DEPUTY DIRECTOR, OFFICE FOR THE AGING

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The position involves responsibility for Office for the Aging administration, coordination, and development of services.  The incumbent performs management functions including, but not limited to, contract and/or fiscal management, budgeting, program development, personnel supervision, program evaluation, and monitoring of requirements pertaining to several federal and state programs as well as other grant-funded programs. The work involves responsibility for assisting the Director in the administration of the Office for the Aging and acts for and in place of the Director. The incumbent is responsible for all general, specific, long range, and immediate department planning functions including preparation of the annual/multiyear plan which outlines department goals, objectives and priorities. The work is carried out under the general supervision of the Director with wide leeway allowed in the exercise of independent judgment. The incumbent supervises assigned staff. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

Assists the Director in the administration of the department and acts for and in place of the Director;

Assists the Director in the development of department programs and policy priorities, goals, and objectives for the advancement, growth, modification, and resourceallocation for all programs;

Monitors department plan for adherence to planned levels of performance and manageson-going plan activities;

Prepares or assists in the preparation of reports and grant proposals including, but notlimited to, preparing budgets; composing narratives; and collecting, tabulating, andanalyzing financial, demographic, programmatic, and supporting data from internal and external sources to aid in reporting and planning activities;

Studies, evaluates and makes recommendations about programs, problems, suggestions, and research concerning older adults, younger disabled persons, or their caregivers;

Coordinates program grants and special projects as assigned by the Director;

Administers specific service components of the Department;

Operates a computer for the purposes of entering or retrieving data;

Supervises assigned staff;

Provides technical assistance and participates in activities with municipal and community agencies concerned with programs and services or grant procurement to serve older adults, younger disabled persons, or their caregivers;

Promotes community awareness and comprehension of the worth and needs of olderadults, younger disabled persons, and their caregivers;

Represents the agency through participation and membership on local and State committees and advisory boards;

Works directly with older persons, younger disabled persons, or their delegates.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Good knowledge of administrative principles and practices and of their effective application to public agencies and community groups; Good knowledge of the characteristics, needs and interest of older adults, younger disabled persons, and caregivers, especially as they relate to income, health, housing, nutrition, recreation, and transportation; Good knowledge of community agencies, facilities and services; Good knowledge of government grant writing and planning/relation techniques, public information; Working knowledge of State, Federal, and Local agencies providing services or grants for services for older adults, younger disabled persons, or their caregivers; Ability to plan and supervise the work of others; Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with others; Initiative; Empathy; Tact; Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is required to walk, talk and hear.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Department of Education, AND EITHER:     

A.    A master’s degree from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university, with major work in social or behavioral sciences, public health, public administration, recreation education, or related fields AND two (2) years of full-time, paid administrative experience in community organization or the field of aging or disabilities;
 
OR:   

B.     A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university, with major work in social or behavioral sciences, public health,  public  administration, recreation education, or related fields AND three (3) years of full time, paid experience in community organization or the field of aging or disabilities  including at least one year in an administrative or supervisory capacity; OR: C.     An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of(A) and (B).
 
NOTE: One (1) year of experience as described in (A) or (B) may be substituted for one year of formal higher education.   "Experience” is that which is involved in the direct delivery of social, economic, or emotional support services to people who are having difficulty coping with the pressures and strains of modern life. The experience requires judgment on the part of the individual in dealing with or responding to the client.