Job Specification Details

This position will have overall responsibility for implementation of a five year statewide demonstration project funded through the federal Department of Education. The Linking, Leaning to Careers (LLC) demonstration will implement and evaluate an innovative model for the transition of students with disabilities to early career success, including paid, competitive employment, postsecondary school enrollment, and improved confidence to achieve career goals. The LLC innovation connects regional career consultants with state vocational rehabilitation services and school programming. These immediate connections will be enhanced by the provision of: 1) a targeted continuum of work-based learning opportunities, including at least one employer-paid position in integrated, competitive jobs; 2) two statewide assistive technology specialists; 3) college mentors; 4) expanded postsecondary college courses during high school; and 5) additional transportation funding and training. The LLC project is a partnership between the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Community College of Vermont (CCV), the Agency of Education (AOE) and local educational authorities. It is a random assignment experimental design with an external evaluation.

Overall responsibility for the planning and implementation of a complex and innovative demonstration project involving multiple state, federal and private partners. This includes the implementation of a random assignment experimental design to recruit and enroll 800 students statewide (400 treatment, 400 control) in all 60 supervisory unions. This includes the direct supervision of state staff providing the career consultation services as well as an assistant director. Also responsibility for the coordination of the LLC enhanced services with the overall DVR program provided across 12 district offices. This includes integrating LLC services with existing VR transition services to maximize the impact of the intervention. It also includes the design and management of the primary LLC partnership with CCV with the goal of maximizing the number of students engaging in postsecondary education opportunities. This position must develop and oversee, the sub-contractual relationships with CCV, the external evaluator and the training and technical assistance provider. The ongoing monitoring of the services and deliverables provided by the sub-contractors.

Duties are performed in a standard office setting and at premises of local VR offices and cooperating partners. Considerable travel around the State may be required, for which private means of transportation must be available. Some work outside of normal office hours may be required.

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.

Considerable knowledge of Vocational Rehabilitation services and other statewide resources related to transition-aged youth and young adults with disabilities.

Considerable knowledge of a broad variety of disabilities and their functional impact on education and employment.

Familiarity with state/federal laws and regulations governing vocational rehabilitation and special education.

Excellent leadership, planning, implementation, facilitation and organizational skills.

Ability to effectively organize, analyze, and synthesize information and data and to apply the results to the development, revision, and implementation of best practice and improving employment outcomes.

Familiarity with human service research methods and design

Ability to conceptualize effective and innovative methods for implementation of broadly stated goals.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within Vocational Rehabilitation staff and a variety of statewide partners.

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.

Master's degree or higher in education, public administration or a human services field AND two (2) years or more of experience with direct responsibility for policy analysis, program evaluation or program planning which involved the provision of services to people with disabilities.

OR

Bachelor's degree in education, public administration or a human services field AND three (3) years or more of experience with direct responsibility for policy analysis, program evaluation or program planning which involved the provision of services to people with disabilities.

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.