Chief Older Adult Services

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:

https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary

$93,490 - $125,257
This is a hybrid position

Are you passionate about improving the health, safety, and quality of life of older adults? Join Oakland County’s Department of Health and Human Services as Chief of Older Adult Services and lead collaborative efforts to make County programs and services more accessible and responsive to the needs of older residents.

What You’ll Do
- Lead efforts to improve access to County services for older adults across Oakland County
- Coordinate across departments to identify service gaps and recommend improvements that support older adults’ health, safety, and quality of life
- Build relationships with internal and external partners to evaluate, develop, and strengthen programs and services for older residents
- Partner with disability groups and organizations across community sectors to address the needs of older adults with disabilities
- Collaborate with community partners, Board of Commissioners, and Senior Advisory Committee to advance shared goals
- Provide supervision and direction to assigned staff, as applicable
- Use Countywide and department-specific software to support planning, coordination, and daily assignments

Why You’ll Love It Here
- Make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults throughout Oakland County
- Help shape services that respond to community needs and remove barriers to access
- Bring partners together to turn shared priorities into meaningful improvements
- Apply your leadership, relationship-building, and program planning skills to work with a clear community purpose
- Collaborate with colleagues and community partners committed to supporting older residents’ well-being

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. a. Possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a preferred major in Public Health, Public Administration, Business Administration, Behavioral Sciences, or a related field of study. AND

b. Have had at least four (4) years of full-time professional experience in project management, program planning, advocacy, or policy development in a social service or other public agency, including at least one (1) year in a leadership role;

OR

2. a. Possess an Associate’s degree or equivalent education from an accredited college or university with a preferred major in Public Health, Public Administration, Business Administration, Behavioral Sciences, or a related field of study. AND

b. Have had at least six (6) years of full-time professional experience in project management, program planning, advocacy, or policy development in a social service or other public agency, including at least one (1) year in a leadership role;

OR

3. a. Be a high school graduate or have a certificate of successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) Test. AND

b. Have had at least eight (8) years of full-time professional experience in project management, program planning, advocacy, or policy development in a social service or other public agency, including at least one (1) year in a leadership role.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Considerable ability to interact at a high level with elected leaders, and leadership of non-government organizations and public entities, to advance services to older residents.
• Considerable ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with employees, representatives of other agencies, and the general public.
• Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply modern management practices and techniques to the collection and utilization of program data.
• Considerable ability to plan, develop and utilize educational programs and materials available through division/unit service areas.
• Considerable ability to prepare and present technical written and oral reports.
• Considerable ability to assign, direct and review the work performed by other professional, para-professional, technical, and clerical employees.
• Considerable ability to exercise mature judgment and initiative in analyzing problems and recommending solutions.
• Reasonable knowledge of program administration in health and personnel principles, practices, methods, and techniques.
• Familiar with current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software.
• Proven ability to successfully supervise and train others

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

• Oversees the work of staff assigned to projects.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Develops program plan of work to be included in the overall Aging Work Plan, implements and tracks program progress, assesses needs for expansion, enhancement or other improvements of existing services and initiated new programs/activities working in partnership with local agencies and other stakeholders.
• Provides technical advice to the Administration, local planning committees, agencies, community groups, providers, caregivers and others on program issues, strategies for addressing situations and problems, that may work more effectively. Researches varied resources for new studies, practices, evidenced based successes, etc. to create and facilitate innovations approaches or improvements in services.
• Works with County departments and community groups to identify inequities that exist among different populations of older adults in Oakland County, and to create and implement strategic objectives to reduce identified disparities. Evaluates the success of strategies on reducing health disparities.
• Makes recommendations to the County Executive on how to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for older adults in Oakland County, and how to enhance county programs and services to this important population.
• Coordinates program services with those of other health, social services, community agencies and institutions at both local and state level.
• Utilizes varied marketing approaches to promote older adult services and programs: Develops and distributes the Older Adult Newsletter, Older Adult resource Directory, Older Adult Website and social media accounts.
• Develops and participates in liaison activities with private, public, and voluntary agencies potentially useful to older persons. Networks and builds coalitions with partners in each of the regional counties including non-profits, local agencies, older adults, and/or caregivers involved in the specific program area; meets with advisory committees, community program groups, and/or caregivers, depending on the program responsibility.
• Advocates for policies that create a coordinated, comprehensive service delivery system that supports needs of segment of older adults and/or caregivers being serviced with a specific focus on the social determinants of health.
• Serves as liaison on the Board of Commissioners Healthy Aging Ad Hoc Committee and other older adult services committee. Participates as requested at meetings with State and local agencies, professional groups and community organizations related to programs and services for older adults.
• Identifies and assists with relevant grant applications; reviews and interprets grant requirements, legislative codes, and regulations; may conduct grant administration.
• Monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect older adult programs; implement policy and procedural changes as required.
• Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.
  

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to communicate to accurately convey information.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in a typical office environment.
• May be required to travel to other locations during the course of work.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

Union*

BU89- United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 889: Public Communications Non-Supv (UAW)

*If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.

About Us

At Oakland County, we offer a stable and supportive work environment, competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, professional development, and generous education assistance program. We value the dedication and hard work of our team and our commitment to the communities we serve - it's at the heart of our success.

We're always seeking new ways to enhance our workplace and foster a culture of growth, inclusion, and innovation. We believe that our people are our greatest asset, and our future depends on the diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents of our team.

Join us on our mission to keep Oakland County a vibrant place to live, work, and play.