Program Specialist - Aging (Project) Dementia Stabilization & Care Transition Unit (DSCT)
Apply NowCompany: Dane County, WI
Location: Madison, WI 53711
Description:
Salary: $41.61 - $55.41 Hourly
Location : Madison, WI
Job Type: Full Time Project Position (1.0FTE)
Job Number: 2024-00587
Department: Human Services Department
Opening Date: 02/28/2025
Closing Date: 3/14/2025 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: MGR
Description
Dane County Human Services has a vacancy for a Program Specialist - Aging (Project) position.
The eligible list created from this posting may be used for future vacancies for the next six (6) months all are encouraged to apply.
Equity, Definition and Examples of Duties
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION
As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence - the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
DEFINITION
Under the direction of the Manager of APS, and in collaboration with Planning Initiative stakeholders, the purpose of this Program Specialist-Aging position will be to provide overall project management coordination for the Dementia Stabilization and Care Transitions unit planning process, to include: research and presentation of options for unit licensing and regulations required, consideration of staffing levels and needs, and cost analysis and assessment of risk aversion/education needed. The position is dedicated solely to the planning for a Dementia Stabilization and Care Transition Unit. They are responsible for drafting and completing final documents upon approval by planning initiative stakeholders.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Responsible for all project planning and task management related to the research and development of a Dementia Stabilization & Care Transition Unit (DSCTU) in order to open such unit in early 2026. Research includes licensing requirements, staffing levels consistent with licensure, best practice dementia and IDD specific advanced training for these persons during periods of dysregulation, cost analysis and risk assessment, coordination of and convening key players in all aspects of planning (ie Adult Protective Services, Law Enforcement, Corporation Counsel, etc.). The Program Specialist will create a work plan reflecting deliverables, deadlines, resource allocations, regulatory compliance and regularly communicating project updates and status of action items to DSCTU project team. In addition, they will work with Corporation Counsel to develop and draft financial agreements, Memorandums of Understanding, contacts, etc.
Education, Experience and Special Requirements
Education, Training and Experience:
Applicants with a Bachelor's or Master's Degree with experience in project management will be screened through.
Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job's responsibilities. Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 - 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position's responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant's criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
For Bilingual Positions:
Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, Hmong, etc.). Applicants being considered for bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process prior to employment. This will primarily consist of passing an oral language proficiency assessment from English to foreign language and foreign language to English, but may require additional language testing, such as written translation, if it is an essential function of the job.
*If applicable, individuals may confirm with the Employee Relations Division whether results of bilingual language certifications/ examinations they currently hold qualify them for the position's bilingual designation.
Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:
Requires sitting and standing; work inside and outside of an office environment which includes home visits and meetings with service providers. Ability to sit or stand to operate a personal computer with or without assistance. Ability to travel from office to other locations. Ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without adaptive devices.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication, and organizational skills. Understanding of project management principles and ability to keep projects on task. Ability to synthesize information for documentation in required formats. Ability to effectively, thoroughly and efficiently research data and information to inform project plan. Proven ability to convene and lead project stakeholders to achieve project results. Ability to relate to persons from a variety of ethnic and racial backgrounds in an unprejudiced and understanding manner. Ability to prepare and maintain complex records, documents and reports. Ability to participate effectively as a member and facilitator of a team. Ability to plan and organize work to effectively achieve project objectives. Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written instructions. Ability to use a computer to generate reports, complete forms, and document activity. Demonstrated ability to adapt to change and be flexible regarding learning new skills and new practice methods for project related tasks.
Become a part of the Dane County Team!
We offer a wide range of benefits including fully paid dental and HMO health insurance premiums for full time employees/pro rated for part time employees. The County will also provide contributions towards POS health insurance premiums and short/long term disability. Additional benefits available include long term care, vision coverage, flex spending account and deferred compensation programs paid in full by the employee and a wellness program. For further details on insurance benefits visit
Bilingual Pay: Employees who work in bilingual designated positions receive an additional $2.00 per hour.
Undesirable Hours Premium Pay: Employees may receive undesirable hours pay of $2.00 for anytime worked between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m and for anytime on Saturday and/or Sunday. (not applicable with all employee groups).
Paid Parental Leave: Dane County also provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave for birth or adoption of a child.
Caregiver Leave: Dane County offers 80 hours of paid leave to care for an ill family member.
Telecommuting: Telecommuting allows employees to work remotely for all or part of their workweek. Dane County considers telecommuting to be a viable, flexible option when both the employee and the job are suited to such an arrangement. Dane County will permit telecommuting when it benefits the productivity of the employee and their department and if determined by employee's department that telecommuting is not detrimental to either the County or the employee.
Student Loan Forgiveness: If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, you may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
WI Retirement System: Employees hired after 7-1-11 must be expected to work a minimum of 1200 hours annually to be enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System when hired.
Like our Facebook page:
Dane County participates in E-Verify. For more information see the Notice of E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters here" and then the 'here' links to this page:
01
Do you have a Bachelor's?
02
Do you have experience with Project Management?
03
Your responses to the following graded questions will also be evaluated based on: (1) Clarity of information, (2) Proper spelling and grammar usage; (3) Conciseness of material; and (4) Organization of narrative. Candidates applying for Dane County jobs are strictly prohibited from using artificial intelligence-generated (AI-generated) content or tools in any part of the job application process. This includes but is not limited to resumes, cover letters, and responses to written or oral questions during the entirety of the recruitment process. Please refer to the introductory paragraph on the Job Opportunities page where you accessed your application, for further details of the Dane County Job Candidate Artificial Intelligence Use Prohibited Policy. In your application you will be asked to disclose whether or not you used AI to complete any part of the job application process. Exceptions apply if you need to use AI as a health-related accommodation. Otherwise, your application will be disqualified.
04
(THIS QUESTION IS GRADED) Please describe your education, background and professional work experience related to project management. Provide an example of a complex project you have managed. What was the project? What was the goal/outcome of the project? How was a project plan developed? What was taken into consideration in developing that project plan? What did you learn from having managed the project that has helped you in managing other projects?
05
(THIS QUESTION IS GRADED)This position will be responsible for completing an exploration and feasibility study related to the development of a Dementia Stabilization and Care Transition Unit (DSCTU) including licensing options for the setting, regulatory compliance, staffing levels, training, rate setting, etc.Please describe any background having worked in licensed settings, such as a nursing home or Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF), applying regulations for these settings into policy and practice. If you don't have work experience related to licensed settings such as a CBRF or nursing home, please describe how you would approach learning about such regulations, policies, training requirements, etc so as to inform the feasibility study of the DSCTU?What are other areas of learning may be needed to inform the DSCTU study?
06
(THIS QUESTION IS GRADED)This position will be responsible for coordinating and collaborating with both internal and external partners who will bring experience and expertise to inform the project while also keeping the project on track to be completed in 12 months. It will require excellent written and verbal communication skills along with the ability to organize several aspects of the project at one time.Please describe your experience in collaborating with or having created work groups or steering committees that involved multiple partners. What skills do you possess that make you an effective collaborator? Describe how you utilize those skills when working with colleagues to achieve a goal. What specific organizational tools would be needed to ensure all partners remain informed and on task so that the project is not delayed? How would you manage project time lines and deadlines to ensure the goal of creating a DSCTU feasibility study are met?
Required Question
Location : Madison, WI
Job Type: Full Time Project Position (1.0FTE)
Job Number: 2024-00587
Department: Human Services Department
Opening Date: 02/28/2025
Closing Date: 3/14/2025 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: MGR
Description
Dane County Human Services has a vacancy for a Program Specialist - Aging (Project) position.
The eligible list created from this posting may be used for future vacancies for the next six (6) months all are encouraged to apply.
Equity, Definition and Examples of Duties
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION
As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence - the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
DEFINITION
Under the direction of the Manager of APS, and in collaboration with Planning Initiative stakeholders, the purpose of this Program Specialist-Aging position will be to provide overall project management coordination for the Dementia Stabilization and Care Transitions unit planning process, to include: research and presentation of options for unit licensing and regulations required, consideration of staffing levels and needs, and cost analysis and assessment of risk aversion/education needed. The position is dedicated solely to the planning for a Dementia Stabilization and Care Transition Unit. They are responsible for drafting and completing final documents upon approval by planning initiative stakeholders.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Responsible for all project planning and task management related to the research and development of a Dementia Stabilization & Care Transition Unit (DSCTU) in order to open such unit in early 2026. Research includes licensing requirements, staffing levels consistent with licensure, best practice dementia and IDD specific advanced training for these persons during periods of dysregulation, cost analysis and risk assessment, coordination of and convening key players in all aspects of planning (ie Adult Protective Services, Law Enforcement, Corporation Counsel, etc.). The Program Specialist will create a work plan reflecting deliverables, deadlines, resource allocations, regulatory compliance and regularly communicating project updates and status of action items to DSCTU project team. In addition, they will work with Corporation Counsel to develop and draft financial agreements, Memorandums of Understanding, contacts, etc.
Education, Experience and Special Requirements
Education, Training and Experience:
Applicants with a Bachelor's or Master's Degree with experience in project management will be screened through.
Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job's responsibilities. Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 - 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position's responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant's criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
For Bilingual Positions:
*If applicable, individuals may confirm with the Employee Relations Division whether results of bilingual language certifications/ examinations they currently hold qualify them for the position's bilingual designation.
Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:
Requires sitting and standing; work inside and outside of an office environment which includes home visits and meetings with service providers. Ability to sit or stand to operate a personal computer with or without assistance. Ability to travel from office to other locations. Ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without adaptive devices.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication, and organizational skills. Understanding of project management principles and ability to keep projects on task. Ability to synthesize information for documentation in required formats. Ability to effectively, thoroughly and efficiently research data and information to inform project plan. Proven ability to convene and lead project stakeholders to achieve project results. Ability to relate to persons from a variety of ethnic and racial backgrounds in an unprejudiced and understanding manner. Ability to prepare and maintain complex records, documents and reports. Ability to participate effectively as a member and facilitator of a team. Ability to plan and organize work to effectively achieve project objectives. Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written instructions. Ability to use a computer to generate reports, complete forms, and document activity. Demonstrated ability to adapt to change and be flexible regarding learning new skills and new practice methods for project related tasks.
Become a part of the Dane County Team!
We offer a wide range of benefits including fully paid dental and HMO health insurance premiums for full time employees/pro rated for part time employees. The County will also provide contributions towards POS health insurance premiums and short/long term disability. Additional benefits available include long term care, vision coverage, flex spending account and deferred compensation programs paid in full by the employee and a wellness program. For further details on insurance benefits visit
Bilingual Pay: Employees who work in bilingual designated positions receive an additional $2.00 per hour.
Undesirable Hours Premium Pay: Employees may receive undesirable hours pay of $2.00 for anytime worked between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m and for anytime on Saturday and/or Sunday. (not applicable with all employee groups).
Paid Parental Leave: Dane County also provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave for birth or adoption of a child.
Caregiver Leave: Dane County offers 80 hours of paid leave to care for an ill family member.
Telecommuting: Telecommuting allows employees to work remotely for all or part of their workweek. Dane County considers telecommuting to be a viable, flexible option when both the employee and the job are suited to such an arrangement. Dane County will permit telecommuting when it benefits the productivity of the employee and their department and if determined by employee's department that telecommuting is not detrimental to either the County or the employee.
Student Loan Forgiveness: If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, you may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
WI Retirement System: Employees hired after 7-1-11 must be expected to work a minimum of 1200 hours annually to be enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System when hired.
Like our Facebook page:
Dane County participates in E-Verify. For more information see the Notice of E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters here" and then the 'here' links to this page:
01
Do you have a Bachelor's?
- Yes
- No
02
Do you have experience with Project Management?
- Yes
- No
03
Your responses to the following graded questions will also be evaluated based on: (1) Clarity of information, (2) Proper spelling and grammar usage; (3) Conciseness of material; and (4) Organization of narrative. Candidates applying for Dane County jobs are strictly prohibited from using artificial intelligence-generated (AI-generated) content or tools in any part of the job application process. This includes but is not limited to resumes, cover letters, and responses to written or oral questions during the entirety of the recruitment process. Please refer to the introductory paragraph on the Job Opportunities page where you accessed your application, for further details of the Dane County Job Candidate Artificial Intelligence Use Prohibited Policy. In your application you will be asked to disclose whether or not you used AI to complete any part of the job application process. Exceptions apply if you need to use AI as a health-related accommodation. Otherwise, your application will be disqualified.
- Yes
- No
04
(THIS QUESTION IS GRADED) Please describe your education, background and professional work experience related to project management. Provide an example of a complex project you have managed. What was the project? What was the goal/outcome of the project? How was a project plan developed? What was taken into consideration in developing that project plan? What did you learn from having managed the project that has helped you in managing other projects?
05
(THIS QUESTION IS GRADED)This position will be responsible for completing an exploration and feasibility study related to the development of a Dementia Stabilization and Care Transition Unit (DSCTU) including licensing options for the setting, regulatory compliance, staffing levels, training, rate setting, etc.Please describe any background having worked in licensed settings, such as a nursing home or Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF), applying regulations for these settings into policy and practice. If you don't have work experience related to licensed settings such as a CBRF or nursing home, please describe how you would approach learning about such regulations, policies, training requirements, etc so as to inform the feasibility study of the DSCTU?What are other areas of learning may be needed to inform the DSCTU study?
06
(THIS QUESTION IS GRADED)This position will be responsible for coordinating and collaborating with both internal and external partners who will bring experience and expertise to inform the project while also keeping the project on track to be completed in 12 months. It will require excellent written and verbal communication skills along with the ability to organize several aspects of the project at one time.Please describe your experience in collaborating with or having created work groups or steering committees that involved multiple partners. What skills do you possess that make you an effective collaborator? Describe how you utilize those skills when working with colleagues to achieve a goal. What specific organizational tools would be needed to ensure all partners remain informed and on task so that the project is not delayed? How would you manage project time lines and deadlines to ensure the goal of creating a DSCTU feasibility study are met?
Required Question