04/08/2002 45460

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

DEFINITION: This is professional work of an administrative nature in the field of rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.

The employee in this class is responsible for the statewide administration of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation in providing rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities. Work involves directing statewide service delivery through administrative and program staff in headquarters, district offices, the Hiram G. Andrews Rehabilitation Center, the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services and the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; overseeing the development of policies and procedures; directing the preparation of the budget; and promoting the agency program. The employee is expected to make final decisions affecting program operations within the framework of federal and state regulations. Work is performed under general direction of the Secretary of Labor and Industry and the State Board of Vocational Rehabilitation and is reviewed for achievements and results through reports and conferences.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Directs a central office staff responsible for the development and implementation of statewide operating policies and procedures.

Directs the provision of vocational rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities through statewide district offices.

Directs the provision of vocational counseling, evaluation, clinical and educational services to persons with disabilities at the Hiram G. Andrews Center, a comprehensive, residential rehabilitation facility.

Directs the provision of statewide rehabilitation services to persons with specialized needs related to blindness or visual impairments through the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services.

Directs the provision of statewide advocacy services to persons with specialized needs related to hearing loss through the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Directs the coordination and implementation necessary to carry out program responsibilities.

Directs the study and evaluation of program objectives and accomplishments.

Makes decisions to extend or improve agency services.

Directs human resource needs for the Office.

Directs the preparation of the budget and the state plan.

Directs the preparation of reports on the status and progress of work.

Provides interested groups with status and progress reports.

Directs the promotion of the total agency program.

Performs public relations functions through speeches and other interpretive means to promote the program goals and accomplishments.

Employees in this class may participate in the performance of subordinates' work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and methods of rehabilitation.

Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations and policies governing the rehabilitation program.

Knowledge of the principles and methods of program interpretation and promotion.

Knowledge of the principles and methods of administration and supervision.

Knowledge of individual and group behavior, with special emphasis on the problems and attitudes of individuals with disabilities.

Knowledge of current social, economic, and health problems and resources with special emphasis on factors related to vocational rehabilitation.

Knowledge of employment practices and skills, abilities, and physical demands of the more common occupations.

Knowledge of physical and mental illnesses and disabilities and their vocational implications.

Ability to plan, organize and direct specialized programs.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to make clear and pertinent statements orally and in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Nine years experience in the field of rehabilitation, vocational guidance, employment counseling, or placement or psychological services including five years in an administrative or supervisory capacity; and a bachelor's degree;

                                                                                                                                                                       or

An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes five years in an administrative or supervisory capacity.