<p>THE POSITION</p> <p>Do you possess dynamic leadership skills and have a passion for serving Pennsylvania's older adult population? The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) is eager to welcome an Aging Services Specialist to assist in ensuring that all eligible residents receive the quality care and services for which they are entitled. Join us in our mission to promote independence, purpose, and well-being in the lives of older adults through advocacy, service, and protection. Our vision is a Pennsylvania where older adults are embraced and empowered to live and age with dignity and respect. We look forward to hearing from you!</p> <p>DESCRIPTION OF WORK</p> <p>As an Aging Services Specialist, you will work in the Pennsylvania Department of Aging's Education and Outreach Office, serving as a Medicare subject matter expert and providing programmatic oversight and support to the local State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) located in the Southwest region of the state. SHIP provides education and counseling to Pennsylvania Medicare beneficiaries through staff and volunteers based out of 52 local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) that serve Pennsylvania's 67 counties.</p> <p>Within this role, you will help programs plan, receive, and allocate cooperative and competitive grants and contracts. You will apply principles of formula funding in order to identify appropriate strategies specific to each county, prepare and review allocation plans, ensure that monies are spent in accordance with program regulations, collect and analyze data, and ensure that accurate reporting is conducted where services are rendered for the purposes of planning and making further recommendations for program and policy improvement.</p> <p>Excellent communication skills will be utilized to train new staff and volunteer counselors, in addition to conducting on-going trainings, Medicare updates, and educational webinars for SHIP staff and volunteers to improve subject matter knowledge and counseling skill development. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate and network with other agencies and bureaus to create and maintain positive and constructive working relationships.</p> <p>Please be advised, you must reside in or be willing to relocate to Beaver, Allegheny, Washington, Fayette, Green, Westmoreland, Somerset, Indiana, Cambria, Bedford, Blair, Huntingdon, Fulton, or Franklin County.</p> <p>Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.</p> <p>Work Schedule and Additional Information:</p> <ul> <li>Full-time employment </li><li>Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch. </li><li>This position is home headquartered. In order to be home headquartered, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. </li><li>Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable. </li><li>You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices. </li></ul> <p>REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY</p> <p>QUALIFICATIONS</p> <p>Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:</p> <ul> <li>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 </li><li>An equivalent combination of experience and training. </li></ul> <p>Other Requirements:</p> <ul> <li>You must currently reside in or be willing to relocate to Beaver, Allegheny, Washington, Fayette, Green, Westmoreland, Somerset, Indiana, Cambria, Bedford, Blair, Huntingdon, Fulton, or Franklin County </li><li>You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency. </li><li>You must be able to perform essential job functions. </li></ul> <p>How to Apply:</p> <ul> <li>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). </li><li>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. </li><li>Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted. </li><li>Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. </li></ul> <p>Veterans:</p> <ul> <li>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. </li></ul> <p>Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):</p> <ul> <li>711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals). </li></ul> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>EXAMINATION INFORMATION</p> <ul> <li> <p>Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).</p> </li><li> <p>Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.</p> </li><li> <p>Your score is valid for this specific posting only.</p> </li><li> <p>You must provide complete and accurate information or:</p> </li><li> <p>your score may be lower than deserved.</p> </li><li> <p>you may be disqualified.</p> </li><li> <p>You may only apply/test once for this posting.</p> </li><li> <p>Your results will be provided via email.</p> </li></ul> <p>Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!</p> <p>See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.</p> <p>Health & Wellness</p> <p>We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*</p> <p>Compensation & Financial Planning</p> <p>We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.</p> <p>Work/Life Balance</p> <p>We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*</p> <p>Values and Culture</p> <p>We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.</p> <p>Employee Perks</p> <p>Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.</p> <p>For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.</p> <ul> <li>Eligibility rules apply. </li></ul> <p>01</p> <p>AAA - The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania legislatively allows the Department of Aging and Area Agencies on Aging to provide preference to candidates who are 60 years of age or older. Are you 60 years of age or older?</p> <ul> <li>Yes </li><li>No </li></ul> <p>02</p> <p>How many years of full-time professional experience do you possess in a human services program conducting human services related research or providing social services to clients?</p> <ul> <li>2 years or more </li><li>1 but less than 2 years </li><li>Less than 1 year </li><li>None </li></ul> <p>03</p> <p>If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.</p> <p>04</p> <p>How much graduate coursework have you completed in human services, education, public health, epidemiology, social services, public administration, public policy, or the social or behavioral sciences?</p> <p>If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.</p> <p>If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.</p> <p>You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.</p> <ul> <li>60 credits or more </li><li>30 but less than 60 credits </li><li>Less than 30 credits </li><li>None </li></ul> <p>05</p> <p>Additional Requirement - Do you currently reside in or are you willing to relocate to Beaver, Allegheny, Washington, Fayette, Green, Westmoreland, Somerset, Indiana, Cambria, Bedford, Blair, Huntingdon, Fulton, or Franklin county?</p> <ul> <li>Yes </li><li>No </li></ul> <p>06</p> <p>You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.</p> <p>All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.</p> <p>Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.</p> <p>If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.</p> <p>If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our FAQ page.</p> <ul> <li>Yes </li></ul> <p>07</p> <p>WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - INTERPRET STANDARDS, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES</p> <p>Collects and analyzes information required for the interpretation and application of human services program standards, policies, and procedures to ensure conformity with federal regulations and departmental policy, procedures, and objectives. Makes recommendations to implement changes to program standards, policies, or procedures.</p> <p>Levels of Performance</p> <p>Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.</p> <ul> <li>a. I have experience collecting and analyzing information required for the interpretation and application of standards, policies, and procedures related to HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAMS to ensure conformity with federal regulations and departmental policy, procedures, and objectives AND making recommendations to implement changes to standards, policies, or procedures. </li><li>b. I have experience collecting and analyzing information required for the interpretation and application of standards, policies, and procedures related to HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAMS to ensure conformity with federal regulations and departmental policy, procedures, and objectives. </li><li>c. I have experience collecting and analyzing information required for the interpretation and application of standards, policies, and procedures related to programs or services OTHER THAN HUMAN SERVICES to ensure conformity with federal regulations and departmental policy, procedures, and objectives. </li><li>d. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to research methods, investigations, or data analysis. </li><li>e. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior. </li></ul> <p>08</p> <p>In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.</p> <ul> <li>The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience </li><li>The duties you performed related collecting and analyzing information </li><li>The duties you performed related to interpreting policies and procedures for conformance </li><li>Your experience making recommendations to implement changes </li></ul> <p>09</p> <p>If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.</p> <ul> <li>College/University </li><li>Course Title </li><li>Credits/Clock Hours </li></ul> <p>10</p> <p>WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE</p> <p>Provides technical assistance to groups or individuals administering human services programs. Support includes offering expert advice and recommendations to address specific challenges or problems and providing strategic direction. Provides information to the public to increase awareness of programs and services.</p> <p>Levels of Performance Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.</p> <ul> <li>a. I have experience providing technical assistance to groups or individuals administering human services programs AND providing information to the public to increase awareness of programs and services. </li><li>b. I have experience providing technical assistance to groups or individuals administering programs OTHER THAN human services AND providing information to the public to increase awareness of programs and services. </li><li>c. I have experience providing information to the public regarding programs and services. </li><li>d. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to public relations, technical assistance, or communication. </li><li>e. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior. </li></ul> <p>11</p> <p>In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.</p> <ul> <li>The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience </li><li>The duties you performed related to providing technical assistance </li><li>To whom you provided technical assistance </li><li>The topic(s) of the technical assistance you provided </li></ul> <p>12</p> <p>If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.</p> <ul> <li>College/University </li><li>Course Title </li><li>Credits/Clock Hours </li></ul> <p>13</p> <p>WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - MONITOR AND EVALUATE PROGRAMS</p> <p>Monitors human services program delivery for compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and regulations including monitoring funding sources for proper usage of funds. Identifies areas of improvement. Makes recommendations for revisions to program planning and delivery.</p> <p>. Levels of Performance</p> <p>Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.</p> <ul> <li>a. I have experience monitoring human services program delivery for compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and regulations including monitoring for proper usage of funds; identifying areas of improvement; AND making recommendations for revisions to program planning and delivery. </li><li>b. I have experience monitoring human services program delivery for compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and regulations including monitoring for proper usage of funds AND identifying areas of improvement. </li><li>c. I have experience monitoring program delivery for compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and regulations including monitoring for proper usage of funds AND identifying areas of improvement. These programs were OTHER THAN human services. </li><li>d. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to program evaluation, auditing, or quality assurance. </li><li>e. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior. </li></ul> <p>14</p> <p>In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.</p> <ul> <li>The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience </li><li>The duties you performed related to monitoring programs for compliance and proper usage of funds </li><li>Your experience making recommendations for revisions </li><li>The type of programs that you monitored </li></ul> <p>15</p> <p>If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.</p> <ul> <li>College/University </li><li>Course Title </li><li>Credits/Clock Hours </li></ul> <p>16</p> <p>WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - DEVELOP AND DELIVER TRAINING</p> <p>Develops and delivers human services program training for staff and providers of programs.</p> <p>Levels of Performance</p> <p>Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.</p> <ul> <li>a. I have experience DEVELOPING AND DELIVERING human services program training for staff or providers. </li><li>b. I have experience DELIVERING human services program training for staff or providers. SOMEONE ELSE developed the training. </li><li>c. I have experience DEVELOPING OR DELIVERING training on topics OTHER THAN human services programs. </li><li>d. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to adult learning or training. </li><li>e. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior. </li></ul> <p>17</p> <p>In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.</p> <ul> <li>The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience </li><li>The duties you performed related to developing or delivering training </li><li>The topic(s) of the training you developed or implemented </li></ul> <p>18</p> <p>If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.</p> <ul> <li>College/University </li><li>Course Title </li><li>Credits/Clock Hours </li></ul> <p>Required Question</p> <p>Employer Commonwealth of Pennsylvania</p> <p>Address 613 North Street</p> <p>Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120</p> <p>Website http://www.employment.pa.gov</p>