Director of Vocational & Employment Services

Dayforce•Buffalo, NY

66d•$90,000 - $100,000

About The Position

The Arc Erie County New York has been supporting children and adults with disabilities, and their families in achieving their desired quality of life by creating opportunities through comprehensive services for over 65 years. The Arc Erie County NY is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Vocational & Employment Services to lead and expand our employment programs supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. This role oversees all aspects of vocational & employment services- from program design and staff supervision to community partnerships and contact development- ensuring people we support have meaningful pathways to employment and personal growth.

Requirements

Master’s degree in vocational Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Special Education or related field and 5+ years of experience (including 2+ years in a supervisory role). OR
Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 7+ years of experience (including 4+ years in a supervisory role).
Deep knowledge of OPWDD, ACCES-VR, and employment service principles
Strong leadership, budgeting, and program development skills.
Valid NYS Driver’s License and reliable transportation: travel; throughout WNY required
Authorization to work in the United States
Thorough knowledge of OPWDD and ACCES-VR service principles and practices; good knowledge of Erie County geographical area and agencies serving people with disabilities; knowledge of budget development and supervisory practices; demonstrated ability to direct and supervise diversified program areas; ability to develop programs in response to individual's needs; skill in developing interagency relations; ability to negotiate complex organization and funding systems.
A valid New York State Driver’s License approved driving record and reliable transportation. Will be required to travel to worksites through the WNY Area. Must be flexible in schedule to accommodate a variety of work placements.
The ability to perform critical thinking and perform complex problem-solving skills; write in a clear, organized, and persuasive manner; show good judgment, have good math & decision skills, independent action, planning & prioritizing and follow directions. Work independently as well as cooperatively with others. Be approachable, enthusiastic, personable, work under pressure, and meet job-related deadlines accordingly.
The ability to communicate with individuals in a positive manner; both oral and written; ability to engage in active listening; demonstrate the ability to serve as an appropriate role model to staff supervised, co-workers and program participants; the ability to provide supervision in a positive manner with timely feedback and constructive direction; and ability to counsel and mentor staff consistent with the Agency values and mission. Receive supervision instruction in a positive manner. Adhere to and administer Agency’s policies, procedures, rules and regulations. Maintain a professional attitude and appearance at all times.
The ability to operate office equipment, such as computers, copiers, fax machines, etc.; the ability to operate agency vans and cars.
All staff members will assure and demonstrate the promotion of fundamental rights and protection for the people that we support. These include practices that treat people with dignity and respect at all times, ensure safety, best health/well-being and provide the person with continuity and personal security through the use of natural supports, positive relationships, and opportunities for integration in the community. Staff members should also advocate and work toward assisting the people we support through person-centered planning to achieve the personal outcome goals that they have chosen by facilitating the plans and positive supports necessary to assist the person in progressing toward each outcome.
Demonstrates the agency's values of integrity, respect, responsibility, trust, teamwork, positive attitude, learning and honesty in working with students (persons), families, colleagues, and members of our community.
Good attendance is vital for the efficient and effective operation of quality programming and is an essential job function of this position.

Responsibilities

Oversee and manage all vocational and employment programs and staff
Collaborate with the Director of Business Development to secure employment contracts and community partnerships.
Develop and implement policies, programs and budgets to ensure quality and compliance with OPWDD, ACCES-VR, and other funding initiatives.
Lead program planning, evaluations and continuous improvements initiatives.
Foster relationships with schools, employers, and community agencies to create diverse vocational opportunities
Provide leadership, training, and mentorship to Associate Directors and program staff.
Participates in planning groups, as assigned, as a representative of the Agency to facilitate coordinated inter-agency needs assessment program planning.
Designs and develops Vocational Employment programs, based on community and client needs, recommendations of countywide planning committees and available resources.
Develops Vocational Employment Services policies and administrative procedures, standards, guidelines, of various funding and regulatory bodies and with overall Agency policies and procedures, for approval by the Vice President of Vocational and Community Support Services.
Determines financial and physical resources needed to carry out existing and planned services; develops and recommends funding proposals and coordinates fundraising activities of Vocational Employment Services; participates in agency fund raising as assigned.
Determines personnel resources needed to carry out existing and planned services; recommends organizational and staffing structure of Vocational Employment Services components.
Develops and monitors implementation of annual program evaluation for the purpose of revising and developing new programs.
Participate in committee meetings internally and externally that relate to the Vocational and Community Support Services.
Assists with other Board Committee work as assigned by Vice President of Vocational Services and Community Supports.
Establishing working relationships with community resources, education partners, referral agencies, and supportive services to ensure the provision of comprehensive services to individuals.
Allocates agency resources where necessary including but not limited to transportation, staffing, physical plant
Ensure maximum reimbursement for services under ACCES-VR, OPWDD, and DOH
Oversees the Training Center activities/modules Retail, Hospitality, Janitorial, Culinary and Horticulture divisions
Provides a continuum of vocational services from school age through retirement
Facilitates Vocational exploration through vocational programs, volunteer opportunities, training, experiential learning
Develops meaningful vocational opportunities for all skill levels in accordance with the New York State Employment First Initiative
Develops and monitors implementation of service standards, guidelines, and practices to ensure consistency with law, regulations, and Agency policies.
Determines service priorities, assigns, schedules, and coordinates activities of Vocational Employment Services staff to ensure that services are delivered as planned and on schedule.
Assures appropriate medical, educational, residential, recreational, and other services of linkages for people we serve.
Assesses individual transportation needs; assures maintenance and vehicle safety standards.
Monitors unit expenditures against projected budget and, with the Vice President of Vocational Services and Community Supports arrange for needed revisions in budget with Director of Business Management
Coordinates activities of Vocational Employment Services; volunteer and internship programs, including establishment of priorities, recruitment, placement and training of volunteers and interns.
Oversees in-service training program for Vocational Employment Services staff in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
Determines job functions within units and recruits, selects and assigns staff, for final approval of Vice President of Vocational and Community Support Services.
Assures assessment of training and supervision needs; establishes and monitors training and regular scheduled supervision for Vocational Employment Services staff and volunteers. Consistent with agency policy and procedures.
Establishes staff performance evaluation system and assures regular written evaluation and feedback on job performance, consistent with agency policy and procedures.
Approves all intake, assessment and termination decisions and supervises the development of service plans for all vocational programs. Develops and assures implementation of procedures for identification of funding for each person we serve.
Monitors implementation of service plans through regular records and utilization of review, case conferences, consultations, and supervision.
Maintains quality programing in accordance with the standards of the Office of Mental Health, ACCES-VR, OPWDD, Commission for the Blind, Department of Labor, and all other funders.
Prepares program reports for internal use and compliance with regulatory body requirements.
Develops and maintains private contracts with school districts to provide vocational services to students
Responsible for security, maintenance, and safety of building, equipment, and facilities according to National, State and Local codes.