Job Specification Details

Administrative work for the Department of Aging & Disabilities directing four programs within the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. This includes the management of a state-wide Work Incentives Counseling program serving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries. Duties require programmatic supervision of state staff and management of federal grant agreements. This also includes oversight and management of supported employment program services provided through community nonprofit Designated Agencies. This includes Developmental Services (DS) supported employment for individuals with intellectual disabilities and Community Rehabilitation & Treatment (CRT) supported employment for individuals with significant psychiatric disabilities. Duties require substantial interaction with community providers, contract monitoring and technical assistance.  This position must also interact with leadership from other Divisions within the Department of Disability and Aging Services, the Department of Mental Health, the Department for Children and Families, and the Department of Corrections. Work is performed under the direction of the Vocational Rehabilitation Policy 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. This position also includes program management for the 12 HireAbility Job Coaches.

Implementation and administration of the Work Incentives Counseling program which provides benefits counseling to recipients of Social Security and other benefits.  Develop, implement and support a system that ensures staff provide complete and accurate information to consumers. Coordinate and support professional development for program staff through provision of opportunities to network, development of training opportunities and coordination of CWIC (Certified Work Incentives Counselor) recertification for State Credits. Collect, monitor, analyze and report Benefits Counselor data for HireAbility, and WIPA (Work Incentive Planning and Assistance). Generates quarterly reports for SSA on WIPA services and bi-annual reports for WorkVT2.0 to the Kessler Foundation. Coordinate and convene quarterly supervisory meetings with Work Incentives Counseling staff and HireAbility Regional Managers.  Plan and facilitate bi-monthly Work Incentive Counselor Staff meetings and facilitate professional development sessions.  Work is performed under the general direction of the HireAbility Deputy Director. 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. Implementation and administration of DS and CRT Supported Employment contracts that support individuals with significant disabilities to become employed in the competitive job market. Assure grantee adherence to the Association for Person's in Supported Employment (APSE) Ethical Guidelines and Quality Indicators. Provide oversight of quality improvement processes that are aligned with Supported Employment best practice strategies for specific disabilities. Coordinate inter-agency collaboration among AHS Departments and community resources that support individuals with significant disabilities to become employed in the competitive job market. Provide oversight and coordination of technical assistance contracts and other resources that provide training in best practices. Evaluate system effectiveness and support changes that maximize employment opportunities, provide an individualized, disability specific approach, and support community integration. Monitor and analyze data, report on trends, progress, outcomes for DS and CRT programs to HireAbility Senior Managers and stakeholders. Disseminate information about the benefits of employing individuals with severe disabilities to professional, consumers, legislators, and others. Perform related work as required. This position manages and coordinates the 12 HireAbility Job Coach positions ensuring HireAbility consumers with Job Coaching needs have access to one-to-one supports for education, training and employment needs.  Close coordination with Regional Managers to support these positions and maximize use is required.

Duties are performed largely in an office setting but with frequent need to attend a variety of meetings with other departmental and agency officials, legislators, advocacy groups, service providers, and others. Evening and weekend work may be needed. State vehicles are available; however, private means of transportation must also be available if needed for required travel.

Considerable knowledge of public administration principles and practices and to understand, interpret and explain statutory requirements, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Considerable knowledge of the clinical nature and cultural impact of a wide variety of vocationally disabling conditions, particularly Developmental Disabilities, Mental Health and severe emotional disturbance conditions.

Considerable knowledge of human services, vocational service models, Work Incentives Counseling, DS, and CRT Supported Employment Programs and delivery systems available to or needed by the target population.

Ability to communicate effectively to educate employer groups, consumer groups, governmental groups, etc. around issues and needs in employment for DS and CRT consumers.

Ability to professionally and effectively represent DAIL/VR in a variety of public settings.

Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other state employees, community partners, DS and CRT Programs, SSA program staff, Virginia Commonwealth University training programs, and HireAbility consumers.

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 AND (4) four years of professional level experience working within the human service field providing direct or indirect services for individuals with significant mental health issues, developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury, or youth with Severe Emotional Disability AND one (1) year of professional level human services casework OR in the implementation of public benefit programs INCLUDING experience providing vocational services, ideally utilizing a supported employment model.

OR

Master's degree in public or business administration, rehabilitation counseling, human services, special education, or a closely related field AND (3) three years of professional level experience working within the human service field providing direct or indirect services for individuals with significant mental health issues, developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury, or youth with severe emotional disabilities AND one (1) year of professional level human services casework OR in the implementation of public benefit programs INCLUDING experience providing vocational services, ideally utilizing a supported employment model.