Job Specification Details

This position will have overall responsibility for implementation of a five-year statewide $6.5 million demonstration project funded through the federal Department of Education. The Vermont Career Advancement Project (VCAP) demonstration will pilot a new practice framework for vocational rehabilitation (VR) services that includes establishing a new role, the Career Pathways Navigator, throughout the state. These new positions will provide specialized support allowing 500 VR consumers to enroll and succeed in credentialed earn while you learn programs. VCAP will establish a robust partnership with the Vermont Department of Labor (VDOL), the Community College of Vermont (CCV), Vermont Technical College (VTC), and secondary Career and Technical Education Centers (CTEs), to build on-ramps enabling individuals with disabilities to pursue high quality, good paying careers. VCAP will also partner with other work force development organizations, including ReSOURCE, to expand paid, credentialed occupational training programs in response to employer needs. VCAP will also ensure participants have access to necessary supplemental supports, such as assistive technology, tutoring, training tools, financial literacy, transportation, and job coaching, to succeed in apprenticeships and other earn & learn opportunities. These supports will include benefits counseling services for participating Social Security disability beneficiaries. The project includes an external evaluation through national partner Mathematica.

This position has overall responsibility for the planning and implementation of a complex and innovative demonstration project involving multiple state, federal and private partners. This includes the direct supervision of VR staff providing career assessment and exploration services, assistance with pursuing credentialed training, internships, apprenticeships, and post-secondary career programs, and arranging support services. Also has responsibility for the coordination of VCAP services within the overall DVR program provided across 12 district offices, and with other organizational partners. This includes integrating VCAP services with existing VR counselors, business account managers, regional managers and other staff to maximize the impact of the intervention. It also includes the design and management of primary partnerships with CCV and VTC with the goal of maximizing the number of participants engaging in postsecondary education opportunities and successfully earning credentials. This position must develop and oversee, the sub-contractual relationships with CCV, VTC, ReSOURCE, and the external evaluator, and provide 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 in addition to part-time remote work from home. 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 available to youth and 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, labor practices, 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 intended outcomes.

Familiarity with human service research methods and design.

Familiarity with credentialed training, internships, pre-apprenticeships, and Registered Apprenticeship Programs.

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.

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

OR

Five (5) or more years 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.