01/07/2010 44250

BVS FIELD OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible professional and administrative work directing the field operations of the Blindness and Visual Services Program.

The employee in this job is responsible for planning, organizing, directing and coordinating the statewide field operations of the Blindness and Visual Services program including vocational rehabilitation services, orientation and mobility, rehabilitation teaching services, blindness prevention services, and specialized services for children and adults who are blind and visually impaired. Work involves providing leadership to District Managers in the implementation of programs, objectives, and procedures; identifying operational changes for compliance with policies and standards; developing methods for improving service delivery; integrating program services with community resources; conducting case reviews to satisfy Federal requirements; and evaluating the overall effectiveness of the individual District Offices’ program service delivery. Work involves communicating with Federal, state, and local government officials, public and private groups, and educational facilities to garner support and participation in blindness and visual service programs. An important aspect of this work involves overseeing agency contracts to ensure the successful planning, implementation, analysis, and monitoring of contracted services for the Blindness and Visual Services program. Supervision is exercised over a professional, administrative and technical staff. Work is performed under the general direction of the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services Director and the employee is expected to exercise independent judgment and initiative in ensuring effective statewide delivery of the Blindness and Visual Services program. Work is reviewed through conferences and reports of the effectiveness of the program operations in meeting Departmental goals and objectives.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Directs the field operations of the Blindness and Visual Services program through subordinate managers assigned to a Blindness and Visual Services District Office.

Plans, organizes, and directs the implementation of methods and procedures for administering the statewide Blindness and Visual Services program.

Directs the development of District Office operational plans and budget recommendations.

Establishes procedures to ensure contractor compliance with state and federal regulations regarding the delivery of vocational rehabilitation services to persons who are blind or visually impaired.

Oversees the statewide application of Departmental policies in Blindness and Visual Services program operations.

Conducts periodic level three case reviews to satisfy requirements of the Federal Rehabilitation Act.

Insures that objectives and resources are integrated with related regional and local community resources.

Provides guidance on criteria for client eligibility determinations, program participation requirements, and service needs assessments.

Educates various groups and individuals on blindness and prevention of blindness programs.

Communicates with various groups to gain support and funding for Blindness and Visual service programs.

Negotiates with various groups to establish contractual agreements.

Monitors program service delivery and expenditures to evaluate progress in achieving programmatic and Departmental goals and objectives.

Recommends periodic funding reallocations between District Offices to meet demographic and client needs.

Recommends expansion, contraction or improvement in service delivery systems.

Advises District Managers on program deficiencies and methods to meet established standards.

Provides continuous review of program budgets and contracts for services for Blindness and Visual Services programs.

Directs the administrative review and investigation of complaints from clients who are dissatisfied with services or who have been denied or terminated from service delivery.

Directs the process for hearings and appeals and legal determinations.

Prepares reports on statewide Blindness and Visual Services programs, services, operations and problems.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational and organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the provisions, goals and objectives of the Federal Rehabilitation Act as well as other federal and state regulations, legislation and policies applicable to vocational rehabilitation programs.

Knowledge of vocational rehabilitation program service goals and standards.

Knowledge of the principles and structure of those organizations that provide vocational rehabilitation services for clients.

Knowledge of the implication of severe disabilities on vocational, medical, health, social, cultural, economic and personal issues.

Knowledge of vocational rehabilitation resources.

Knowledge of the principles, techniques and methods used in the planning, implementation, coordination and evaluation of programs providing vocational rehabilitation services.

Knowledge of the practices and techniques used to promote public relations of rehabilitation program operations at the federal, state and community level.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

Ability to read and interpret federal, state, and Departmental laws, regulations, guidelines and administrative procedures.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as a Blindness and Visual Services District Manager or a Vocational Rehabilitation Manager 1;

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Six years of professional experience in providing vocational rehabilitation services which included three years in a supervisory capacity; and a bachelor’s degree;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training which included three years of professional vocational rehabilitation supervisory experience.