Overview
Elders Department Director
Department:
Social & Community Services Elders
Salary:
$72,966.40 – $100,900.80 annually, FLSA Exempt
Hours:
40 hours Monday-Friday with some weekend and evening work
Status:
Accepting Applications
Description
The Elders Department Director is responsible for developing, implementing, and administering services, programs, and activities for the Elders, Caregivers, and Veterans programs. This position is responsible for managing all funding including Title VI Nutrition and Caregiver Services as well as other federal, state and private grants and program income. Designs activities that are therapeutic to help with physical, mental or psychosocial needs, such as socialization. The Elders Department Director must have a positive, upbeat personality with a strong desire to keep the Elders engaged and energetic by providing enrichment programs to support health and wellness. Helps to create and encourage a friendly, caring and supportive environment to foster interaction among participants. Responsibilities will also include managing budgets, training staff, and maintaining records.
Why work for Samish?
The Samish Indian Nation provides a very competitive compensation package, which includes medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, Life Insurance, optional supplemental coverage plans, a 401(k) Plan, paid vacation and sick leave, and approximately 16 paid holidays. Best of all, we offer a great environment with passionate and caring staff!
Benefits Summary
Hybrid Work Arrangement potential
Flexible work schedule
Health insurance including medical, dental & vision
Life, AD&D, STD and LTD insurance
Annual & Sick Leave
Paid holidays (up to 16+ days per year)
Paid jury, bereavement & cultural leave
Wellness & Employee Assistance Plan
401(k) retirement plan
Evaluations with potential wage increases at 6 months, 1 year and annually
Principle Duties
Work together with Samish Elders and other community groups to evaluate the interests and needs of Native American Elders in the Samish Title VI Nutrition and Caregiver Service Area and the local Anacortes Community. May include personal surveys, data collection, community assessments and other appropriate evaluation tools.
Collaborate with the Social & Community Services Senior Director and Samish Tribal Leadership to develop and implement programs and activities.
Identity, develop, and implement a broad range of in person and virtual activities for Elders to experience. Some examples are Samish cultural activities, music, arts, crafts, games, and exercise programs.
Oversee the annual Samish Elder Luncheon.
Work together with the elders group regarding a variety of programs and activities they would like to experience. For example, coordinating intergenerational activities with the Early Learning Center children and staff.
Responsible for the development and oversight of the Samish Caregiver Program. Determine eligibility and identify needs through assessments to connect caregivers to resources and services. Strengthen and build the program through services for caregivers.
Develop and administer a Veterans Program to recognize, celebrate and connect veterans to services. Promote the program through flyers, elder’s website, newsletters, and events to increase participation. Survey veterans of what is needed and desired for services and program content.
Responsible for ensuring compliance of Title VI Nutrition and Caregiver Services and funded grants including all grant narrative, data reporting and community assessment data gathering.
Responsible for all grant applications for funding and grant renewals, administrating all grant budgets and grant deliverables.
Oversee and maintain compliance with Title VI nutrition services regulations. Review and approve food service program purchases by food service staff, work directly with Food Services Manager to prepare a six-week rotation menu, including working with a registered dietician through resources such as IHS or Title VI to approve all menus and menu changes.
Oversees Elders Department staff by providing leadership, communicating job expectations, coaching, and appraising job results, while delegating responsibility and authority as appropriate.
In conjunction with the HR Executive Director, manage the hiring of all Elders Departmental staff; handling of personnel issues within the department; and assisting with updating job descriptions.
Works with other Samish Departments to provide information and referrals for assistance to meet the needs of elders, their spouses and/or caregivers including and ensuring access to integrated, culturally appropriate services.
Identifies and utilizes appropriate community, state and tribal resources and coordinates referrals to those resources; maintains contact with elders receiving services and respective resource providers for continuous coordination and assistance.
As needed attends Tribal Council meetings, community meetings, relevant program meetings, trainings, and conferences for program compliance.
Understands and complies with Adult Protective Services (APS) mandated reporting requirements, partnering with the Social Services Department on vulnerable adult abuse and neglect.
Ensure the citizens have access to a bus or van that is equipped with a lift and assist participants to and from the vehicle in a safe manner.
Provide assistance with medication on an as needed basis or in case of emergency.
Create and implement a program policy and procedure manual, maintain Samish Elders website, and compose quarterly newsletters. Recruit, train, and supervisor volunteers.
Actively interacts and cultivates relationships with elders, such as engaging in activities, conversation, and during meals with program participants. Mediate disputes as needed within the department and programs.
Other work-related duties as assigned.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in gerontology, human services or related field. Equivalent years of experience working in closely related field that involves client services, grants management and budgetary responsibility may be substituted year-for-year for a four-year college degree. or at its sole discretion, Samish may consider a combination of education and experience in lieu of required qualifications contained herein.
Demonstrated knowledge of and respect for Native American cultures.
Training in Adult Protection Services and mandatory reporting requirements.
Must have experience working with life stages and changes.
Excellent research and organizational skills to assure timely and accurate submission of reports and other time-sensitive materials.
Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information received orally, through data collection or in document handling.
Ability to communicate information verbally and in written form in a clear, concise, accurate and professional manner.
Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Must have ability to balance regulatory requirements with budget constraints and growing community needs.
Must obtain First Aid, CPR and AED certifications within 30 days of hire.
Must have proof of a Tuberculosis (TB) test taken within 12 months prior to initial employment date and be free from communicable disease.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and insurance and be able to operate tribal vehicles and a chair lift.
Preferred qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in gerontology, social services or related field and three years of experience working with Elders.
Experience managing a program for Native American elders or seniors.
**Obtaining full COVID-19 vaccination no later than 60 days from the hire date will be a condition of employment for all Samish employees**
Working Conditions
Physical Demands: Long periods of sitting (70% of time); occasional bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, lifting, carrying, and pushing (10% of time); and occasional standing and walking (20% of time). Occasionally lifts/carries up to 30lbs. and assists participants with mobility devices such as walkers and wheelchairs, requiring pushing and lifting. Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to use office equipment with frequent repetitive motion such as writing, typing, cash-handling, paperwork-handling, and phone use. Must possess the ability to view print on a computer screen and/or paper document; the ability to speak and hear exchanging information with end users by telephone Mental/Visual Demands: Frequent mental and/or visual attention to task is required. Occasionally work requires heavy concentration. Frequent interruptions. Tasks involve eye-hand coordination. Working Environment: Work environment is mainly indoors with heat and some air conditioning. Must sit or stand at desk for the majority of shift. Occasionally works alone without benefit of supervisor or co-worker. Unavoidable hazards/risks: Work requires minimal risks which require safety precautions (using some cleaning chemicals for light cleaning). Protective clothing or equipment may be required (goggles, gloves, masks, boots, etc.)
Samish Indian Nation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively encourages applications from all persons regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or ancestry. Samish preference and Indian preference will be applied to the selection for this position as defined in Title 25, US Code Section 473.
CONFIDENTIALITY: This position develops, maintains, and is responsible for safeguarding the computer/electronic and hardcopy file folders containing sensitive and proprietary information about the Tribe and its members. The incumbent must maintain confidentiality of all work and files pertaining to enrollment, clients, survey results, and all other material that may identify individuals by name (either directly or by reference), as set forth by the Tribal Council in the Personnel Manual. Any violation in this matter may result in immediate termination of employment.
Please state your eligibility for Indian preference in your cover letter. Indian preference must be documented prior to interview or hiring. BIA Form 4432 or tribal enrollment ID may be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference.
All persons who are offered employment with the Samish Indian Nation must give permission for a thorough background check of previous work performance, motor vehicle history, credit history and criminal history, as well as a pre-employment drug screen.
This position is a “covered position” under the Tribe’s Indian Child and Family Violence Act Policy and all applicants must undergo a fingerprint background investigation in order to be hired for this position. The Tribe will not hire, permit anyone to work or volunteer in a covered position if the person has ever been found guilty or entered a plea of no contest or guilty to any offense under federal, state, or Tribal law which involves violence, threat of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, prostitution, crimes against persons, or offenses committed against children.