Deputy Commissioner DRS - #ARS00171

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Henrico, Virginia, VA

2d•$180,000•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a rare opportunity to serve as the Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Rehabilitative Services (DRS), shape the future of disability employment in Virginia, and lead statewide initiatives that directly improve the lives of thousands of Virginians with disabilities. The Commonwealth is seeking a visionary, strategic, and collaborative executive to serve as the Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Rehabilitative Services (DRS). This executive leadership position is responsible for providing statewide direction and oversight of Virginia's public vocational rehabilitation program, including management of an annual operating budget of approximately $110 million and leadership of a diverse network of rehabilitation programs and services. The Deputy Commissioner leads the implementation of the vision established by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and ensures the delivery of high-quality vocational rehabilitation services that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve competitive integrated employment and greater independence. This position has executive-level responsibility for the leadership, strategic direction, and 24/7 oversight of the WWRC residential vocational training program in Fishersville, Augusta County. The Deputy Commissioner supervises WWRC Director and is ultimately accountable for all Center operations, services, and organizational performance.

Requirements

Training and experience in rehabilitation counseling, public administration, business administration, education, social work, human services, or a closely related field.
Extensive experience in developing organizational policies and objectives to accomplish goals and in managing large, diverse, and geographically dispersed staff.
Experience managing large operating budgets and ensuring responsible fiscal oversight.
Experience leading organizational change, strategic planning, and performance improvement initiatives.
Experience supervising senior managers and leading diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
Demonstrated executive leadership experience managing large, complex organizations or public service programs.
Experience administering federally funded programs and grants.
Experience working with disability policy, employment services, and public-sector executive leadership.
Strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills.
Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to build collaborative partnerships with government agencies, employers, educational institutions, community organizations, and advocacy groups.
Ability to establish a culture of accountability, innovation, inclusion, and customer-focused service delivery.
Ability to interpret and apply integrated policies and procedures in the provision of services; to establish employment opportunities through contacts with businesses, employment services organizations, and other organizations within the community; to organize and manage multiple, and sometimes unrelated, responsibilities in a timely manner, to prioritize duties and exercise responsible judgment with minimal supervision.
Extensive knowledge of vocational rehabilitation principles, workforce development systems, disability employment policy, and human services administration.
Working knowledge of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the Rehabilitation Act, and related federal and state regulations governing vocational rehabilitation programs.
Considerable knowledge of the social, medical, psychological, and labor market issues which impact persons with disabilities; interviewing, evaluation, and counseling techniques, methods and tools for career counseling and exploration; ADA compliance requirements, WIOA policies and regulations.

Nice To Haves

Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential or other relevant professional certification.
Extensive experience in vocational rehabilitation administration, program development and management, including directing statewide vocational rehabilitation or workforce development programs.

Responsibilities

Provides executive leadership and oversight for the Division of Rehabilitative Services, including Virginia's statewide Vocational Rehabilitation Program, Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center (WWRC), Field Services operations across the Commonwealth, Business and Workforce Development, Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), Transition, and Education Services, Rehabilitation Technology Services and the Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS), Employment services and supports for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (ID/DD), individuals with Autism, individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI), participants in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), individuals with Substance Use Disorders (SUD), Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) populations, and all people with disabilities, and Staff training and professional development.
Responsible for planning, directing, managing, monitoring, and evaluating statewide vocational rehabilitation programs to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, effective stewardship of public resources, and delivery of timely, high-quality services that result in competitive integrated employment outcomes.
Develops strategic partnerships with employers, education systems, workforce partners, community rehabilitation providers, advocacy organizations, and state and federal agencies to advance employment opportunities for Virginians with disabilities.
Provide strategic vision and executive leadership for statewide vocational rehabilitation services.
Manage an annual budget of approximately $110 million, ensuring sound fiscal stewardship and accountability.
Lead a large, geographically dispersed workforce and multiple program areas.
Ensure compliance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the Rehabilitation Act, federal regulations, and applicable state policies.
Develop and implement strategic initiatives that improve service quality, operational effectiveness, and employment outcomes.
Foster collaboration with workforce development boards, educational institutions, employers, community partners, and consumer advocacy organizations.
Promote innovation, continuous improvement, and evidence-based practices throughout the Division.
Use performance data and outcome measures to drive decision-making and improve program effectiveness.
Represent the Division before state leadership, federal partners, stakeholder organizations, and the public.
Other duties and/or special projects as assigned.
Completes duties and/or projects as needed or directed by supervisor.
Supervises WWRC Director and is ultimately accountable for all Center operations, services, and organizational performance.