Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Director

at State of Vermont in Waterbury, Vermont, United States

Job Description

Are you passionate about making Vermont the best place to grow older or live with a disability-with dignity, respect, and independence? If so, we invite you to bring your skills and energy to a dynamic team at the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL).

DAIL is seeking a Director for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (aka: HireAbility).

The DVR Director has full responsibility for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational management of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, serving approximately 5,000 Vermonters with disabilities each year. The position oversees 140 state classified staff, 80 contracted staff, 12 field offices, more than 40 service contracts, and an annual budget of approximately $27.7 million. The Director is responsible for developing and implementing the division's strategic plan, including major systems changes required by federal statutes and regulations such as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). This includes ensuring compliance with federal Rehabilitation Act requirements, state policies, AHS and DAIL procedures, VR policy manuals, casework monitoring standards, and procedures governing case service expenditures.

The Director balances the needs and expectations of multiple stakeholders, including the Rehabilitation Services Administration, which provides the majority of VR funding, as well as state agencies, staff, customers, and community partners. The role includes oversight of all DVR operations and contracted services, ensuring that approximately $10 million in contracts are aligned with the division's mission, strategic plan, Bulletin 3.5 requirements, and federal funding regulations. The Director also provides executive oversight for special demonstration projects and new initiatives, including programs focused on post-secondary education, economic self-sufficiency for SSI/SSDI beneficiaries, opioid recovery and employment, and improved services for youth in transition. The position leads a senior leadership team responsible for field operations, quality assurance, performance management, and implementation of new accountability measures.

The Director works closely with the State Rehabilitation Council by providing regular reports and supporting required activities such as needs assessments, policy review, annual state plan input, and annual reporting. In addition, the Director manages Invest EAP, a self-supporting employee assistance program serving Vermont employers and approximately 15% of the state's workforce and family members through a public-private partnership.

Most work is performed in an office setting; however, some travel is required for which transportation must be provided. A variety of public meetings and appearances can be anticipated, involving evening and weekend appearances.