Director - Area Agency on Aging

County of York; East York (PA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

County of York seeks a Director to administer a comprehensive countywide aging services system, aligning programs with federal, state, and local rules. You will lead planning, budgeting, contract oversight, and quality assurance while coordinating with the Advisory Council and County Board of Commissioners.

The role requires a strong background in social services, plus the ability to spearhead strategic initiatives, manage resources, and advocate for older adults across the community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in sociology, social work, psychology, gerontology, or related social science.
• Eight years of progressively responsible social services experience, including supervision and budget management.
• Master’s degree may substitute for one year of supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Direct the planning, administration, and evaluation of a comprehensive countywide aging services system.
• Develop policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives in line with state aging requirements.
• Lead long-range planning, assess community needs, and develop multi-year aging, protective services, and caregiver programs.
• Oversee contracts, service providers, and program operations for quality and regulatory compliance.
• Provide leadership and supervision to senior managers and staff, including performance evaluations.
• Advocate for older adults and represent the Agency at meetings and with stakeholders.
• Collaborate on service delivery, funding opportunities, and long-term planning.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Policy compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social sciences

Eight years of social services experience

Job description

Description

The Director serves as the administrator and supervisor of the Area Agency on Aging. An employee in this class is responsible for the administration of a comprehensive system of social services for the aging within a county area. The employee determines priorities based on needs and resources to ensure program effectiveness and conformance with established federal, state, and local regulations and policies. Responsibilities include planning, developing, and implementing a comprehensive annual plan and budget to achieve goals and objectives. Work includes the responsibility for assessing need, planning, mobilizing resources, and obtaining contractual agreements to provide necessary services. The Administrator III is responsible for developing and assessing the work of Agency staff in monitoring and evaluating the quality of services provided by contracts, as well as providing direct services for the aging. Work is performed under the general direction of an Advisory Council and County Board of Commissioners, with direct oversight by the Executive Director of Human Services, and is reviewed for adherence to broad policies and procedures through conference and written reports to determine achievement of objectives

Leadership & Strategic Management

• Direct the planning, administration, and evaluation of a comprehensive countywide aging services system.
• Establish and implement policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives in compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Aging requirements.
• Lead long-range planning efforts to address emerging needs, optimize resources, and strengthen service delivery.
• Conduct community needs assessments and develop multi-year and annual plans for aging, protective services, and caregiver support programs.
• Support and implement County strategic plan, anchor and guiding principles.

Fiscal & Resource Management

• Develop, administer, and monitor the Agency's annual budget and financial resources.
• Approve agency expenditures, contracts, purchasing requests, and funding allocations within established authority.
• Direct the development of grant applications and pursue funding opportunities to enhance programs and services.
• Ensure effective stewardship of financial, technical, and human resources.

Program Administration & Quality Assurance

• Oversee contracts, service providers, and program operations to ensure quality, accountability, and regulatory compliance.
• Support a network of community-based services that promote the health, independence, and well-being of older adults.
• Oversee assessment and service coordination functions for younger adults with functional disabilities, as assigned.
• Monitor program outcomes and implement continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Leadership & Personnel Management

• Provide leadership, guidance, and supervision to senior managers and as needed, supervisory and professional staff.
• Establish performance standards and conduct performance evaluations in accordance with County policies and civil service requirements.
• Oversee personnel functions, including recruitment, employee relations, leave administration, workplace safety, and disciplinary actions.
• Provide professional supervision and mentorship to staff and interns, as appropriate.
• Chair management and supervisory meetings and facilitate agency-wide communication.

Community Relations & Advocacy

• Advocate for older adults and individuals with disabilities before elected officials, community organizations, and the public.
• Represent the Agency at local, regional, state, and national meetings, forums, and professional associations.
• Speak to community groups regarding aging programs, policies, and emerging issues.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to service providers, community partners, and stakeholders.

Collaboration & Partnership Development

• Foster partnerships with public agencies, healthcare providers, community organizations, and other stakeholders to advance services and resources.
• Collaborate on service delivery, advocacy initiatives, funding opportunities, crisis response, and long-term planning efforts.
• Promote effective labor-management relations through regular communication and problem resolution.

Other Duties

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in sociology, social work, psychology, gerontology, or a related social science, including 12 semester credit hours in one or more of these disciplines, and eight years of progressively responsible social services experience, including three years of supervision and three years of budget and administrative management; or two years of experience as a Deputy
• Administrator or equivalent. A master’s degree in a related field may substitute for one year of supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of social service programs, public administration, budgeting, and program management.
• Ability to provide visionary leadership and adapt to changing regulations, community needs, and organizational challenges.
• Ability to plan, direct, and evaluate staff and programs.
• Ability to analyze information, exercise sound judgment, and establish priorities.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.