Orientation and Training Center Administrator



Orientation and Training Center Administrator

Salary

$4,706.00 - $7,480.00 Monthly

Location

King County - Seattle - Downtown Business, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2021-DSB-006

Department

Dept. of Services for the Blind

Opening Date

07/07/2021

Closing Date

8/4/2021 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

**The salary listed for this position does not include the 5% premium pay for positions based in King County.

Application review will begin the week of July 19, 2021.  The Hiring Manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time.  It will be in your best interest to apply as soon as possible.

Who we are:
The goal of the Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) is to assist in the stable employment and increased independence of Blind, Deaf Blind and Low Vision participants, many of whom have other disabilities in addition to visual impairment. DSB provides training, counseling, and support to help Washington residents of all ages, who are blind or visually impaired, pursue employment, education, and independent living.

What you will be doing:
You will be responsible for managing the programs and all participant activity performed by the agency in the Orientation and Training Center (OTC) for residential and commuting students, located in the Seattle area. This position is responsible a multi-disciplinary team of 7 staff; an annual budget of over $1 million. The OTC annually provides assessment, adjustment to blindness, self-advocacy and adaptive skills of living and vocational training services to 60-100 Washington State residents who are blind, low vision or deaf blind in order to fulfill the agency mission of "Inclusion, Independence, and Economic Vitality for individuals with visual disabilities.

Duties


Some of what you'll enjoy doing in your job:
 As leadership for the Orientation and Training Center (OTC):

  • Manage, grow, and streamline residential program services to promote highest quality adaptive skills training and adjustment to blindness activities which provide agency participants a strong foundation for their job-readiness and vocational goals
  • Educate and incorporate the agency cultural values within teams
  • Emphasize and encourage vocational context for all multidisciplinary team staff roles
  • Establish, review, and revise agency and program procedure
  • Work to ensure staff continuously review and refine understanding of the subtle contexts of working in field of rehabilitation services for people with disabilities
  • Fill all staff vacancies in accordance with Collective Bargaining Agreement, state HR requirements, needs of agency and local team, and agency values for diversity/disability representation among the workforce
  • Communicate staff performance expectations and conduct performance reviews and evaluations
  • Resolve and mediate conflict situations
Align agency activities with mission, values and regulations:
  • Act within agency mission and values in all interactions
  • Educate and incorporate the agency cultural values and blindness expertise 
  • Ensure that training program supports needs of adult learners with range of disabilities
  • Emphasize and encourage vocational context for all multidisciplinary team staff roles
Recruit, recommend for hire, and develop staff:
  • Fill all vacancies 
  • Communicate performance expectations and conduct performance reviews and evaluations
  • Develop clear and feasible performance expectations through PDF and PDP process by providing clear, valid, and data-driven performance measurements and feedback to staff
  • Develop staff into promotional opportunities and increased skill sets where feasible
  • Manage change process for teams (communicate, and implement change, addressing staff needs within change process)
  • Utilize data management reports to monitor and support staff work
  • Identify performance gaps, and collaborate/communicate with staff to develop a plan to bridge gaps and assess progress and best fit for position
  • Evaluate and monitor participant service delivery processes by conducting and analyzing case record reviews regularly to assure best practices are utilized, and federal and  state regulations are followed
  • Give individualized recognition and appreciation for exceptional and/or consistently high quality work performance
Manage, grow and streamline program/service provision:
  • Provide supports for student scheduling. comprehensive trainings and career experience for approximately 60-100 students annually (residential, commuter, virtual) 
  • Identify and address residential facility needs
  • Analyze data and reorganize work to manage agency resources
  • Consider workflow and training student population trends, geography and distance from Center; coordinate available staff in team makeup and organization of work
  • Analyze spending trends and outcomes to assist teams in best stewardship of state resources
  • Develop and implement internal outreach strategies within teams to increase student capacity and target awareness in underserved communities
  • Maintain accurate data for program evaluation and reporting 
  • Assess the effectiveness of the program through on-going surveys and other methods and modify the program as appropriate
Strategic planning and program implementation:
  • Implement, track, and revise agency's strategic initiatives ongoing among staff
  • Utilization of data management reports to understand historical performance trends and identify anomalies and/or changes
  • Establish and/or revise agency and program policy and procedure
  • Initiate, manage and guide agency program improvement projects
  • Communicate agency performance and outcomes with teams, and strategize with teams for continuous performance improvements
  • Identify resource needs and strategize means for resolving needs
  • Solicit and integrate participant feedback into improvement processes
  • Develop systems to promote strong case documentation among staff
  • Initiate, manage and guide agency program and process improvement projects
  • Develop systems for internal controls for program processes, to review and analyze data that processes are followed and results are as expected
Documentation and Communications
  • Communicate program updates within the teams, and communicate staff needs to management group
  • Communicate program successes and story of OTC
  • Document staff performance issues
  • Maintain supervisory case documentation
Act as mediator for resolution of staff-to-staff or client-to-staff disputes
  • Work to resolve all issues at lowest level
  • Use collaboration and mediation techniques for win-win resolution where possible
Project & Contract Management
  • As manager of OTC budget, manage contracts and procurement 
 Continuous Learning and Skills Refreshment
  • Identify new resources and tools that may assist clients in their DSB process
  • Keep current with trends, events, and laws that affect the VR programs
Develop Agency Resources
  • Identify & secure new or alternate resources for customers & services

 

Qualifications


REQUIRED:

Bachelor's Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation, Counseling, Public or Business Administration, Adult Education, or related field
AND
Two (2) years of supervisory experience
AND
Expert knowledge of current adaptive skills of blindness rehabilitation teaching practices 
 
OR
 
Six (6) years of experience in public administration and/or developing and managing adult educational training programs
AND
Expert knowledge of current adaptive skills of blindness rehabilitation teaching practices
AND
Two (2) years of supervisory experience 

OR

Any combination of education and experience totaling six (6) years
AND
Expert knowledge of current adaptive skills of blindness rehabilitation teaching practices
AND
Two (2) years of supervisory experience 
 
*Special Requirement:
  • Must pass Criminal Justice Records Check

PREFERRED
  • Masters Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Rehabilitation Teaching, Public or Business Administration, Adult Education, or related field
  • Understanding of the culture  and expectations of the blind community
  • Work experience with a range of people with disabilities
  • Experience in:
    • Job readiness/vocational training
    • Adaptive skills and technologies of blindness and low vision
    • Work within a public Vocational Rehabilitation program
    • English as a Second Language (ESL) training
    • Managing distance learning programs
    • Curriculum development and course scheduling

Supplemental Information


Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

  • A letter of interest, describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting; 
  • A current resume, detailing experience, and education; and 
  • A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)
Background Check Notice:
Prior to your new appointment, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
 
Opportunity for All: 
The Department of Services for the Blind celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.
 
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.
 
Contact Information:
Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
 
For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Angie Anderson at (360) 407-8446 or email jobs@des.wa.gov.

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the
Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.


Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.


As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01
Are you willing to undergo a Background Check as a condition of employment?
  • Yes
  • No
02
What is your level of education?
  • Some or no college
  • 1 year of college (30 semester or 45 quarter credits)
  • Associate's degree OR 2 years of college (60 semester or 90 quarter credits)
  • 3 years of college (90 semester or 135 quarter credits)
  • Bachelor's Degree (or higher) in Vocational Rehabilitation, Counseling, Public or Business Administration, Adult Education, or related field
  • Bachelor's degree (or higher) in an unrelated field
03
How many months of Supervisory experience do you have?
  • 0-11 months
  • 12-23 months
  • 24-35 months
  • 36 months or more
04
How many months of experience do you have in public administration and/or developing and managing adult educational training programs?
  • 0-11 months
  • 12-23 months
  • 24-35 months
  • 36-47 months
  • 48-59 months
  • 60-71 months
  • 72 months or more
05
From the question above, what was the experience? Check all that apply:
  • Public Administration
  • Developing and managing adult educational training programs
  • Expert knowledge of current, adaptive skills of blindness rehabilitation teaching practices
  • None of these apply
06
Check all that apply to your education and experience:
  • Masters Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Rehabilitation Teaching, Public or Business Administration, Adult Education, or related field
  • Understanding of the culture and expectations of the blind community
  • Work experience with a range of people with disabilities
  • Job readiness/vocational training
  • Adaptive skills and technologies of blindness and low vision
  • Work within a public Vocational Rehabilitation program
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) training
  • Managing distance learning programs
  • Curriculum development and course scheduling
  • None of these apply
07
How did you hear about this job posting?
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • College Job Board
  • Friend
  • Indeed
  • Linkedin
  • Other
08
If you selected College Job Board or Other, please let us know the name of the college, job board, or place you heard about this position. If you selected a specific job board or webpage (listed above), please enter "n/a".

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact