AgeOptions is committed to improving the quality of life and maintaining the dignity of older adults and those who care about them - through leadership and support, community partnerships, comprehensive services, accurate information and powerful advocacy. AgeOptions is recognized nationally as a leader in developing and helping to deliver innovative community-based resources and options to older populations in transition and through our network of community agencies, serves over 180,000 people annually. AgeOptions receives federal, state, private, foundation, and individual charitable contributions. For more information, please visit our website at: www.ageoptions.org.

Overview of the role: 
This visible role plays a central part in advancing the mission, by driving elder rights initiatives and other key social service programs across suburban Cook County. Guide our Adult Protective Service partners to success through program management and by providing technical assistance and support to comply with the program guidelines and offer services and supports to older adults with disabilities.  Use your project management, program planning & management, and strong relationships to develop new initiatives that complement the core programs of this position.   Be an integral part of making sure that older adults and adults with disabilities have their rights respected and supported in suburban Cook County. 

Specific key elements of the position include development, oversight and leadership of the following programs:

• Elder Rights Programs- Adult Protective Services, Long-Term Care Ombudsmen and Legal Assistance


• Financial Abuse 


• Veteran's Programs

What are some of the specific day to day responsibilities:

Technical Assistance and Training:

• Provide timely and high-quality technical assistance on best practices, program rules, requirements.


• Respond to program issues by assessing concerns, reviewing action plans, supporting staff in resolving problems and knowing when to escalate issues.


• Facilitate regular meetings and professional development opportunities for partner organizations


• Act as a Subject Matter Expert and remain up-to-date on program changes and trends in the field


• Review reports and budgets for quality assurance


• Serve as an information resource to AgeOptions staff, partners and clients by consulting on issues related to adult protective services and the protection of rights of older adults and adults with disabilities


• Assist the Grants Unit with program monitoring, as needed


• Provide analysis and knowledge on Federal and State laws and current guidelines, policies and procedures of all programs under his/her purview.

Program Development and Outreach:

• Work with external partners to develop and enhance Multi-Disciplinary Team efforts related to Fatality Review Teams (FRT) and Financial Abuse Specialist Teams (FAST).


• Identify funding opportunities and prepare grant applications and proposals.


• Work with external partners to increase awareness of elder and disability needs and resources.


• Provide outreach, education, and training.


• Provide recommendations for program development.


• Advocate for increased supportive interventions for older adults and adults with disabilities


• Work with the fiscal department and manager to oversee budget and program expenses.


• Represents AgeOptions at events, meetings and professional associations and organizations.

Reporting and Analysis:

• Review federal and state guidelines, administrative rules and program standards. Provide guidance to provider agencies, policy analysis and written public comments.


• Maintain appropriate program elements in internal information systems and databases.


• Analyze program trends, data, and developments for use in program planning.


• Responsible for input on and the preparation of regular reporting.

 

Recommended Experience and Qualification for this role:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in social work, social sciences, planning, gerontology, community health, public health or a related field.  Advanced degree beyond bachelor's (MSW) is desirable. 


• Experience: At least 3 years of experience in social services programming and planning preferably in aging or related area.


• Certification(s): Illinois Adult Protective Services Supervisor or Case Worker, Ombudsman Level 2, LSW or LCSW is desirable.


• Program development experience and experience coordinating and conducting training preferred


• Ability to develop strong working relationships with community partners


• Strong verbal and written communication, including presentation skills


• Ability to prepare written reports, grant applications and position papers


• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 Suite Office programs including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel


• Strong technical, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills


• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, working autonomously and with others


• Ability to travel within suburban Cook County on a regular basis, and travel outside of Cook County on an occasional basis

 Don't meet all of the requirements? We encourage you to apply, tell us why you want to work with us and what you can bring!

 

 AgeOptions is an Equal Opportunity Employer where diversity is celebrated, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all

The starting salary range for this role is $45,000-$60,000 annually; based upon an individual's experience, education and licensing and our internal equity.

In addition to your annual salary AgeOptions makes a 5% contribution to your 403(b) whether you contribute or not!!

This is a full-time role and includes ability to participate in our medical, dental and vision plans.

We work in a hybrid environment and this role will have responsibilities in the office and in the field as well as the ability to work remotely regularly.