The Town of Dedham seeks a Council on Aging Director to perform administrative, professional, supervisory, and managerial work to initiate, develop and conduct programs that provide human and social services to the Town’s senior citizens.

A Bachelor’s Degree in social work, gerontology, human services, or related field is required. Master’s Degree is strongly preferred. Five to seven years of management experience in a human services environment, with an emphasis on assessment and evaluation of senior client needs, program development and grant writing preferred. A combination of education and work experience may be substituted for management experience.

Additional Requirements

• Valid Massachusetts driver’s license and ability to drive an automobile in Massachusetts.
• CORI and SORI qualified at hire and every three years thereafter.
• Ability to work outside of the regular daytime hours as needed as exempt employee.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill

• Thorough knowledge of the federal, state regional services and local resources available to seniors.
• Working knowledge of all applicable federal and state statutes, including, without limitation, regulations pertaining to available programs for seniors and reporting laws regarding elder abuse.
• Knowledge of grants availability/resources and grant writing techniques.
• Knowledge of counseling, specifically for the senior population.
• Ability to develop effective and constructive working relationships with senior citizens, services providers, human services agencies and the general public.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, financial software and willing to learn new software programs as needed.
• Ability to effectively advocate for seniors in a variety of situations requiring knowledge, negotiation skills, diplomacy, and tact.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to anticipate specific needs of mobile and immobile seniors.Ability to prepare and manage budgets and finances.
• Ability to prepare and administer grants.
• Ability to train and supervise employees and volunteers.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to act independently.
• Ability to be patient and flexible.
• Excellent public relations skills.
• Strong public speaking, marketing and organizational skills and strategic leadership skills and computer skills.
• Skill in advocacy for and empathy with the seniors.
• CPR/AED/First Aid certification preferred.
• Certified Food Handler preferred.
• SHINE certification preferred.

Essential Functions of the Job:

Performs varied, complex and responsible professional duties requiring the exercise of initiative and considerable independent judgment. working from municipal and departmental policies and objectives establishes short-range plans and objectives and assumes direct accountability for results. Consults with supervisor only where clarification, interpretation, or exception to municipal or departmental policy may be required. Resolves all conflict that may arise and coordinates with others as necessary.

Performs highly responsible duties in managing department, conducting service programs, supervising employees and addressing the needs of seniors. Directs the operations of the Council on Aging.

Develops, supervises and conducts social, educational, recreational, and health programs for senior citizens following the policies of the Council on Aging; confers with state and local officials and professional and community organizations to develop better ways to meet the needs of senior citizens.

Provides a variety of social, health information services, answers questions, provides information; maintains up-to-date listing of resources and direct links with service providers; arranges for activities; initiates peer/caregiver support groups.

Plans agenda of Council on Aging meetings with Chairperson, attends meetings, prepares and delivers reports, works with Council committees and related municipal, local and state boards and departments for the effective efficient program and service delivery to the senior population.

Develops policies and procedures to ensure smooth operations of department and to maintain compliance with department, town, state, and federal regulations.

Responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, supervision and performance management of staff and independent contractors, volunteers and senior tax work off program. Incumbent oversees seven (7) full-time and part-time staff equivalent and dozens of volunteers.

Identifies and prioritizes community need through input from residents, clients, staff, board members, other town departments, analysis of statistical data and participant surveys. Advocates for additional resources to meet the needs of older adults.

Provides direct services to seniors including information and referrals, counseling, support services and transportation; maintains related files and records; assists senior citizens in filing applications for assistance programs. Advocates on behalf of seniors encountering difficulties with agencies, public utilities or consumer issues.

Maintains up-to-date intake files including basic demographics, services needs, etc. for records, assistance and support.

Works with COA Chairperson to develop Annual Report and to develop, submit and defend the annual budget request; prepares and submits annual report and other required or requested reports, documents, etc. to Office of Elder Affairs, town officials, et al.

Prepares and distributes newsletter, regular press releases and schedule of activities through all available media. Publicizes and promotes services and programs available to seniors through the media, speaking to groups/organizations regarding senior programs and activities, regularly promotes department events.

Researches and prepares grant applications and administers grants; makes recommendations for the revision or expansion of service programs.

Act as liaison to Friends of Dedham Seniors and other charitable, non-profit and for-profit organizations, foundations, trusts or agencies working for the betterment of the quality of life of the senior population.

Responsible for the fiscal management and control of the programs and services for the Council on Aging Department. Administer the overall financial operations of the department including expenditures, payroll, fees and charges, purchasing, and preparation of budget estimates.

Administers daily operations of multi-purpose Senior Center site. Ensures completeness, accuracy and timeliness of books, records, accounts, and reports.

Initiates and plans special events for seniors, elected officials and the general public.

Maintains up-to-date knowledge of matters concerning senior citizens and related issues, through continuing education, attendance and presentations at training programs, regional meetings and workshops pertinent to program development, and contact and visibility with state and regional associations and advocates; maintaining effective, efficient, current operations and records to achieve department and town-wide goals.

Keeps Assistant Town Manager informed of progress and problems on a regular basis.

How to Apply

The posting close date is April 14, 2023.

Please submit your electronic application along with your resume and cover letter here

The Town of Dedham is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V and does not discriminate based on race, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other legally protected status. We celebrate our diverse community by respecting and appreciating our individual differences. Our inclusive culture energizes all of us to belong, collaborate, and grow.