Council on Aging Director - Town of Brookline

The Town of Brookline seeks a dynamic, experienced leader to serve as the next Council on Aging Director. The Council on Aging Director is responsible for providing managerial and executive level leadership and guidance in the management of the Brookline Council on Aging and all issues facing older adults in Brookline.

Under the administrative direction of the Town Administrator and policy direction of the Council on Aging, the Director provides direct leadership and support in the analysis of program objectives, management of staff, and the maintenance of the departmental budget, and focuses on providing access to services and programs that enrich the quality of life for older adults which would enable them to stay engaged in all aspects of the community, including programs and services offered at the Senior Center, social services, and transportation services. The position has direct supervisory responsibility over approximately fifteen full-time employees and eighteen part-time employees. The Department also manages up to 350 volunteers.

The Director also serves as Co-chair to Brookline Community Aging Network, Age-Friendly Cities Committee, and is ex-officio member of the Brookline Senior Center Foundation non-profit organization.

Job Requirements

This position requires seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in aging and older adult populations; or any equivalent combination of education and experience with older adults. Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) status preferred and a valid MA driver's license required.

The job requires an individual who has the following knowledge, abilities, and skills:

Knowledge. Knowledge of the federal and State services and local resources available to older adults. Ability to use initiative, persuasion, tact and judgment in dealing with Town, State and federal officials, older adults, service providers, and the general public. Knowledge of intergenerational programs. Knowledge of grant writing techniques. Knowledge of federal and state regulations pertaining to programs for seniors. Knowledge of counseling to older adults.

Ability. Ability to develop compassionate, effective, and constructive working relationships with older adults, service providers and the general public. Ability to prepare and manage budgets and departmental finances. Ability to train, supervise, and evaluate employees and volunteers effectively. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Ability to develop innovative cost-effective programs to meet community needs. Ability to Maintains a strong sense of urgency and close attention to detail. Ability to maintain accurate records.

Skill. Excellent planning, organizational, and budgeting skills. Skill in pursuing and administering grants and private fund raising, as well as communicating the needs of Brookline’s older adult population and the challenges of aging in our society.

Salary Range is $128,284-$151,112 annually, with excellent benefits. Position is open until filled, with priority consideration will be given to applications received by October 11, 2024. Please apply with confidential letter of interest and resume.

The full job description below provides details of the essential functions and responsibilities of the position.

About the Brookline Council on Aging: The Council on Aging is a resource for residents over 60 and operates the Brookline Senior Center located at 93 Winchester Street. With a mission to provide social services that allow people to remain independent, the COA operates the Senior Center five days a week with some evening and weekend programs. 2020 Census data showed that there were 13,222 residents over the age of 60 in Brookline, which was a 20 percent increase from 2010. The COA provides many services including, but not limited to, case management, mental health support, home care, income tax preparation, health clinics, legal clinics, advocacy, transportation assistance, food and nutrition assistance, and fitness center. Some recent successes include being awarded a Community Building Grant from the AARP of Massachusetts to support outreach on transportation options and community resources, and receiving the 2023 Community Emergency Preparedness Appreciation Award.

Council on Aging Director Job Description

Position Overview

Performs complex administrative, supervisory, and professional work in planning, implementing, directing, and supervising the Town’s staffing, programming, and services for Brookline’s older adult population, including programs and services offered at the Senior Center, social services, and transportation services. Provides direct leadership and support in the management of staff and the maintenance of the departmental budget, and focuses on providing access to services and programs that enrich the quality of life for older adults which would enable them to stay engaged in all aspects of the community. Serves as Co-chair to Brookline Community Aging Network, Age-Friendly Cities Committee, and is ex-officio member of the Brookline Senior Center Foundation non-profit organization.

Supervision

Supervision Scope: Exercises considerable initiative, creativity, and independent judgment in the planning, administration and execution of the Council on Aging and the Senior Center’s programs, services and initiatives. The Director is responsible for analyzing program objectives, determining the various work operations needed to achieve them, estimating the financial and staff resources required, allocating the available funds and staff, reporting periodically on the achievement and status of the program objective; and recommending new goals.

Supervision Received: Works under the administrative direction of the Town Administrator and policy direction of the Council on Aging, operating in accordance with all related Town policies, ordinances, and state and federal laws. Functions independently referring specific problems to supervisors only where clarification or interpretation of Town policy or procedure is required.

Supervision Given: Has direct supervisory responsibility over approximately fifteen full-time employees and eighteen part-time employees. The Department also manages up to 350 volunteers.

Job Environment

Work is generally performed under typical office conditions with continuous interruptions from clients and staff. Incumbent is regularly required to attend evening and weekend meetings. In addition, incumbent may be contacted at off-hours (24/7) to respond to important situations and emergencies.

Makes frequent contacts requiring perceptiveness and needs assessment with the Town's older adult population, all Town departments, state and local agencies, community leaders and citizen groups serving older adults. Contacts require persuasiveness and resourcefulness to influence the behavior of others, as well as a high level of tact, understanding, and patience when interacting with clients.

Has access to a highly confidential information concerning personal matters and problems of clients, client's medical records, and Department personnel records.

Errors in judgment could result in hardship to the Town's older adult population, lower standards of service to the community, and negative public relations for both the Department and the Town.

Essential Functions

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Administers, directs, and coordinates all the services and programs of the Brookline Council on Aging in an effort to meet the social and emotional needs and the continuing development of older adults. Oversees the operations and management of the Brookline Senior Center.
• Identifies and assesses the needs of the full range of Brookline’s older adult population, including identifying and understanding the needs of older adults in protected classes or underserved populations with a focus on accessibility, diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and community engagement. Ensures the delivery of effective services in a comprehensive, ethical, accessible, and logical way.
• Ensures development and access to a wide variety of quality programs, educational lectures, recreational opportunities, cultural events, and social activities.
• Prepares the Department budget and advocates for programs to service unmet needs. Oversees all fiscal management, including payroll, accounts receivable/payable, and grants. Develops grant requests to fund new and ongoing programs.
• Provides information and recommendations to the Council on Aging and Council Committees on older adult issues and unmet needs, and facilitates long-term planning for the Town's older adult population. Performs administrative functions for the Council.
• Advises, guides, and interacts with older adults, their family members, advocates, and representatives on a daily basis requiring patience, good communication and compassion.
• Supervises, trains and evaluates subordinates; assigns staff and develops work schedules; handles all personnel management functions including hiring, discipline, and firing; maintains personnel records; administers performance evaluations of personnel. Develops organizational structure to meet Departmental staffing goals.
• Oversees the social services provided by the agency, including programs for older adults with mental and physical health needs, and programs relating to economic security, food insecurity, housing, and utility support.
• Oversees the agency’s geriatric social work program, including clinical intervention and case management/social services to older adults and those who support them. Supervises clinical social workers, and provides interagency collaboration and support, and crisis intervention.
• Oversees agency’s Homecare Program, providing Brookline residents with services such as house-cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, and medical escort. Recruits, trains, and supervises homecare workers.
• Oversees the transportation programs provided by the agency, including subsidized transportation options. Responsible for acquisition and maintenance of Council on Aging vehicles. Obtains new vehicles through grants and private fundraising.
• Oversees the volunteer program for the agency. Educates community members and enlists their support and participation to meet the needs of older adults in Brookline.
• Maintains the Department’s certification and administration of the SHINE program, AARP Income Tax- Assistance program, and Brookline’s Tax Work-Off program.
• Provides professional and administrative support to nonprofit sister organization, Brookline Senior Center Foundation, including assistance with fundraising and grant-writing efforts, as well as other administrative tasks. Informs and educates Foundation Board and recommends funding needs. Provides support and planning for annual cycle of fundraising activities. Attends quarterly meetings as Ex Officio member of the Foundation Board of Directors.
• Provides professional leadership and administrative support to the Brookline Community Aging Network and the Age-Friendly Cities Committee, including monthly meetings and work with various committees.
• Maintains Brookline’s Age-Friendly status by liaising with the World Health Organization and AARP. Initiates, collaborates, and facilitates programs as well as provides consultations on gerontology to other Town departments. Provides information and crisis intervention with other Town agencies as needed.
• Plans and develops educational and recreational programs as well as workshops on aging issues through collaboration with area universities, hospitals, local non-profit agencies and other Town departments.
• Performs older adult advocacy on the local, state, and federal level. Collaborates with state legislators on funding and legislative issues facing older adults in Brookline. Performs public relations, media contact, and prepares press releases to publicize the Department's programs and activities. Addresses community groups regarding older adult services and needs.
• Oversees the communications and marketing programs of the agency, including the monthly newsletter and other departmental publications. Ensures accessible communications and marketing materials are developed; develops and maintains the Department website and social media platforms.
• Attends conferences, seminars, meetings and training relative to older adult practices and techniques. Stays active in, and represents the Town at related professional associations and events. Stays up-to-date on initiatives and best practices on issues facing older adults in the community.
• Works with the Building Department on building issues. Responsible for coordinating outside vendors for facility management.
• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or situation dictates.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Master's Degree in Social Work preferred, seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in aging/older adults; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements

• Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill

Knowledge. Knowledge of the federal and State services and local resources available to older adults. Ability to use initiative, persuasion, tact and judgment in dealing with Town, State and federal officials, older adults, service providers, and the general public. Knowledge of intergenerational programs. Knowledge of grant writing techniques. Knowledge of federal and state regulations pertaining to programs for seniors. Knowledge of counseling to older adults.

Ability. Ability to develop compassionate, effective, and constructive working relationships with older adults, service providers and the general public. Ability to prepare and manage budgets and departmental finances. Ability to train, supervise, and evaluate employees and volunteers effectively. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Ability to develop innovative cost-effective programs to meet community needs. Ability to Maintains a strong sense of urgency and close attention to detail. Ability to maintain accurate records.

Skill. Excellent planning, organizational, and budgeting skills. Skill in pursuing and administering grants and private fund raising, as well as communicating the needs of Brookline’s older adult population and the challenges of aging in our society.

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)