Orientation and Training Center Manager (WMS 02)

Orientation and Training Center Manager (WMS BAND 02) The Orientation and Training Center (OTC) provides intensive training and community‑based activities that empower students to increase their self‑awareness, self‑advocacy, and employability. The OTC Manager leads the center, ensuring quality adaptive skills training, program operations, staff development, compliance with federal and state vocational rehabilitation regulations, and superior customer service. The goal of DSB's Vocational Rehabilitation program is to assist the stable employment and skills development of Blind, Deaf‑Blind, and Low Vision agency customers. Responsibilities Communicate to staff, agency customers and external customers the Agency’s scope and mission, the VR process, and the scope and impact of broader laws and regulations such as the re‑authorization of the Rehab Act within the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Code of Federal Regulations, RSA technical guidelines, Americans with Disabilities Act, Washington State WAC 67‑25, and DSB procedures. Educate and incorporate the Agency cultural values and blindness expertise within teams and among external partners: Belief in customer abilities, safety, respect, dignity, and movement toward their maximum independence. How targeted training, tools, high expectation and mentorship allow individuals with visual disabilities to achieve their life and vocational goals. Promote diversity and champion the abilities of individuals with a disability. Direct communications. Performance‑ and team‑orientation. Accountability. Promptly fill all vacancies in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement, state HR requirements, needs of agency and local team, and agency values for diversity and disability representation among the workforce. Develop clear and feasible performance expectations through the Program Development and Performance (PDF) and Professional Development Planning (PDP) process. Provide clear, valid, and data‑driven performance measurements and feedback to staff. Identify performance gaps, and collaborate/communicate with staff to develop a plan to bridge gaps and assess progress and best fit for each position. Evaluate and monitor customer service delivery processes by conducting and analyzing case‑record reviews regularly to assure best practices are utilized and federal and state regulations are followed. Provide support for student scheduling, comprehensive trainings, and career experience for approximately 60–100 residential and commuting students annually. Identify and address facility needs (training & residential). Analyze data and reorganize work to manage agency resources. Provide direct marketing and orientation of the program to DSB customers, DSB staff, and community members. Maintain accurate data for program evaluation and reporting. Utilize data‑management reports to understand historical performance trends and identify anomalies and/or changes. Consider skill‑gap trends, geography, distance, and available staff in team makeup and organization of work, and in recruitment for vacancies. Establish and/or revise agency and program policy and procedure. Initiate, manage, and guide agency program improvement projects. Manage change process for teams; communicate, and implement change, addressing staff needs within the change process. Communicate agency performance and outcomes with teams, and strategize with teams for continuous performance improvements. Communicate program updates within the teams, and communicate staff needs to the management group. Identify resource needs and strategize means for resolving needs. Solicit and integrate customer feedback into improvement processes. Develop systems to promote strong case documentation among staff. Develop systems for internal controls for program processes, to review and analyze data that processes are followed and results are as expected. Document staff performance issues, consistently and at appropriate level. Maintain supervisory case documentation. Act as mediator for resolution of staff‑to‑staff or customer‑to‑staff disputes. Work to resolve all issues at lowest level. Use collaboration and mediation techniques for win‑win resolution where possible. Keep agency mission the central focus in disputes and resolution efforts. Follow appropriate procedures outlined in CSA or RSA guidelines for disputes. As manager of OTC budget, manage contracts and procurement in accordance with state and agency regulations. Required Qualifications Option 1: Six (6) years of experience in public administration and/or developing and managing adult educational training programs; expert knowledge of current rehabilitation teaching practices; and possess the competencies listed below. Option 2: Bachelor’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation, Counseling, Public or Business Administration, Adult Education, or related field; two (2) years of experience in public administration and/or developing and managing adult educational training programs; and possess the competencies listed below. Competencies: Leadership and Staff Development: Ability to lead, coach, and develop professional staff and set clear performance expectations. Program and Operational Management: Ability to plan, organize, and manage daily program operations. Regulatory and Policy Competence: Ability to interpret and apply federal and state vocational rehabilitation regulations, including WIOA, RSA guidance, ADA, and WAC 67‑25. Decision‑Making and Judgment: Ability to make timely and sound decisions using data, precedent, and professional judgment; ability to navigate somewhat unfamiliar or evolving circumstances. Financial and Resource Stewardship: Ability to manage program budgets, procurement, and contracts within state and agency policies. Performance Management and Accountability: Ability to conduct evaluations, document performance concerns, and take corrective action consistent with HR rules and collective bargaining agreements. Data Literacy and Analytical Thinking: Ability to use data systems, reports, and trend analysis to evaluate program performance. Communication and Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to communicate expectations, policy guidance, program updates, and performance information clearly. Change Management and Process Improvement: Ability to lead teams through change; ability to implement new initiatives and improvement projects. Confidentiality and Professionalism: Maintains the highest level of confidentiality when handling sensitive employee information; demonstrates professionalism in all interactions. Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and other standard office tools. Willingness to Learn: Desire to learn about the specialized needs of and/or resources available to individuals who are blind, deaf‑blind, or low vision and who also may have other disabilities. Professional Growth and Service Mindset: Ability to take action to learn and grow, and to meet the needs of others. Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies Master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Rehabilitation Teaching, Public or Business Administration, Adult Education, or a related field. Work experience with a range of people with disabilities with experience in: Job readiness/vocational training. Adaptive technologies of blindness and low vision. Work within a public Vocational Rehabilitation program. English as a Second Language (ESL) training. Managing distance learning programs. Curriculum development and course scheduling. Supervisory experience. Knowledge of vocational rehabilitation laws, regulations, and practices (WIOA, RSA guidance, ADA, WAC 67‑25). Experience working in blindness services or disability‑focused programs. Experience developing or delivering training to staff, partners, or customers. Experience managing contracts or vendor relationships. Experience with conflict resolution, mediation, or collaborative problem‑solving in a supervisory context. Experience representing an agency or program in external partnerships or stakeholder settings. Special Requirements Must pass a criminal justice records check. Equal Opportunity and Anti‑Discrimination Statement The Department of Services for the Blind is committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, and status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws. You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials, and we will honor this as you interact with our organization. #J-18808-Ljbffr