Number of Vacancies: 1

Position Status: full-time, permanent

Pay Plan, Series & Grade: 

Salary Range: 

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Location: Van Ness Campus, Washington, DC

Brief Description of Duties

The Project Specialist in the Institute of Gerontology (IOG) reports directly to the Director of the Center for Nutrition, Diet and Health, which is one of the land-grant Centers of the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC).  The Project Specialist provides leadership and coordination in improving, implementing, and evaluating the Institute of Gerontology initiatives within the community and work in partnership with community agencies to improve the health, wellness, fitness, and activities of daily living of the elderly population in the District of Columbia.  Primary responsibilities include planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating OIG programs; collaborating with community groups and agencies to further program goals;  and maintaining professional competency and skills required for professional practice. Primary responsibilities include the overall functions of OIG, assessing community related needs; conducting community studies and collaborating with state, community agencies in serving the needs of elderly within the District of Columbia.  The incumbent must be a team player, work effectively and efficiently with diverse internal and external constituencies, perform all duties with a high degree of efficiency, communicate effectively, work well under pressure and be familiar (or familiarize self) with the rules, regulations, policies and procedures of CAUSES, UDC, and program sponsors.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
 

1. Works collaboratively with the Director of the Center for Nutrition, Diet and Health who has direct oversight of the Institute of Gerontology to implement the community service programs sponsored by the Institute.
2. Designs and implements programs for the urban elderly with diverse cultural, educational economic backgrounds for populations such as elderly African Americans, Hispanics and Caucasians.
3. Designs and implements new and emerging programs that benefit the elderly population served by the program.
4. Teaches one course per semester in a related field.
5. Oversees the organization and conduction of workshops, in-service sessions, and seminars for the Bodywise Health and Fitness program for seniors.
6. Assure coordination of all functions of the Respite Aide and Senior Companion programs.
7. Defines and develops procedures, tracking mechanism, and documentation for Institute program activities.
8. Supervises the operations of all staff assigned to the Institute.
9. Collaborates with the Director of the Center for Nutrition, Diet and Health or designee to develop and conduct workshops and training programs to serve the targeted population and community needs.
10. Prepares reports for funding agencies developing and negotiating support for continual expansions and funding
11. Grant proposal writing to maintain current funds and seek additional external funding to expand the programs of the Institute of Gerontology.
12. Interviews program applicants and recommends appropriate personal actions. Prepares performance evaluations.
13. Provides consultation of senior citizen organizations, agencies, and other community organizations interested in aged.
14. Coordinates and collaborates with personnel from other District, Federal and private agencies serving the aged, colleges, universities, and professional experts in the field.

1. Works effectively and collaboratively with the Director of the Center for Nutrition, Diet and Health, and other staff within CNDH, CAUSES and UDC as necessary.
2. Monitors and evaluates county and state demographic trends for use in program and community development.
3. Maintains and completes required reports, including budget, plans of work, reports of accomplishments, and other documentation needed for program effectiveness.
4. Assists in identifying funding sources and writing grants to fund the expansion and improvement of OIG programming.
5. Participates in interagency meetings, task forces, and projects.
6. Maintains productivity standards and practices effective time management and prioritizing of tasks.
7. Demonstrates accountability for the proper use of individuals’ protected health information.
8. Manages resources (time, materials, and staff) in a cost-effective manner.
9. Performs other duties as assigned including special assignments related to nutrition and health and other needs of the college and community.

1. Master’s degree in a related field to aging.
2. Four (4) years of experience in increasingly responsible community positions. Teaching experience in planned educational program preferred.
3. One (1) year supervisory experience.
4. Teaching and research experience preferred.
5. A valid driver’s license and vehicle preferred to travel within the city for lessons.
6. A proven commitment to continuous improvement and to proactive, outcomes oriented work in meeting the responsibilities and duties outlined in the position description.

1. Knowledge and understanding of community education.
2. Knowledge of human behavior and techniques for effecting behavior change.
3. Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form.
4. Ability to work with diverse populations.
5. Skill in working with various people in building collaborations, working with advisory committees, and managing and supporting volunteer-led programs.
6. Ability to organize tasks and work independently.
7. Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and evaluate effective programs.
8. Maintains professional currency in areas relevant to expertise.
9. Proficiency in use of word processing, spreadsheet and diet/nutrient software.
10. Demonstrated ability to interact with a broad range of constituencies and stakeholders within CAUSES and UDC as well as outside of the college and the university.
11. Demonstrated ability to exercise judgment, take initiative and exhibit creativity in implementing all responsibilities.
12. Knowledge or ability to become familiar with the land-grant system, its mission, goals and objectives.
13. Knowledge or ability to become familiar with federal funding agencies and local, regional and national stakeholder needs.

Information to Applicant

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is not part of the collective bargaining unit.  

Employment Benefits
Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the University of the District of Columbia' s retirement plan (TIAA-CREF).

Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business,  or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations.

Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the University of the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business,  or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act.  In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act.  Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated.  Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

Veterans Preference:  Applicants claiming veterans preference must submit official proof at the time of application.

Residency Preference: The Residency Preference Amendment Act of 1988, D.C. Law 7-203, created a system in which provides that any applicant for employment in the Career or Educational Services who is a bona fide resident of the District of Columbia may claim a residency reference at the time of application. An applicant selected for an appointment based on District residency will be required to submit no less than eight (8) proofs of bona fide District residency. Bona fide District residency must be maintained from the date of appointment to the position for seven (7) consecutive years. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the (7) year period will result in forfeiture of employment.

Drug-Free Workplace: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.

Background Investigation: Employment with the University of the District of Columbia is contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation.  The determination of a "satisfactory background investigation" is made at the sole discretion of the University of the District of Columbia.  The University may refuse to hire a finalist, rescind an offer of employment to a finalist or review and terminate the employment of a current employee based on the results of a background investigation.

Disposition of Resume: Resumes received outside the area of consideration and/or after the closing date will not be given consideration. You must resubmit your resume to receive consideration for any subsequent advertised position vacancies. For the purpose of employment, resumes are not considered job applications. Therefore, if selected for employment a UDC application will be required.

Job Offers: Official Job Offers are made by the University of the District of Columbia, Office of Human Resources Only.

Contact Information:  All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Human Resources at (202) 274-5020.

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.