ASSISTANT DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR - 48007285 (BLIND SERVICES)

Requisition No: 839686 

Agency: Department of Education

Working Title: ASSISTANT DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR - 48007285 (BLIND SERVICES)

 Pay Plan: SES

Position Number: 48007285 

Salary:  $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 Annually 

Posting Closing Date: 11/22/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

DIVISION OF BLIND SERVICES

LOCATION: WEST PALM BEACH (PALM BEACH COUNTY)

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A LEVEL 2 BACKGROUND SCREENING IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.
CANDIDATES ARE TYPICALLY HIRED AT THE MINIMUM SALARY.

ALL EMPLOYMENT GAPS MUST BE EXPLAINED AND INCLUDED WITH WORK HISTORY WHEN APPLYING.

THIS IS A STATE OF FLORIDA SELECTED EXEMPT SERVICE (SES) POSITION. 
 

Job Description:

This position is located in the District 10 Division of Blind Services office in West Palm Beach, Florida. This position reports to and supports the work of the District Administrator (DA). The primary responsibilities of this position will center on managing staff (under the direction of the District Administrator) and will provide services focused on preparing and advancing blind and visually impaired applicants and clients through the Division of Blind Services (DBS) Employment Program. The DBS Employment Program provides unique, specialized services to blind adults and children throughout the vision rehabilitation process. Work performed by the division is centered on enabling DBS clients to improve and develop the skills necessary to prepare for, obtain, maintain or advance in their vocational goals.

Examples of Work: 

• Ensure program staff are meeting the common performance measures established by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) as well as other agency established program goals.
• Effectively use and monitor district funds, equipment, and resources.
• Manage caseload(s) as necessary to meet client needs and to cover staff vacancies.
• Meet the overall responsibilities of the Employment Placement Specialists (EPS), Rehabilitation Technicians, and the DBS Employment Counselors.
• Maintain effective working relationships with the Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs).
• Visit and/or call the CRPs monthly to address concerns or lack of client progress during training.
• Participate in the development and revisions of a comprehensive state plan to improve/increase outreach to under-served populations and employers for the services provided by DBS that support employment and training for persons with disabilities.
• Attend trainings as requested or required by the State Office and/or the District Administrator.
• Travel is required. 

Client-Focused Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide unique, specialized services to blind and visually impaired applicants and clients throughout the vision rehabilitation process including advocacy, referral and resource development, counseling and guidance, and Employment Program services.
• Ensure services are expedited to applicants and clients with competitive integrated employment that includes but is not limited to: career-pathways and apprenticeship opportunities as well as those who are at risk of losing employment.
• Promote client satisfaction; handle and attempt to resolve client issues before moving to the next level, i.e. District Administrator (DA) or State Office.

Supervisory Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain and practice a current understanding of FDOE and DBS policies and guidelines regarding information security.
• Supervise DBS Employment Program Counselors, Employment Placement Specialists (EPS) and Rehabilitation Technicians.
• Ensure that staff maintain a 21st century understanding of the evolving labor force and the needs of blind and low vision clients, through proper training and supervision. This includes the utilization of workforce data and tools such as Labor Market Information (LMI), Sector Strategies, Career Pathways, Apprenticeships and industry certifications; as well as other programs leading to competitive integrated employment.
• Exhibit, demonstrate, and reinforce the expectation of internal and external cooperation and teamwork to subordinates.
• Model, demonstrate, and guide employees in the use of the principals of flexibility, adaptability, and approachability - while adhering to applicable laws, rules, policies and procedures.
• Utilize effective counseling and coaching strategies in accordance with agency personnel policies and procedures to ensure acceptable job performance of subordinates.
• Keep the District Administrator (DA) and Personnel Administrator (PA) apprised of outstanding performance by staff who are deserving of employee recognition, as well as any personnel issues that may require corrective action. Develop and implement corrective action plans as required.
• Meet at least quarterly with each subordinate to discuss job performance and ensure each employee is fully aware of his or her level of performance, as it relates to established performance standards.
• Ensure staff conduct follow-up calls with clients and employers within 90-days of the employment start date, as well as at the 180-day employment anniversary to determine further services and possible job opportunities for other clients.
• Work with counselors and district leadership to ensure additional services are coordinated.
• Track and monitor weekly job development activities.
• Conduct monthly case reviews to ensure timely provision of services, appropriate documentation, and client attainment of competitive integrated employment paying above subminimum wages.
• Provide technical support and training to subordinates.

Support to the District Administrator:

• Serve as the assistant to the District Administrator (DA). This includes assisting the District Administrator with reviewing/approving authorizations, planning, implementing, and reviewing Pre-Employment Transition, Transition, Employment Programs, and other required services with Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs) and other service providers.
• Assist the District Administrator in the review of CRPs’ monthly invoices.
• Supervise other district employees in the absence of the District Administrator (DA).

Professional Development:

• Understand various eye conditions and their impact on functional vision, and convey this information in employment settings.
• Understand the rehabilitation process and the abilities, strengths, and capabilities of people who are blind or visually impaired.
• Participate in statewide program training as required.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Social, Behavioral or Rehabilitative Science, Education, or Visual Disabilities.
• An ability to establish and maintain education and experience requirements to ensure an understanding of the evolving labor force and the needs of individuals with disabilities.
• Knowledge of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
• Knowledge of pre-employment transition services.
• Attainment of a Certification Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) designation or are eligible to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor.
• Attainment of a Community Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC) designation or are eligible to become a Community Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC).
   

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and four years of professional experience in social, economic, health or rehabilitative programs or in program analysis.
• A master's degree from an accredited college or university can substitute for one year of the required experience.
• Professional or nonprofessional experience as described above can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college education.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of State and Federal Regulations, rehabilitation technology for the blind, process and procedures, the interaction effects of aging and vision loss and medical aspects of vision loss. 
• Ability to perform sighted guide; supervise and positively influence staff, instruct and implement requirements and conduct training in basic activities of daily living techniques for the blind.
   

To be considered for a position with the Division of Blind Services:

• All fields in the candidate profile (application) must be completed in its entirety.
• A current resume must be included with this application, and the information contained in the resume must match the information included in the state application.
• All previous periods of employment must be listed and accounted for. Periods of employment should be entered with the most recent/current listed first. 
• Periods of employment should include the supervisor's name and contact information. 
• Account for and explain any gaps in employment so that the hiring process is not delayed.  Gaps of employment of 3 months or more must be addressed on the application. 
• Work history, hours worked, and formal education fields must be filled out to determine qualifications for this position. Putting "see resume" does not substitute for completing all sections of the candidate profile.
• Responses to qualifying questions must be verifiable in the candidate profile. Not all applicants will be interviewed. Preference will be given for qualifying veterans, employees in layoff status and qualified candidates based on a review of their overall scores, KSAs, primary and supplemental applications, as well as completion of any required work samples, willingness questionnaires, and behavioral/personality/skills tests, and interview responses, as applicable. References and file reviews from previous employment will be verified to determine suitability.
• Resumes and other documentation can be attached to provide additional information.
• Individuals lacking the ability to competently do the job and those who are unable to positively contribute to a productive team environment, need not apply.
• The successful candidate must be able to pass a Level II Background screening.
• If you are claiming Veteran's Preference, you must attach the correct supporting documentation to be considered (DD214). 
• If you are claiming Right to First Interview, you must attach a copy of your official layoff letter when applying to be considered. 

The Florida Division of Blind Services is committed

to increasing recruitment and hiring of Veterans and individuals with disabilities and

improving employment outcomes.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.