Job Specification Details

Works toward making the State of Vermont a model in the recruitment, hiring and retention of people with disabilities. Develops and implements a comprehensive statewide employer services network for the HireAbility Vermont (Division of Vocational Rehabilitation) designed to enlist and promote partnerships with employers as customers in order that more persons with disabilities can obtain quality employment providing livable wages and career advancement opportunities. Provides leadership, direction, and program design for an employer services network. Develops service delivery mechanisms to implement, review and monitor programs to assure responsiveness to the needs of staff, consumers, and employers. Supervision is exercised over a small technical staff. Work is performed under the supervision of a HireAbility VT Field Services Manager. All employees of the Agency of Human Services perform their respective functions adhering to four key practices: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Responsible for the management and oversight of HireAbility Workforce Partners, a comprehensive statewide employer services network for the Agency of Human Services funded by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation that is designed to enlist and promote partnerships with employers as customers in order that more persons with disabilities can obtain quality employment providing livable wages and career advancement opportunities. Responsible to develop a comprehensive review of employment issues covered by Title I of the ADA. Responsible for the provision of consultation and direction to the entire Division regarding the development and implementation of a strategic plan to improve and expand employer relationships. Creates partnerships with the larger targeted statewide employers and national firms represented in Vermont and develops a consistent message to employers and other consumers communicated through brochures, videos, and other media formats to be used by staff. Develops innovative marketing strategies to position DVR as a primary resource to the business community. Develops the resources and tools required by staff to function as a full-service employment resource for persons with disabilities and employers. Assists Workforce Partner team with overseeing and supporting business engagement around Summer Career Exploration Program for youth statewide. Seeks out and secures public and private funding, e.g. federal grant opportunities, to ensure dedicated resources to support outreach to the business community. Assists staff with implementation of employer needs assessment instruments, analysis, and interpretation of resultant data. Develops a statewide employer information system in conjunction with the VR integrated Case Management System. Coordinates with DVR staff in the continued development and integration of persons with disabilities into the One Stop Centers who seek services from the Centers. Develops a comprehensive job readiness and job retention component, and marketing and employer services component leading to effective employer partnerships.

Duties are primarily performed in a standard office setting. Extensive travel will be required for which private means of transportation must be available. Some work outside of normal office hours. Managing multiple priorities always present.

Working knowledge of the Vermont business community.

Considerable knowledge of a broad range of physical, mental and emotional disabilities.

Ability to conceptualize employer needs and to develop strategies to meet them.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to provide leadership and accountability within the framework of the four key practices of the Agency of Human Services: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Six (6) or more years of experience in employment programs, human resources, community or economic development, marketing, business, or industrial management.

OR

Bachelor's degree in human services, human resources, community or economic development, marketing, business, or industrial management AND four (4) or more years of experience in employment programs, human resources, community or economic development, marketing, business or industrial management.

OR

Master’s degree in human services, human resources, community or economic development, marketing, business, or industrial management AND two (2) years or more of experience in employment programs, human resources, community or economic development, marketing, business or industrial management.

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.