Residence Requirements:

CANDIDATES MUST HAVE BEEN LEGAL RESIDENTS OF ERIE COUNTY FOR AT LEAST ONE MONTH IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE DATE OF THE WRITTEN TEST AND MUST BE LEGAL RESIDENTS OF ERIE COUNTY AT THE TIME OF APPOINTMENT. There is one present vacancy at the Erie County Department of Senior Services.

Examples of Duties:

A Senior Coordinator of Neighborhood Services involves oversight of program development, compliance, and evaluation efforts undertaken by the Department of Senior Services, including program planning, resource development, and the monitoring of contracted services;

Oversee and direct completion of required program implementation plans;

Oversee and direct reporting activities;

Monitor programs for appropriate utilization, quality, and client satisfaction;

Oversee and direct needs assessment efforts;

Oversee and direct new program development efforts;

Must keep abreast of regulatory requirements and public policy changes that impact services;

Maintains relationships with funders and identifies new resources to address service needs in the community;

Develop Requests for Proposals to address service needs;

Identify and develop resources to address needs of older adults, the disabled, and their caregivers;

Oversee and direct the evaluation of programs funded by the Department;

Collaborate and coordinate efforts with community partners to improve services;

Supervise subordinate staff;

Represent department at local and regional conferences, forums, and aging network venues in an effort to advocate for older adults as well as monitor the policy and regulatory environment as they may relate to older adults;

Does related work as required.

Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Candidates must meet one of the following requirements on or before the date of the written test: 

Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered four (4) year college or university with a Bachelor's degree and six (6) years of experience in a position related to community organization in the human services* area, at least three (3) years of which must have involved working with programs for the elderly.

Notes:

1. *HUMAN SERVICES: Dealing with the social, mental and emotional needs of people.
2. Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered four (4) year college or university with a Master's degree in any one of the social sciences** may be substituted for one (1) year of the required community organization experience, but may not be substituted for the required experience which involves working with programs for the elderly.
3. **SOCIAL SCIENCES: Psychology, sociology, anthropology, history, economics, political science, and geography.
4. Verifiable part-time and/or volunteer experience will be pro-rated toward meeting full time experience requirements.

The New York State Department of Civil Service has not prepared a test guide for this examination. However,candidates may find information in the publication "How to take a written test" helpful in preparing for this test. This publication is available on line at: www.cs.ny.gov/testing/localtestguides.cfm

Subjects of Examination:

SUBJECTS OF EXAMINATION: A written test designed to evaluate knowledge, skills and /or abilities in the following areas:

1. Characteristics, issues, and problems relating to older adults

These questions test for knowledge of the characteristics of older adults, the issues of concern to them, and the causes and implications of significant problems facing them. The questions may cover such areas as housing, economic security, employment, long-term care, health care, recreation, social support, nutrition, and mental and physical functioning.

2. Ensuring effective inter/intra agency communications

These questions test for understanding of techniques for interacting effectively with individuals and agencies, to educate and inform them about topics of concern, to clarify agency programs or policies, to negotiate conflicts or resolve complaints, and to represent one's agency or program in a manner in keeping with good public relations practices. Questions may also cover interacting with the staff of one's own agency and/or that of other agencies in cooperative efforts of public outreach or service.

3. Preparing written material

These questions test for the ability to present information clearly and accurately, and to organize paragraphs logically and comprehensibly. For some questions, you will be given information in two or three sentences followed by four restatements of the information. You must then choose the best version. For other questions, you will be given paragraphs with their sentences out of order. You must then choose, from four suggestions, the best order for the sentences.

4. Supervision

These questions test for knowledge of the principles and practices employed in planning, organizing, and controlling the activities of a work unit toward predetermined objectives. The concepts covered, usually in a situational question format, include such topics as assigning and reviewing work; evaluating performance; maintaining work standards; motivating and developing subordinates; implementing procedural change; increasing efficiency; and dealing with problems of absenteeism, morale, and discipline.

5. Working with people in human services situations

These questions test for a knowledge of general techniques used to deal with common client behaviors such as fear, hostility, shyness, resistance, defensiveness, withdrawal, anxiety and confusion.

NOTICE TO CANDIDATES:  It is recommended that candidates use a quiet, hand held, solar or battery powered calculator.  Devices with typewriter keyboards, "Spell Checkers", “Personal Digital Assistants", "Address Books", "Language Translators", "Dictionaries", or any similar devices are prohibited.  You may not bring books or other reference materials.

**IMPORTANT APPLICATION FEE - READ CAREFULLY**

A $20.00 filing fee is required for this exam. The required fee must accompany your application. Send or bring check or money order made payable to Erie County Personnel Department and write the examination number(s) on your check or money order. Do not send or bring cash, as the County cannot be responsible for cash payment. As no refund will be made, you are urged to compare your qualifications carefully with the requirements for admission and file only for those examinations for which you are clearly qualified.