Orientation and Training Center Manager (WMS 02)

Salary: $71,004.00 - $130,320.00 Annually
Location : King County - Seattle - S. Seattle, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2026-DSB-003
Department: Dept. of Services for the Blind
Opening Date: 06/08/2026
Closing Date: 7/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Description
Orientation and Training Center Manager
(WMS BAND 02)
This recruitment will be used to fill one position in South Seattle, WA.
Standard business hours are Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm. Work is done in an office environment. Ability to telework dependent upon supervisory approval.
**Contact Information: Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or View phone number on click.appcast.io. For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Rachel Vaughan via email .

DSB Relocation Allotment: DSB offers, upon approval, a relocation bonus and allotment for those staff relocating and needing to make the move to, or across the beautiful state of Washington to join our team.

Who We Are:
is "working together with individuals who are Blind, Deaf-Blind or Low Vision so they can flourish in their homes, communities, and workplaces." DSB's Vocational Rehabilitation program assists individuals with visual disabilities achieve gainful employment and economic vitality through integration into the nation's workforce, while assisting businesses with accessibility training, consultation, recruitment, and retention of qualified employees. Together, these services lead to the greater employment of qualified Blind, Deaf Blind and Low Vision individuals and more accessible and diverse businesses.
DSB is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness - qualifying employer.

About this Opportunity
The goal of DSB's Vocational Rehabilitation program is to assist in the stable employment and skills development of Blind, Deaf Blind and Low Vision agency customers. The Orientation and Training Center (OTC) contributes to the agency mission by providing intensive training and other experiences that empower students to increase their self-awareness, self-advocacy, alternative skills of Blindness, and employability to their maximum potential. The OTC accomplishes these goals through combinations of formal training in a classroom setting and a variety of community-based activities.

This position provides leadership for the Orientation and Training Center to:

• Manage, grow and streamline residential program services to promote highest quality adaptive skills training and adjustment to blindness activities which provide agency customers a strong foundation for their job-readiness and vocational goals
• Educate and incorporate the Agency cultural values within teams
• Emphasize and encourage vocational context for all multidisciplinary team staff roles
• Establish, review and revise agency and program procedure
• Work to ensure staff continuously review and refine understanding of the subtle contexts of working in the field of disability
• Fill all staff vacancies in accordance with Collective Bargaining Agreement, state HR requirements, needs of agency and local team, and agency values for diversity/disability representation among the workforce
• Communicate staff performance expectations and conduct performance reviews and evaluations
• Resolve and mediate conflict situations

The focus of this position is to lead the OTC into alignment with the agency's culture, work and processes, and to assist the agency, staff and customers in achieving expected outcomes. This position is responsible for managing the programs and all customer activity performed by the agency in the Orientation and Training Center for residential and commuting students, located in the Seattle area.


This position is responsible for a multi-disciplinary team of nine staff members and has an annual budget of over $1 million. The OTC annually provides assessment, adjustment to blindness, self-advocacy, adaptive skills of living and vocational training services to 60-100 Washington State residents who are Blind, Deaf Blind and Low Vision to gain competitive, integrated employment.


To learn the full expectations and responsibilities of this position, email the recruiter: Rachel Vaughan @ and request the full job description.
Duties

Duties associated with this position include:

• 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 reauthorization of the Rehab Act within the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Code of Federal Regulations, RSA technical guidelines, Americans with Disability Act (ADA), Washington State WAC 67-25, and DSB procedure
• Educate and incorporate the Agency cultural values and blindness expertise within teams and among external partners, including:
  • Belief in customer abilities, safety, respect, dignity, and movement towards 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 Collective Bargaining Agreement, state HR requirements, needs of agency and local team, and agency values for diversity/disability representation among the workforce
• Develop clear and feasible performance expectations through PDF and 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 position
• Evaluate and monitor customer service delivery processes by conducting and analyzing case record reviews regularly to assure best practices are utilized, and federal & state regulations are followed
• Provide supports 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 program to DSB customers, DSB staff, and community members
• Maintain accurate data for program evaluation and reporting
• Utilization of 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 & procedure
• Initiate, manage and guide agency program improvement projects
• Manage change process for teams; communicate, and implement change, addressing staff needs within 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 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
• Initiate, manage and guide agency program and process improvement projects
• 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 dispute
• 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

Qualifications

Required Qualifications
To meet qualifications of this position, applicants must have a total of six (6) years of qualifying experience in.
(OPTION 1)
Six (6) years' experience in Public Administration and/or developing and managing adult educational training programs
AND
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 required
AND
Two (2) years' experience in public administration and/or developing and managing adult educational training programs


In addition to qualifying with one of the above options, applicants must possess the following competencies:

• Leadership and Staff Development: Ability to lead, coach, and develop professional staff ability to 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 Engagemen t: 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 : Must have a 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 : The ability to take action to learn and grow. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others

Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies:

• Masters' 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

Supplemental Information

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment

• Must pass a criminal justice records check

How to Apply:
Interested? We would love to hear from you! Click "Apply" at the top of this page to start your application. You can save the application and come back to it, if needed. Be sure to complete the application fully to include a full work history and responses to the supplemental questions.

Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

• A letter of interest , describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting
• A current resume , detailing experience, and education; and
• A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)

Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).

Please Note: By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify the information provided. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not substitute for completing the "duties summary" section of the online application. Please do not refer to the resume for details, or your application may be disqualified.

Background Check Notice: Prior to any new appointment into the Department of Services for the Blind, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Opportunity for All:
The Department of Services for the Blind celebrates our differences and we are 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 diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, 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 or other applicable legally protected characteristics. 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.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.


Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.


Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.


Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.


Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01


Are you currently employed by the Department of Services for the Blind?

• Yes
• No

02


Are you aware that the location is in Seattle, WA

• Yes
• No

03


Are you willing to undergo a background check as a condition of employment?

• Yes
• No

04


Select below how you meet the qualifications for this position.

• (OPTION 1)Six (6) years' experience in Public Administration and/or developing and managing adult educational training programs AND Expert knowledge of current rehabilitation teaching practices
• (OPTION 2)Bachelor's degree in Vocational Rehabilitation, Counseling, Public or Business Administration, Adult Education, or related field required AND Two (2) years' experience in public administration and/or developing and managing adult educational training programs
• Leadership and Staff Development: Ability to lead, coach, and develop professional staff ability to 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: Must have a 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: The ability to take action to learn and grow. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others

05


Select the Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies you currently possess.

• Masters' degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Rehabilitation Teaching, Public or Business Administration, Adult Education, or a related field
• 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

06


Select below all of your experience working with a range of people with disabilities:

• 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

07


Briefly explain how your past/present work experience or education qualifies you for this position. Please include the job title on your resume where you have acquired the knowledge of this position.
08


Did you remember to upload with your application: an updated resume, a cover letter, and 3 professional references? References can be furnished at the time of interview.

• Yes
• No

09


How did you hear about this job posting?

• Careers.wa.gov
• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Job Board
• WorkSource
• Coworker/Friend
• Other

10


We would like to know where you learned of this position. If you selected "Job Board" or "Other", please specify the name of the job board or source where you found this position. If you selected a named job board or webpage from the list above, please enter "N/A" in this space.
Required Question