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Aging Services Specialist Page 1 I 2 .Jurisdiction: Cortland County Jurisdictional Class: Competitive Adopted: 10/20/05 Amended: 8/9/17; 1/3/18; 9/7/22; 10/19/22; 8/30/23; 5/21/25 AGING SERVICES SPECIALIST DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work involves responsibility for implementing and providing the service components of the Office for Aging. The incumbent serves as an advocate for senior citizens and their families discussing options for services and programs available in the community and through other agencies. Other duties include keeping accurate client records, assisting clients with forms and applications for assistance or benefits, participating in community initiatives and providing information and referral services. The work is performed under the supervision of an Aging Services Coordinator, the Assistant Director, Office for Aging or Director, Office for Aging. Does related work as required. TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only) Advises senior citizens and their delegates about the programs, services and benefits available in the community and through the Office for Aging; Works directly with senior citizens and their delegates to assess eligibility for the Home Meal Delivery Program, the Home Energy Assistance Program, tax exemptions and other services; Provides case management of services for clients; Coordinates and arranges for programs and services consistent with the annual plan and federal and state grants; Refers clients to other human services agencies for further assistance; Provides information and referral services; Maintains and updates client files and care plans in a computerized database system; Maintains logbook of inquiries for use in client follow-up and service reports; Plans and conducts educational programs relating to specific service components; Attends trainings and forums to stay up-to-date with changes in programs and benefits which affect senior citizens. FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABLITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of the characteristics, needs and interests of senior citizens especially as they pertain to health, recreation, nutrition, and transportation; Good knowledge of community, State and Federal agencies and programs providing services or grants which provide services for senior citizens; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; Ability to operate a personal computer and utilize common office software programs; Ability to understand and empathize with the needs and concerns of others; Physical condition commensurate with demands of the position; Working knowledge of principles and practices of grant applications. ---PAGE BREAK--- Aging Services Specialist Page 2 I 2 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree or higher; OR Possession of an Associate’s degree or higher and two years of experience in a human services field; OR Possession of high school diploma or GED and four years of experience in a human services field. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid New York State driver’s license is required. Failure to maintain a NYS driver’s license including driving privileges throughout employment will result in disciplinary action or dismissal. NOTE: Degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If the degree was awarded by an educational institution outside of the United States and its territories, applicant must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm . Applicants must pay the required evaluation fee.