational skills;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities;
• Proficiency in budget management and grant writing;
• Firm understanding of local laws and ordinances, and Massachusetts General Laws as they pertain to human services and elderly welfare;
• Requires the ability to build a positive team environment, manage and motivate staff;
• Familiarity with personnel/HR practices;
• Requires strong computer skills including familiarity with Microsoft office, ability to learn relevant software related to position and City employment.

Benefits

• Health Insurance;
• Dental Insurance;
• Life Insurance;
• Retail Savings Plan;
• Up to 14 paid Holidays;
• Personal Days;
• Vacation Time;
• Earned Sick Leave;
• Employee Assistance Program;
• Tuition Reimbursement;
• Wellness programming for employee and family;
• Incentives for bilingual individuals.