>Washington State
>Director
>Department of Services for the Blind
>
>Governor Gary Locke is searching for a Director to lead the Washington
>Department of Services for the Blind.  This position supervises a staff of
>approximately 70 employees and has an annual operating budget of $7.6 millio
>n.
>The director will be stationed in Olympia, Washington.
>
>Overview
>
>In accordance with the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, the
>
>primary responsibility of the Washington Department of Services for the Blin
>d
>(DSB) is to provide a broad range of services leading to employment for peop
>le
>who are blind and visually impaired.  Services include access to education a
>nd
>training, identifying a career, preparation for employment, and job seeking
>skills.
>The Department also provides independent living services which primarily ass
>ist
>older individuals with visual impairments; the Child and Family program offe
>ring
>consultation and advocacy to families of blind children; and the Business
>Enterprise program which provides employment in government food service
>facilities.
>
>The Role
>
>The Director serves these roles:
>
>? Leads and manages the daily operation of the agency.
>
>? Provides leadership and direction for programs leading to economic self-
>sufficiency and independence for citizens who are blind and visually
>impaired.
>
>? Responsible for implementing state and federal vocational rehabilitation a
>nd
>independent living programs for people who are blind and visually impaired.
>
>? Serves on the Governor's Small Agency Cabinet.
>
>? Key person in the integration of state services for persons who are blind
>and
>visually impaired.
>
> Specific Responsibilities
>
> The responsibilities of this position include:
>
>? Developing and communicating a strategic vision for a better future for
>people who are blind and visually impaired.
>
>? Establishing, communicating and monitoring agency's strategic plans, goals
>,
>expectations, and standards for all employees, ensuring programs meet or
>exceed goals and objectives.
>
>? Providing leadership to the internal management teams.
>
>? Understanding technology hardware and software that can be made
>accessible to people with disabilities.
>
>? Ensuring that staff has the tools and training necessary to perform at the
>
>highest standard of professional and ethical conduct.
>
>? Participating in events sponsored by a variety of local, state, and nation
>al
>blind organizations.
>
>? Providing a customer-focused environment so that constituents and
>advocates have an opportunity to affect the programs and services offered by
>
>the agency.
>
>? Representing and advocating for the department's and the Governor's
>priorities and programs before key stakeholders.
>
> Desirable Qualifications
>
> The Governor is most interested in candidates who meet the following criter
>ia:
>
>? Executive-level management and/or supervisory experience to include
>personnel administration, budget preparation, and legislative relations.
>
>? Knowledge of disability issues and laws.
>
>? Knowledge of specific issues affecting how people who are blind and visual
>ly
>impaired can be integrated into society at all levels.
>
>? Committed to progressive views about the capabilities of blind people.
>
>? Contemporary leadership skills that include: motivating, delegating,
>coaching, and the ability to consistently hire a well-qualified and diverse
>staff
>that ultimately encourages and promotes a continuous improvement of
>quality services at all levels of the organization.
>
>? Excellent people skills.
>
>? Outstanding communication skills to include public speaking, presentations
>,
>and legislative testimony.
>
>? Hands-on experience creating and maintaining collaborative partnerships
>with a variety of stakeholders whom may have differing views and agendas.
>
>Compensation
>
>This position serves at the pleasure of the Governor and is exempt from civi
>l
>service law.  Maximum annual compensation is $64,088.  Washington State has
>
>a generous benefit package including health, dental and life insurance,
>retirement, and an optional deferred compensation program.
>
>Application Procedure
>
>Those interested in this position may apply by submitting a current resume,
>a
>complete list of five or more personal and professional references, a letter
> of
>interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcem
>ent,
>and the affirmative action information.  (On reverse side of this announceme
>nt or
>on the ESS Internet site.)  Send all application material to:
>
>Ted Koska, Executive Search Services Manager
>Washington State Department of Personnel
>PO Box 47530; 600 South Franklin
>Olympia, Washington 98504-7530
>Voice/Message: (360) 664-0394; FAX: (360) 586-1389
>E-mail: [log in to unmask]
>Internet: http://www.wa.gov/ess
>
>All materials must be received by October 23, 1998.  Electronically submitte
>d
>application packages are preferred.  The state of Washington actively suppor
>ts
>diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.  Applicants
>
>wishing assistance or alternative formats in the process should contact Lind
>a
>Riggle at (360) 664-9685, E-mail: [log in to unmask], or TDD at (360) 753-
>4107.




VICUG-L ARCHIVES     http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/vicug-l.html