Elderly Services Program Manager

Help shape an engaging community for older adults in New Haven. This rewarding role oversees the daily operations of a multi-purpose senior center, creating a welcoming environment where adults aged 60 and older can connect, learn, stay active, and access valuable community resources. You will develop engaging programs, coordinate special events, and ensure the center remains a vibrant hub that promotes health, independence, and social engagement.

About the role

This is professional work involving organizing and directing programs for the elderly, delivered either to groups or individuals in a City-managed public setting. Program activities include recreation, education, community service, as well as referral and follow-up work. The Elderly Services Program Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management and coordination of multi-purpose senior centers, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and vibrant environment for community members aged 60 and older. Evening and weekend hours may be required.

Responsibilities

• Manages the opening and closing procedures of the designated facility.
• Ensures common areas, activity rooms, and dining spaces are clean, organized, and properly set up for daily events.
• Maintains a visible presence at the center to address member concerns, provide tours, and foster a positive social atmosphere.
• Monitors facility maintenance needs and coordinates repairs with appropriate City department or contracted vendors.
• Implements a diverse calendar of activities for program participants, including fitness classes, arts & crafts, educational seminars, and social clubs.
• Schedules and supervises instructors, guest speakers, and contract service providers.
• Coordinates the daily congregate meal program, ensuring compliance with health safety standards and nutritional guidelines.
• Organizes and leads special events, holiday celebrations, and community outings.
• Facilitates program membership registration and maintains an accurate database of participants.
• Provides information and referrals to seniors and their families regarding local resources (e.g., housing, healthcare, nutrition assistance).
• Conducts intake assessments to identify the needs of new members and ensures they are connected to appropriate center services.
• Works closely with staff of municipal and other service providers to meet the needs of senior citizens, including entitlement programs, and collaborates with volunteer groups.
• Maintains records of daily attendance, program participation, and volunteer hours.
• Assists in the preparation of monthly reports and grant documentation.
• Manages the collection of fees or donations in accordance with municipal financial policies.
• Assists with the recruitment, training, and supervision of center volunteers.
• Maintains current knowledge of industry trends, technologies, and best practices and incorporates appropriate advancements into work activities.
• Performs related work as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Gerontology, Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field.
• One to three years’ experience working with older adults, preferably in a community center or social service setting.
• In lieu of a Bachelor’s Degree, an additional 4 years of directly related experience may be substituted.
• Spanish/English bilingual is preferred as this position serves a substantial Spanish-speaking community.
• Possession of a valid Connecticut driver’s license.
• Current CPR and First Aid Certifications.
• Ability to work occasional evening or weekend hours for meetings, programming, and related assignments.

Skills

• Considerable knowledge of the physical, social, and emotional needs of the elderly.
• Considerable knowledge of the services available to the elderly from federal, state, and local governments as well as from the private sector.
• Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations related to the elderly.
• Skill in developing program activities for older adults.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office for creating documents, spreadsheets, and data collection.
• Competency in using email clients (e.g., Outlook, Gmail), calendar applications, and collaboration tools (e.g., Teams, Zoom) for scheduling, managing correspondence, and participating in remote meetings.
• Ability to collect and maintain information and data related to program participants.
• Public speaking and presentation skills sufficient to facilitate group education sessions and presentations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including city officials, state agencies, boards and committees, staff, community organizations, and the general public.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey information to employees, community members, and other stakeholders.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and programming needs.
• Strong organizational skills to effectively prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Ability to interact in a non-judgmental manner with culturally diverse populations and people experiencing a wide range of social conditions.
• High ethical standards, maintaining confidentiality and upholding professional integrity in all interactions.
• Ability to identify and apply new methods, technologies, and best practices to improve work processes and outcomes.

Physical Requirements

The role involves the following physical demands and working conditions:

Amount of Time Physical Activity Amount of Time Working Environment None Stand Over 2/3 Wet or humid conditions (non-weather) Over 2/3 Walk None Work near moving mechanical parts 1/3 to 2/3 Sit None Work in high, precarious places Over 2/3 Touch, handle, or feel None Fumes or airborne particles Under 1/3 Reach with hands and arms None Toxic or caustic chemicals None Climb or balance None Outdoor weather conditions Under 1/3 Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl None Extreme cold (non-weather) Over 2/3 Talk or hear None Risk of electrical shock None Taste or smell None Work with explosives None Risk of radiation Lifting or force to be exerted? None Vibration Up to 10 pounds Over 2/3 Up to 25 pounds Under 1/3 Up to 50 pounds None Up to 75 pounds None Up to 100 pounds None More than 100 pounds None

Pay

This position is included in a collective bargaining agreement with Local 3144, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. General Fund hires into this class contribute 10% of salary to the City pension and are not covered by Social Security.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check, a pre-employment physical examination including drug screening, and a 90-day probationary period. The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana.