Director of Workforce Development

The Lighthouse for The Blind in New Orleans•New Orleans, LA

2h•$73,000 - $78,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Workforce Development (DWD) provides leadership, hiring, supervision, and administration of the Workforce Development (WD) Department, which includes vocational rehabilitation services through state and federal funded programs for people with varying disabilities. The ideal candidate demonstrates proven managerial skills, a strong spirit of collaboration, critical thinking, and the drive to lead by example. The DWD exemplifies professionalism and instills such values in their team to ensure that all vocational rehabilitation programs offer the highest level of quality and polish to our vendors, community partners, customers, and the people we serve. The DWD is responsible for managing the success of the Workforce Development team, while measuring the success of the department’s programs. This position requires excellent communication skills, proven team-building skills, and a passion to develop comprehensive impactful programming that aligns with the Lighthouse mission.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
CESP Certification required or be willing to obtain it with one year of employment.
Competence to collaborate with people at all levels inside and outside of the agency to support program needs.
Proficient in the use of the Internet, email, and standard software applications (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
Excellent time management and organizational skills required.
Superior verbal and written communication skills required.
Self-driven, able to work independently and with diverse teams required.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, mission and outcome driven required.
Knowledge specific to working with people with disabilities preferred.
Knowledge of the state vocational rehabilitation system and related services.
Superior skills in service documentation and reporting.
Proven success as a supervisor or manager of Employment Specialists with a minimum of 3 years’ experience providing vocational rehabilitation services to people with disabilities.
Supervise all WD Program Staff.
High energy and stamina. Able to effectively perform the specified duties.
Punctual, responsive, and organized. Maintain professional appearance and attitude appropriate to the position.
Proven leader who can inspire and motivate staff.
Positive, enthusiastic, patient, and caring.
Proactive, hands-on.
A creative thinker with a willingness to constantly adapt to the day and the needs of the organization, department, and individual clients.
Office and community setting with travel as needed across the service region.
Full-time / Salaried.
Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results from background check and drug testing. Must also meet federal suitability requirements.
Must have a Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
Must be able to drive long distances.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge specific to working with people with disabilities preferred.
CESP Certification required or be willing to obtain it with one year of employment.

Responsibilities

Continuously monitor and evaluate WD programming using an outcome-based model to measure program success and provide quarterly reports to senior management.
Develop and set strategic goals to meet the needs of the organizations, business partners, and program development.
Manage the Ticket to Work program and strive to increase the program revenue to support department initiatives. Meet goals related to employment milestone outcomes that indicate program success.
Spearhead the vocational rehabilitation component of the Pathways to Success (PTS) Disability Innovation Fund demonstration project to drive program success and optimize positive outcomes for participants.
Oversee the provision of direct services through State Vocational Rehab, Ticket to Work (TTW), and PTS programs, which include evaluation for program services, intake, Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) development, job development, work readiness skills training, job coaching, and ongoing job support.
Provide direct supervision and support to ES staff, managing hiring, onboarding, and performance processes. Conduct ongoing performance reviews to ensure open communication and appropriate guidance is afforded to all team members. Cultivate a team whose performance is rooted in commitment to serving others; guaranteed to follow best practices; and measured to ensure accountability.
Develop and implement internal and external training programs to foster the development of highly knowledgeable and skilled Employment Specialists within the organization and throughout the community to enhance opportunities for people with disabilities in the workforce. Create competencies to measure success.
Continuously increase knowledge of new and emerging workforce trends and programs such as employment support services offered under the Medicaid Waiver Program, Ticket to Work, Social Security Administration Employment Network, Customized Employment, etc. Apply this knowledge to program growth. Responsible for activities and planning that grows federal vocational programming for Lighthouse.
Continuously strive to improve the quality and efficiency of WD programs to support new revenue streams that promote sustainability and optimize consumer outcomes.
Ensure compliance with contract/grant requirements as identified by federal funding agencies, including but not limited to program and contract deliverables, consumers’ outcomes, invoicing, reporting, etc.
Maintain confidentiality of information and material at the highest standards. Follow all federal grants and programs rules, policies, and procedures regarding the protection of personal identifiable information (PII).
Ensure the quality of services and consumer satisfaction as determined through staff performance.
Coordinate with the VP of Services and Accounting to develop and manage the budget for the Workforce Development Department.
Write Standard Operating Procedures for the department and implement them with the staff after approved.
Provide leadership and expertise to support stakeholder relations. Participate in education and advocacy events, provide sensitivity training to teams of local businesses, conduct environmental assessments for public venues, and engage with key stakeholders at special events, when needed to achieve strategic goals.
Provide input and support for the Lighthouse’s advocacy and public policy platform regarding local, state, and federal policies, initiatives, and issues that affect people with disabilities.
Perform other duties as assigned.