Ohio Association of Senior Centers

 
OASC, P.O. Box 187, Bowling Green, OH 43402
Phone 1- 800-796-OASC
(Fax 1-419-352-2680)

Introduction toThe Certification

Across the State of Ohio is a great divergence in the educational level and experience of Senior Center Directors. Some directors have high school diplomas, others have advanced degrees. No specific academic path exists for Senior Center Directors and most center directors receive their training on the job.

Center directors realize the complexity of their jobs and know that skills must range from personnel and facility to fund development and recreational programming. Directors must be adept at fiscal management, program planning and implementation and volunteer management. Center directors often work long hours and for salaries which are not in line with the level of responsibility which the job requires.

The intent of certification is to provide a state-wide standard that can be used as a measure of professionalism by interested agencies and individuals. It is futher intended that certification will encourage the continuing professional growth and development of Certified Senior Center directors and personnel.

The Ohio Association of Senior Centers represent senior centers that are divergent as their staff. The certification process is meant to be inclusive of all centers and still have crediblity with our communities, boards and funders.

There are six (6) levels of certification available:

  1. Administrator of Aging Services

  2. Sustaining Level

  3. Professional of Aging Service

  4. Senior Center Manager

  5. Senior Center Program Planner

  6. Support Staff

Each individual has the opportunity to choose the level that suits their needs based on the application guidelines. There will continue to be the opportunity to upgrade your certification as you become eligible for the next level.

The purpose of the certification process is to promote professional crediblity and visiblity. It is also to identify to the public and professional peers those persons who have met specific professional standards. As pur field of aging grows, we must encourage the continued professional growth and development of Ohio's senior center directors and personnel.

For more information on certification, contact the OASC office at 1-800-796-OASC.

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