Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Director

State of Vermont • Waterbury, CT

5d

About The Position

The Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) is seeking a Director for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, also known as HireAbility. The Director provides overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational management for a division serving approximately 5,000 Vermonters with disabilities each year. The role oversees 140 state classified staff, 80 contracted staff, 12 field offices, more than 40 service contracts, and an annual budget of approximately $27.7 million.

The Director develops and implements the division’s strategic plan, including systems changes required by federal statutes and regulations such as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The role ensures compliance with federal Rehabilitation Act requirements, state policies, AHS and DAIL procedures, VR policy manuals, casework monitoring standards, and case service expenditure procedures. The Director balances the needs and expectations of the Rehabilitation Services Administration, state agencies, staff, customers, and community partners.

The position oversees DVR operations and contracted services, including approximately $10 million in contracts, and ensures their alignment with the division’s mission, strategic plan, Bulletin 3.5 requirements, and federal funding regulations. The Director also provides executive oversight for demonstration projects and initiatives involving post-secondary education, economic self-sufficiency for SSI/SSDI beneficiaries, opioid recovery and employment, and services for youth in transition. The Director leads a senior leadership team responsible for field operations, quality assurance, performance management, and new accountability measures.

The Director works with the State Rehabilitation Council, providing regular reports and supporting needs assessments, policy review, annual state plan input, and annual reporting. The position also manages Invest EAP, a self-supporting employee assistance program serving Vermont employers and approximately 15% of the state’s workforce and family members through a public-private partnership.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field and at least four years of experience in human services, workforce development, or policy development, including or supplemented by at least two years of administrative, supervisory, or consultative experience involving social services casework; or
• Master’s degree in a human services field and at least two years of experience in human services, workforce development, or policy development, including or supplemented by at least two years of administrative, supervisory, or consultative experience involving social services casework; or
• At least six years of experience in human services, workforce development, or policy development, including or supplemented by at least two years of administrative, supervisory, or consultative experience involving social services casework.
• Pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position; required checks include criminal record checks and, where appropriate, motor vehicle driving record and national record checks.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational management for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
• Develop and implement the division’s strategic plan, including systems changes required by federal statutes and regulations such as WIOA.
• Ensure compliance with federal Rehabilitation Act requirements, state policies, AHS and DAIL procedures, VR policy manuals, casework monitoring standards, and case service expenditure procedures.
• Balance the needs and expectations of the Rehabilitation Services Administration, state agencies, staff, customers, and community partners.
• Oversee DVR operations and contracted services, ensuring contracts align with the division’s mission, strategic plan, Bulletin 3.5 requirements, and federal funding regulations.
• Provide executive oversight for special demonstration projects and initiatives focused on post-secondary education, economic self-sufficiency for SSI/SSDI beneficiaries, opioid recovery and employment, and services for youth in transition.
• Lead a senior leadership team responsible for field operations, quality assurance, performance management, and implementation of new accountability measures.
• Work with the State Rehabilitation Council by providing regular reports and supporting needs assessments, policy review, annual state plan input, and annual reporting.
• Manage Invest EAP, a self-supporting employee assistance program serving Vermont employers and workforce members and their families.

Benefits

• 80% State-paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low-cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based wellness program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director