Reader/Driver (Community Worker) On-Call / Seattle OR Spokane



Reader/Driver (Community Worker) On-Call / Seattle OR Spokane

Salary

$14.67 - $18.93 Hourly

Location

Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

Job Type

On-Call

Job Number

2021-DSB-007

Department

Dept. of Services for the Blind

Opening Date

07/19/2021

Closing Date

Continuous

Description


Candidate evaluation will be ongoing and DSB may make a hiring decision at any time. It will be to the candidate’s advantage to submit application materials as soon as possible. This recruitment will close when the position is filled.  

This posting is open for BOTH the Seattle and Spokane areas.

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

Agency Information
The Washington State Department of Services for the Blind’s (DSB) goal is to open doors of opportunity to those who are blind and visually impaired to: pursue their dreams, determine their goals, develop their skills and abilities, and participate socially and economically in the community.
 
Position and Scope
The primary responsibility of the agency is to assist customers with visual impairments retain their employment, become employed and/or increase independence and inclusion in their communities. Many of the services provided by DSB staff require travel and field work necessary to perform the essential functions of the job. Approximately 20% of the DSB workforce is blind and visually impaired. Staff who are blind and visually impaired may need and request services of Reader/Drivers to facilitate their job performance by performing visual reading and driving functions.

Working Conditions:
  • This position will not work more than 140 hours per month.
  • This position is not eligible for state medical/retirement benefits 
  • This position works both day and evening hours based on need only
  • Driving may consist of short distance and long distance driving beyond 60 miles/day
  • Drivers will primarily utilize office assigned state motor pool vehicles. Privately owned vehicles (POV) may be used by exception only
  • May require the ability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 40 lbs.
Candidate Profile:
This position is open to all that apply.  The DSB is most interested in candidates who have the flexibility to be available daily for on-call part time work.  This position may appeal to individuals who are retired and/or those who are available every day to work flexible hours.  

Duties


This position is on-call; work is intermittent, sporadic and does not fit a particular work schedule or pattern.  

Responsibilities include:

  • Operating a state vehicle, transports visually impaired and blind department staff to and from various work locations; Reads and completes hand written documents
  • Reading and completing hand written documents
  • Relocating or carrying items for staff that utilize orientation and mobility aides such as a long cane or guide dog; may perform some lifting and carrying of objects


Qualifications


REQUIRED:

  • Must have a valid, unrestricted, other than corrective lenses - Washington State Driver’s License (WDL) - and three years of licensed driving experience, with no more than three minor traffic infractions
  • Ability to drive safely and defensively in all traffic conditions
  • Ability to read and follow mapping directions  
  • Ability to read and write accurately at a minimum 10th grade level, and speak, comprehend, and communicate in English fluently and sufficiently to perform the duties of the position
  • Ability to efficiently search and scan print documents to effectively and accurately locate specific content needed to be read
DESIRED:
  • Knowledge and experience working with individuals who are blind and visually impaired or individuals with disabilities

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)
The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information provided in the application is complete and truthful to the best of your knowledge and the information submitted may be verified by the hiring agency.

You must be prepared to provide the following prior to hire:

SPECIAL NOTES:
  • An FBI Criminal Background check is required for all DSB employees in covered positions or those that will or may have unsupervised access to children or adults, who are blind or have vision impairment, and who are staff and clients of the department. (Agency expense)    
  • Equivalent of a Defensive Driver Training course pursuant to OFM SAAM regulation 12.20.20 may be required.  
  • Reader/Drivers will respect the confidentiality of blind/visually impaired clients and employees; and use the state motor pool vehicles ONLY for business purposes.
  • COVID Vaccination Requirement: Per Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14 (Download PDF reader), state employees must be fully vaccinated no later than October 18, 2021, as a condition of employment. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. If you are a selected candidate, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination. You may request an accommodation if you are unable to meet the requirement due to a medical or religious necessity.  
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 and that your priority is making sure 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. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.

Insurance Benefits
 
Employees and 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.
 
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.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
 
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.
 
Holidays
 
Full-time employees are entitled to twelve* paid holidays:
 
HOLIDAY
DATE
 
New Year's Day
January 1
 
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday
Third Monday in January
 
Presidents' Day
Third Monday in February
 
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
 
Juneteenth
June 19

Independence Day
July 4
 
Labor Day
First Monday in September
 
Veterans' Day
November 11
 
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
 
Christmas Day
December 25
 
Personal Holiday
Employee's selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
 
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.
 
Sick Leave
 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
 
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.

01
Are you a current employee of the Department of Services for the Blind?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Do you have a valid, unrestricted, other than corrective lenses -Driver's License - and three years of licensed driving experience, with no more than three minor traffic infractions?
  • Yes
  • No
03
Are you able to speak, read and write in English?
  • Yes
  • No
04
Are you willing and able to relocate items weighing up to 40lbs?
  • Yes
  • No
05
Do you have knowledge and experience in assisting or working with individuals who are blind or visually impaired or individuals with disabilities?
  • Yes
  • No
06
If you answered yes to the question above, please use the area provided below to describe your experience. Be specific about the type of work and your role. Do not type "see resume". If you marked no, please type N/A.
07
Are you willing and able to work on-call, both day and evening work hours?
  • Yes
  • No
08
Are you willing to undergo a criminal background check as part of the employment process?
  • Yes
  • No
09
Please verify that you have included the following information in your online application: 1. A complete resume; 2. A letter of interest describing how you meet the qualification listed for this position; 3. The names of three professional references, including at least one supervisor, with current contact information. #3 may be provided at the time of interview.
  • Yes
10
Please select the location that you are interested in working:
  • Seattle
  • Spokane
  • Either Seattle or Spokane
  • None of these apply
11
How did you hear about this job posting?
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • College Job Board
  • Friend
  • Indeed
  • Linkedin
  • Other
12
If you selected College Job Board or Other, or none of the above apply, 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
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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
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