Aging Services Specialist

Salary: $66,250.00 - $100,636.00 Annually
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2025-18484-41010
Department: Department of Aging
Division: AN Hsg Cmy Srvs Div
Opening Date: 02/13/2025
Closing Date: 2/26/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 41010
Position Number: 50434222
Union: Non-Union
Bargaining Unit: F3
Pay Group: ST08
Bureau / Division Code: 00105311
Bureau / Division: Housing and Community Services Division
Worksite Address: 555 Walnut Street
Worksite Address: 5th Floor
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17101
Contact Name: Tetyana Osenyak
Contact Email: tosenyak@pa.gov

THE POSITION

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 our team to assist with ensuring eligible individuals receive the services and supports they need. Join us in our mission to promote independence, purpose, and well-being in the lives of older adults across the Commonwealth. 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!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
As an Aging Services Specialist, you will work in the Pennsylvania Department of Aging's (PDA) Bureau of Aging Services. You will provide oversight and support to the network of 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) administering the OPTIONS home and community-based service program, Domiciliary Care (Dom Care) program, and innovative housing programs, such as SHARE and ECHO, at the local level.

As a subject matter expert, you will be responsible for providing technical assistance, training, and guidance to the AAA network relating to program policy. This work also includes developing, reviewing, and updating policies and procedures to continually strengthen the programs and services provided to eligible individuals. As a member of the Bureau of Aging Services team, you will participate in the comprehensive performance evaluation of the AAAs to ensure OPTIONS program compliance, collect, review, and analyze data from PDA's Wellsky SAMS database, PDA's custom or benchmark reports, or other identified sources to improve program performance, and provide analysis of the impact of policy and legislation to the programs you oversee.

Excellent communication skills are utilized when responding to written and verbal inquiries of information, providing formal and informal presentations at meetings and conferences, and resolving complaints. You will foster and develop partnerships with internal and external stakeholders and collaborate with other agencies and bureaus to create and maintain positive working relationships.
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 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. Management may discontinue the telework arrangement at any 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.
• 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.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
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.
• 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.

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.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

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.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• 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).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.

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See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our

Health & Wellness

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.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
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.

Work/Life Balance
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.*

Values and Culture
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.

Employee Perks
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.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.
01

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?

• Yes
• No

02

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?

• 2 years or more
• 1 but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

03

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.
04

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?
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.

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 and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information. 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.

• 60 credits or more
• 30 but less than 60 credits
• Less than 30 credits
• None

05

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.
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.

Read each work behavior 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 for each work behavior 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.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our

• Yes

06

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Provide technical assistance to Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) groups or individuals, including offering expert advice and recommendations to address specific challenges or problems. Answer questions, resolve complaints, and refer individuals to appropriate resources on housing or home and community-based services for older adults.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience providing technical assistance, answering questions, and resolving complaints to/from groups or individuals related to HOUSING OR HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES and referring individuals to the appropriate resources.
• B. I have experience providing technical assistance, answering questions, and resolving complaints to/from groups or individuals related to HOUSING OR HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES. I have NOT referred individuals to the appropriate resources.
• C. I have experience providing information, answering questions, and resolving complaints to/from groups or individuals regarding programs and services and referring individuals to the appropriate resources.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to public relations, conflict resolution, communication, social work, or human services.
• E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

07

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.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

The duties you performed related to providing technical assistance.

To whom you provided technical assistance.

The topic(s) of the technical assistance you provided.

08

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University

Course Title

Credits/Clock Hours

09

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - DEVELOP, EVALUATE, AND REVISE POLICIES
Develop, evaluate, and revise policies and procedures related to the administration of aging programs and services for the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) network.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience developing, evaluating, AND revising policies and procedures related to HOUSING OR HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES.
• B. I have experience developing, evaluating, AND revising policies and procedures. This was NOT related to housing or home and community-based services.
• C. I have experience developing, evaluating, OR revising policies and procedures.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to policy development.
• E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

10

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.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

Your experience developing and revising policies and the subject area(s).

Your level of responsibility.

11

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University

Course Title

Credits/Clock Hours

12

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - ANALYZE DATA
Analyze data and reports to identify trends and patterns in the quality and service delivery of Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) program services. Make recommendations for improvements in programs.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience analyzing data and reports related to HOUSING OR HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES. I identified trends and patterns and made recommendations for program improvements.
• B. I have experience analyzing data and reports. I identified trends and patterns and made recommendations for program improvements. This was NOT related to housing or home and community-based services.
• C. I have experience analyzing data and reports and identifying trends and patterns. Someone else made recommendations for program improvements.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to data analysis.
• E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

13

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.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

Your experience analyzing data and reports and the subject matter.

The type(s) of recommendations you made.

Your level of responsibility.

14

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University

Course Title

Credits/Clock Hours

15

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - DEVELOP AND DELIVER TRAINING/OUTREACH
Develop and deliver housing and community services/program training and outreach activities for staff, program providers, and individuals via webinar or in person at meetings, conferences, or community settings. Provide information to the public to increase awareness of programs and services.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience DEVELOPING AND DELIVERING program training and outreach activities for staff, program providers, and individuals related to HOUSING OR HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES.
• B. I have experience DEVELOPING AND DELIVERING program training and outreach activities for staff, program providers, and individuals. This was NOT related to housing or home and community-based services.
• C. I have experience DEVELOPING OR DELIVERING training or outreach activities.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to adult learning or training.
• E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

16

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.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

The duties you performed related to developing or delivering training.

The topic(s) of the training you developed or implemented.

17

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University

Course Title

Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question