ASSISTANT DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR - 48007238 (BLIND SERVICES)

State of Florida•Gainesville, FL

104d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is in the District 3 Division of Blind Services office in Gainesville, 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.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study reasonably related to vocational rehabilitation, to indicate a level of competency and skill demonstrating basic preparation in a field of study such as vocational rehabilitation counseling; 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.
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.

Nice To Haves

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.

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.
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 that includes but is not limited to career pathways and apprenticeship 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.
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. This includes the utilization of workforce data and tools such as Labor Market Information (LMI), Sector Strategies, Career Pathways, Apprenticeships and industry certifications; as well as other programs leading to competitive integrated employment.
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.
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).
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.
Performs other duties as requested.

Benefits

State Group Insurance Coverage options+ (health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental options)
Nine paid holidays and a Personal Holiday each year.
Student Loan Forgiveness Program (Eligibility required).
Tuition Fee Waivers (Accepted by major Florida colleges/universities).
Maternity and Parental Leave Benefits.
Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (www.myfrs.com).
Annual and Sick Leave Benefits.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Ongoing comprehensive training provided.
Highly skilled, professional environment.