AgeOptions Planning Specialist

PLANNING SPECIALIST

STATUS: 1 Full-time 0 Part-time 1 Exempt 0 Non-exempt

AgeOptions, the Area Agency on Aging of Suburban Cook County, is committed to improving the quality of life and maintaining the dignity of older adults and those who care about them – through leadership and support, community partnerships, comprehensive services, accurate information and powerful advocacy.

AgeOptions is recognized nationally as a leader in developing and helping to deliver innovative community-based resources and options to older populations in transition and serves more than 128,000 people annually. AgeOptions has an internal budget of $2.7 million and provides over $13 million in grants and contracts to community based senior service organizations. AgeOptions receives federal, state, private, foundation, and individual charitable contributions. For more information, please visit our website at: www.AgeOptions.org.


BASIC FUNCTION

Under the leadership of the Director of Planning, Program Design and Grants, the Planning Specialist serves as the central source of demographic information and current and future needs of the diverse aging population in suburban Cook County. This person is responsible for a wide variety of responsibilities which vary such as: researching and analyzing information and data affecting older adults, assisting with the development of the Area Plan on Aging, organizing public hearings and gathering and preparing information used for planning, program design, advocacy, working with the AgeOptions Advisory Council, and other agency activities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Collects, analyzes and prepares demographic and culturally specific information and statistics to be used in the Area Plan and other planning and advocacy efforts. Develops and utilizes contacts with agencies and organizations that distribute this information.

Organizes and assists in the preparation, submission and distribution of the Area Plan on Aging, (AgeOptions grant application for federal and state funding for suburban Cook County) and Public Information document, as required by the Illinois Department on Aging.


Manages external meetings related to the development of the Area Plan and other planning functions including Needs of the Elderly Hearings, Area Plan Hearings, and other hearings and community meetings as necessary. Produces summary reports and ensures appropriate information is incorporated into the Area Plan, Program RFP’s, Grant proposals and other documents used by the Agency.

Coordinates needs assessment activities to identify gaps in services or programs using internal data and reports; facilitating discussions with staff, providers and Advisory Council; and secondary research. Recommend and oversee external needs assessment activities based on priorities of the agency.


In concert with senior management, provides support and follow up for the Advisory Council and its committees and coordinates communications with the Council to keep them up-to-date on relevant issues and initiatives of the Agency. Seeks Council input on how we can best respond to the needs and preferences of older adults through advocacy, outreach and program design.

In conjunction with Program and Grants units, evaluates current Area Agency programming and service usage data as it relates to demographics and identified needs of older adults. Tracks aging issues, program trends and developments and makes recommendations based on information and research compiled. Assists in the development of Program Requests for Proposals.

Ensures research and analysis is relevant, well organized and findings and conclusions are presented in a clear and concise manner. Regularly shares new information and findings to staff, the aging network, and other groups as appropriate.

Working with the Director of Planning, Program Design and Grants, analyzes the impact of applying various funding formulae in the distribution of funding.

Tracks agency’s accomplishments and develops and reports on outcomes to support the planning efforts of the organization and its programs.

Develops and maintains comprehensive inventory of internal and external resources for data, research and other feedback mechanisms. Organizes and maintains electronic filing/retrieval system of census data, research, and planning documents; ensures easy access by staff.

Serves as the lead staff person on Emergency Preparedness Planning.

Responds to internal and external requests for data and research information, contributing to the preparation of presentations, reports, and resource development opportunities.

Documents processes and procedures used in planning functions.

Prepares correspondence, concept papers and various reports on demonstration projects, advocacy and other planning activities.



SUPERVISION

This position does not supervise anyone.

OTHER DUTIES

Reviews the AgeOptions web site for content related to planning; assists in developing appropriate documents and messages for posting.

Attends and participates in staff, unit and other meetings as required.

Performs other duties as assigned.

CONNECTIONS

Works with the following external Partners:
€ AgeOptions Advisory Council
€ Community Planning agencies
€ Aging Network
€ Community-based organizations

Works with the following internal partners on collaborative issues:
€ Grants and Program staff on Area Plan, proposal development and data analysis
€ CEO related to Advisory Council
€ Executive Unit related to data collection, analysis and special reports

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Master’s Degree in urban or community planning, social services, or related field.

Or

Bachelor’s Degree in urban or community planning, social services, or related field plus minimum of (2) years experience in data collection and analysis, program planning and development and/or research in the social services or planning field.

Knowledge and Ability

Detail oriented with proven ability to collect, organize and analyze detailed program, statistical, demographic, census and other data and present the results in a clear and concise manner.

Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills with demonstrated ability to prepare written materials and reports.

Understanding of social services and familiarity with the aging network and aging issues.

Demonstrated proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office software including Word and PowerPoint with advanced Excel skills required. Experience with MS Access a plus.

Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work with a high degree of detail.

Understanding of research methodologies.

Experience in working in team environments.

Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, working autonomously and with others.

Interested persons please email resume to: HR@AgeOptions.org or Fax to 708-524-0870. AgeOptions is an equal opportunity employer MFDV. Please visit our website at: www.ageoptions.org. No phone calls please.