Foster Grandparent/Senior Companion Program Manager #2140

Job Title:                Foster Grandparent/Senior Companion Program Manager

Job Summary:     The Foster Grandparent/Senior Companion Program Manager is responsible for oversight of all aspects of          AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs at Tri-Counties Regional Center. This includes recruitment, orientation, assignment, supervision, and evaluation of all volunteers across Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. In addition, management of all fiscal grant expenditures, conformity to AmeriCorps Seniors’ program guidelines, conformity to program policies and procedures of the federal grants administered by California Department of Developmental Service’s (CA DDS) and for the reporting of program activity to CA DDS program staff. Planning, preparing and presenting training materials for monthly volunteer meetings. Planning and implementing annual recognition events. Participating in monthly state and federal meetings. Oversee the inventory, ordering, and organization of office, program, and uniform supplies. Important factors are initiative; self-motivation; sound independent judgment and flexibility.

Reports to:             Assistant Director of Federal Program and supervises the FG/SC Program Assistant.

Primary Functions:

(The following does not include all of the duties that may be performed.)

1. Manage all planning, evaluation and administration of the federally funded AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent / Senior Companion grant program.
2. Manage ongoing administrative operations for the Foster Grandparent / Senior Companion Program, including coordination, liaison support, recordkeeping, and compliance with program and fiscal requirements, including completing monthly payroll of the program participants.
3. Perform general volunteer management of Foster Grandparent / Senior Companion Program members including recruitment, training, liaison to state, federal, and local agencies to ensure proper benefits for the Foster Grandparent / Senior Companion volunteers.
4. Engage in monthly state program meetings and contribute to statewide collaboration through active participation in committees, initiatives, and shared program responsibilities. Attendance at state or national conferences is required.
5. Maintain strict compliance with AmeriCorps Seniors and California Department of Developmental Services (CA DDS) National Service Criminal History Check policies and guidelines for all program staff and volunteers. Includes comprehensive background clearance for the program manager in fulfillment of Custodian of Records responsibilities as required by the California Department of Justice.
6. Lead volunteer recruitment and interviewing processes; design and conduct ongoing training using diverse instructional methods and develop and implement orientation programs for new volunteers.
7. Provide necessary training and information to all volunteer station staff in the utilization of Foster Grandparents/Senior Companions, following all guidelines from AmeriCorps Seniors as criteria for assessment of volunteers.
8. Work with volunteer station staff to ensure proper volunteer/client/students served matches and mediates any problems that occur in this area.
9. Network with local agencies for purposes of recruitment and visibility of volunteer programs. Whenever possible, attend local community organization events and initiatives that support aging, diversity, and the disabled community.
10. Assist volunteers in resolving challenges related to service placements, transportation, and interactions with state, federal, and local agencies (including SSA, CalFresh, and HUD housing), as well as other issues that may arise. Evaluate annual performance of the volunteers in cooperation with volunteers station staff, and facilitate annual evaluations of the volunteers.
11. Follow State mandates regarding abuse reporting and train volunteers annually on these topics.
12. Report program expenditures monthly of Foster Grandparent/Senior Companion program to, regional center fiscal staff and CA DDS State Director, along with a copy of monthly narrative of program activities to supervisor.
13. Maintain data for quarterly and annual reporting to CA DDS for annual program evaluation.
14. Constantly monitor activities at program sites through station visits to ensure that volunteer activities are appropriate.
15. Attend agency leadership and training Coordinate and attend training and information sessions with agency teams as necessary.
16. Supervise and oversee the work of the Foster Grandparent / Senior Companion Program Assistant.
17. Is responsible for recruiting and training the Program

Minimum Qualifications:

Either two years of experience in the administration of a Foster Grandparent / Senior Companion program, or in the administration of a social services program.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, nursing, public or business administration, non-profit management or a related field and two years of experience in developmental disabilities or a social service setting, OR
• A Masters degree in any of the above fields or certification as a public health nurse.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Methods of planning, evaluating and administering a federally funded grant program, with knowledge of AmeriCorps Seniors programming.
• Volunteer management, recruitment and supervision.
• Knowledge and experience with the California Department of Developmental Services and the Regional Center system.
• Strong familiarity with community-based resources and service systems serving older adults and individuals with disabilities. Understanding of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to the Regional Center system and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act.
• Experience with public relations and addressing issues affecting older adults and individuals with disabilities within community Strong cultural competence and the ability to develop and support programming that is responsive to the needs of diverse cultural populations.
• Must possess a valid California driver’s license and reliable, insured vehicle or equivalent means of transportation. Able to travel within Ventura, SB and SLO counties on a regular basis; Local and in-state travel is required.

Physical Requirements:

Position requires the ability to work independently. Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer. This is primarily a sedentary office classification. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, finger dexterity, and fine coordination in preparing statistical reports and data using a computer keyboard and calculator.

Additionally, the position requires near, far, and color vision in reading correspondence, statistical data, and using the computer. Hearing and speech are required to communicate in person, before groups and over the telephone.

Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects necessary to perform job functions. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 lbs. and infrequently up to 20 lbs. The position requires standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily office activities. Work is performed in an office setting with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may encounter upset individuals over the phone and/or in person. Each of these physical tasks is an essential function of the position.