07/12/1996 45471

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL OPERATIONS

DEFINITION: This is professional work of an administrative nature in directing program development and management information services in the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.

The employee in this class directs the planning, development, and evaluation of statewide vocational rehabilitation policies and programs including drug and alcohol, and information systems/electronic data processing services utilized by district office field staff in the delivery of rehabilitation services. Responsibilities also include directing the Office's budget preparation and audit related activities, and other administrative support services. Direct supervision is exercised over vocational rehabilitation specialist and information system managers and the drug and alcohol program administrator. Work is performed independently and is reviewed by the Vocational Rehabilitation Executive Director through conferences and written reports to determine achievement of goals and objectives.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Plans, develops, and evaluates, through subordinate mangers, all activities of the Bureau of Central Operations including comprehensive vocational rehabilitation and administrative programs for drug and alcohol, district office and employer services, constituent and infrastructure services, management information services, and budget preparation and audit related activities and other administrative support services for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Monitors staff performance, identifies problem areas, and implements corrective action.

Coordinates and monitors program activities; informs Executive Director of progress/status.

Keeps abreast of federal and state legislation, policies, and procedures; interprets same to staff. Directs and coordinates interactions with federal and other Commonwealth agencies to insure that the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation's policies and activities are consistent with rules, regulations, and directives at the state and federal levels.

Directs the analyses, evaluation, development, and implementation of guidelines, procedures, and policies to meet Office of Vocational Rehabilitation program goals and objectives.

Makes recommendations regarding bureau organization and staffing requirements.

Directs the preparation of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation's State Plan upon which federal financial participation and state matching funds are based; directs the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation's budget processes and audit related activities; recommends staffing needs; and acquires financial and personnel resources to meet program needs.

Fosters sound personnel and labor-management relations and practices.

Supervises staff by assigning work, reviewing work performance, preparing and signing employee Performance Evaluation Reports, receiving grievances and complaints and resolving or recommending solutions, approving or disapproving leave requests, and insuring the development of staff.

Acts on behalf of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation in labor-management discussions.

Represents Office of Vocational Rehabilitation at regional, state, or national meetings and conferences at the request of the Executive Director.

Acts as a liaison with the Bureau of Program Operations and Hiram G. Andrews Center.

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

Performs related duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and supervision.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of vocational rehabilitation.

Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines which affect the development and implementation of statewide vocational rehabilitation programs.

Ability to learn to interpret and apply current labor agreement provisions which affect supervision of employees, including the assignment of work and overtime, scheduling of employees, handling of grievances, and evaluation of work performance.

Ability to provide leadership to plan, organize, and direct the work of others in vocational rehabilitation programs.

Ability to plan, assign, and direct the work of staff.

Ability to evaluate employee performance and prepare employee performance evaluation reports.

Ability to develop and implement program and administrative policies, procedures, and operations, evaluate their efficiency, and make recommendations for improvement.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, other state and federal officials, and the public.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Seven years of responsible and diversified experience involving vocational rehabilitation initiatives, including three years in an administrative and supervisory capacity; and a bachelor's degree;

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training.