Aging Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Are you interested in a meaningful career where you have the opportunity to support and speak up for older adults in Pennsylvania? The Pennsylvania Department of Aging, Bureau of Elder Justice and Advocacy, is looking for an Aging Services Specialist to join our dedicated team. In this role, your careful work will help make sure protective services are available and consistent for older adults across the Commonwealth. Join us in our mission to promote independence, purpose, and well-being for older Pennsylvanians!

In this role, you will serve as a liaison between the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) and the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) regarding the administration and implementation of Pennsylvania's Older Adults Protective Services Act (OAPSA). Work involves supporting the statewide protective services system by helping agencies follow policies, collect accurate data, and provide safe, consistent services for older adults. You will have the opportunity to work closely with staff, partners, and agencies to strengthen protective services and support program improvement. As an Aging Services Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Policy Support: Assist with developing policies, procedures, and guidance for protective services and guardianship programs
• Technical Assistance: Provide direction to Area Agencies on Aging to help resolve compliance issues and improve service quality
• Data Review: Analyze protective services data to identify trends, concerns, and opportunities for improvement
• Training Support: Help develop and deliver training materials for protective services staff and related partners
• Program Coordination: Support statewide committees, workgroups, and outreach efforts related to elder justice and protective services
• Communication Assistance: Prepare written responses, guidance, and informational materials for agencies and stakeholders

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years of professional experience in a human services program conducting human services related research or providing social services to clients, and a bachelor's degree; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.