Assistant District Administrator - 48007285 (blind Services)

Assistant District Administrator - 48007285 (Blind Services)

This position is in the District 10 Division of Blind Services office in West Palm Beach, Florida. This position reports to and supports the work of the District Administrator (DA). The primary responsibilities of this position will center on managing staff (under the direction of the District Administrator) and will provide services focused on preparing and advancing blind and visually impaired applicants and clients through the Division of Blind Services (DBS) Employment Program. The DBS Employment Program provides unique, specialized services to blind adults and children throughout the vision rehabilitation process. Work performed by the division is centered on enabling DBS clients to improve and develop the skills necessary to prepare for, obtain, maintain or advance in their vocational goals.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Ensures program staff are meeting the common performance measures established by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) as well as other agency established program goals.
• Effectively use and monitor district funds, equipment, and resources.
• Manage caseload(s) as necessary to meet client needs and to cover staff vacancies.
• Meet the overall responsibilities of the Employment Placement Specialists (EPS), Rehabilitation Technicians, and the DBS Employment Counselors.
• Maintain effective working relationships with the Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs).
• Visit and/or call the CRPs monthly to address concerns or lack of client progress during training.
• Participate in the development and revisions of a comprehensive state plan to improve/increase outreach to under-served populations and employers for the services provided by DBS that support employment and training for people with disabilities.
• Attend training as requested or required by the State Office and/or the District Administrator.

Client-Focused Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide unique, specialized services to blind and visually impaired applicants and clients throughout the vision rehabilitation process including advocacy, referral and resource development, counseling and guidance, and Employment Program services.
• Ensure services are expedited to applicants and clients with competitive integrated employment opportunities as well as those who are at risk of losing employment.
• Promote client satisfaction; handle and attempt to resolve client issues before moving to the next level, i.e. District Administrator (DA) or State Office.

Supervisory Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain and practice a current understanding of FDOE and DBS policies and guidelines regarding information security.
• Supervise DBS Employment Program Counselors, Employment Placement Specialists (EPS) and Rehabilitation Technicians.
• Ensure that staff maintain a 21st century understanding of the evolving labor force and the needs of blind and low vision clients, through proper training and supervision.
• Exhibit, demonstrate, and reinforce the expectation of internal and external cooperation and teamwork to subordinates.
• Model, demonstrate, and guide employees in the use of the principles of flexibility, adaptability, and approachability - while adhering to applicable laws, rules, policies and procedures.
• Utilize effective counseling and coaching strategies in accordance with agency personnel policies and procedures to ensure acceptable job performance of subordinates.
• Keep the District Administrator (DA) and Personnel Administrator (PA) apprised of outstanding performance by staff who are deserving of employee recognition, as well as any personnel issues that may require corrective action. Develop and implement corrective action plans as required.
• Meet at least quarterly with each subordinate to discuss job performance and ensure each employee is fully aware of his or her level of performance, as it relates to established performance standards.
• Ensure staff conduct follow-up calls with clients and employers within 90 days of the employment start date, as well as at the 180-day employment anniversary to determine further services and possible job opportunities for other clients.
• Work with counselors and district leadership to ensure additional services are coordinated.
• Track and monitor weekly job development activities.
• Conduct monthly case reviews to ensure timely provision of services, appropriate documentation, and client attainment of competitive integrated employment paying above subminimum wages.
• Provide technical support and training to subordinates.

Support to the District Administrator:

• Serve as the assistant to the District Administrator (DA). This includes assisting the District Administrator with reviewing/approving authorizations, planning, implementing, and reviewing Pre-Employment Transition, Transition, Employment Programs, and other required services with Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs) and other service providers.
• Assist the District Administrator in the review of CRPs' monthly invoices.
• Supervise other district employees in the absence of the District Administrator (DA).

Professional Development:

• Understand various eye conditions and their impact on functional vision and convey this information in employment settings.
• Understand the rehabilitation process and the abilities, strengths, and capabilities of people who are blind or visually impaired.
• Participate in statewide program training as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of methods of compiling, organizing and analyzing data.
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to prioritize workload.
• Ability to develop various reports.
• Ability to manage people.
• Ability to assess budgetary needs.
• Ability to formulate policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to plan, organize and direct programs or activities.
• Knowledge of State and Federal Regulations, rehabilitation technology for the blind, process and procedures, the interaction effects of aging and vision loss and medical aspects of vision loss.
• Ability to perform sighted guide; supervise and positively influence staff, instruct and implement requirements and conduct training in basic activities of daily living techniques for the blind.

Who We're Looking For:

The ideal incumbent must be productive under tight timeframes, balance multiple and competing priorities, and maintain goal-directed behavior and performance sometimes under stressful conditions. The incumbent must interact courteously with others. The performance and behavior of all employees must demonstrate consideration of the workload concerns of others and must not negatively affect productivity and morale of the unit. Attendance is an essential function.

Other Miscellaneous Duties:

• Performs other duties as requested.
• Travel is required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study reasonably related to vocational rehabilitation, or four years of professional and relevant experience in a public vocational rehabilitation program. Preference will be given to those with a bachelor's degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited college or university. Three (3) to five (5) years' experience in a public vocational rehabilitation program. Prior experience working as a manager or supervisor (who has had direct oversight and management of employees and subordinates). An ability to establish and maintain education and experience requirements to ensure an understanding of the evolving labor force and the needs of individuals with disabilities. Knowledge of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Knowledge of pre-employment transition services. A Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) designation; or who is eligible to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). A Certified Community Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC) designation.

Division of Blind Services Mission Statement:

The Division of Blind Services ensure blind and visually impaired Floridians have the tools, support and opportunities to achieve success. In partnership with others, we create a barrier-free environment in the lives of Floridians with visual disabilities. The Florida Division of Blind Services helps blind and visually impaired individuals achieve their goals and live their lives with as much independence and self-direction as possible. The Division serves thousands of Floridians through its plethora of programs and services. District and Satellite Offices located throughout the state, as well as the Career, Technology and Training Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired (CTTC), and the Braille and Talking Books Library. The Division of Blind Services has become a national model in education, employment and other services that foster independence for blind and visually impaired Floridians.

Working for the State of Florida has Benefits!

• State Group Insurance Coverage options+ (health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental options)
• Nine paid holidays