01/27/2000 44200

BUREAU OF BLINDNESS AND VISUAL SERVICES DIRECTOR

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible administrative and professional work in directing specialized services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

The employee in this class is responsible for policy and program development and implementation, and for directing the development and dissemination of procedures, standards, and guidelines for individuals who are blind or visually impaired to the central office and district offices within the Department of Labor and Industry. Work involves directing and providing technical assistance in the operation of specialized programs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired which include Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Orientation and Mobility, Business Enterprise, Social Services, Rehabilitation Teaching, Independent Living Services, and Contract for Prevention of Blindness. Work involves determining individual and overall program needs and objectives, proposing changes in program planning and content, and making recommendations for further development or modification of policy. Work also involves program evaluation and review of existing and proposed Federal and state plans and legislation affecting the program. Supervision is exercised over a professional and administrative staff. Work is performed with a high degree of initiative and independent judgment under the general direction of the Executive Director, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, and is reviewed through an evaluation of program effectiveness.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Plans and directs the organization and continuing development of specialized services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Directs the development and implementation of programs, policies, and standards necessary to achieve overall agency program goals related to specialized services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Liaisons with other bureaus in the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, the department, and state government to ensure coordination of a variety of services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates program objectives, policies, and operations; establishes or modifies policy and procedures consistent with departmental requirements related to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Reviews plans of subordinates to coordinate methods of achieving program goals.

Supervises the development of information systems to be used in program evaluation.

Administers special projects of major scope and prepares special reports as directed by the Executive Director, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Reviews Federal and state plans and legislation related to blindness issues, assists in the development of such legislation, and serves as principle administrative spokesperson on such issues.

Directs the statewide operation of the Business Enterprise Program.

Directs the preparation of budgets and supervises the expenditure of funds through various funding streams.

Awards grants for special services to rehabilitation facilities.

Supervises the negotiations, awarding, and monitoring of contracts and grants for services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Directs a professional and administrative staff within the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and methods of policy development and program planning, organization, direction, and interpretation.

Knowledge of Federal and state legislation, policies, and regulations governing program services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Knowledge of functions, programs, and resources of Federal, state, local and private agencies and organizations as they relate to programs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of administration.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of training and supervision.

Knowledge of current social, economic, and health problems and available resources as they relate to program services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Ability to analyze and evaluate programs and program plans and make recommendations for improvement.

Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of a subordinate staff.

Ability to provide leadership and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other departmental officials and public and private agencies.

Ability to apply sound business practices, marketing techniques, and methods for negotiating for and installing sites for the business enterprises program.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Six years of responsible experience in the field of human services, including four years in an administrative, consultative, or supervisory capacity providing services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired; and a Bachelor's Degree;

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training.