Workforce Development Manager

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

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Workforce Development Manager (WFDM) provides leadership, hiring, supervision, and administration of the Workforce Development (WFD) team, who offers supported employment services to people with disabilities (PWD). The ideal candidate demonstrates proven managerial skills, a strong spirit of collaboration, critical thinking, and the drive to lead by example. The WFDM exemplifies professionalism and instills such values in their team to ensure that all Workforce Development programs offer the highest level of quality and polish to our vendors, community partners, and the people we serve. The WFDM is responsible for managing the success of the Workforce Development team by using a data-driven approach to program management and a client-centered approach to client care.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, social work, psychology, education, public health, or other relevant field.
Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) or Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential preferred; willingness to attain CESP or CRC certification within one year of employment required.
Knowledge of the state vocational rehabilitation system and related services.
Knowledge specific to working with people with disabilities.
Knowledge of workforce development principles and practices for providing supported employment services.
Superior skills in service documentation and reporting.
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.
Superior verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to provide polished and professional presentations.
Self-driven, able to work independently and with diverse teams.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, mission and outcome driven.
At least 1 year of proven success as a supervisor or manager of Workforce Development Specialists.
Minimum of 3 years’ experience providing vocational rehabilitation services to people with disabilities.
High energy and stamina.
Able to effectively perform the specified duties.
Ability to travel throughout the region to provide services across south Louisiana.
Punctual, responsive, and organized.
Maintains 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.
Must have a valid driver’s license with a safe driving record.
Must be able to drive long distances.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing WBLEs and Pre-ETS programs preferred.
Direct experience working with Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) or equivalent state VR agency preferred.

Responsibilities

Spearhead the vocational rehabilitation component of the PTS Disability Innovation Fund demonstration project to drive program success and optimize positive outcomes for participants by using a data-driven and client-centered approach to program management.
Continuously strive to improve the quality and efficiency of WFD programs to optimize consumer outcomes.
Lead team efforts to develop Work Based Learning Experiences (WBLE) for participants across the PTS service region.
Oversee the provision of direct services through State Vocational Rehab and PTS programs, which include evaluation for program services, intake, Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) development, job development, work readiness skills training, job coaching, ongoing job support, and Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS).
Provide direct supervision and support to WFD 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.
Create and implement training programs to foster the development of highly knowledgeable and skilled Workforce Development Specialists within the organization and throughout the community to enhance opportunities for people with disabilities in the workforce.
Create competencies to measure success.
Ensure compliance with contract/grant requirements as identified by the federal Disability Innovation Fund Project Officer, including but not limited to program and contract deliverables, participant outcomes, data collection, invoicing, reporting, time tracking, 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.
Collaborate with the team to create Standard Operating Procedures for the WFD team and manage implementation to ensure successful follow-through.
Create training protocols to ensure all WFD team members receive consistent and effective training to support positive participant outcomes.
Develop positive working relationships with LRS regional managers and counselors across the service region to maintain open communication with the state vocational rehab system to enhance PTS services.
Collaborate with the PTS Project Director to develop education and advocacy events to build networks with potential employers.
Engage with key stakeholders at special events, when needed to achieve strategic goals.
Provide formal presentations to stakeholders and support Lighthouse tours to educate visitors on PTS initiatives, as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.