Job Title: Director
Department/Agency: Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)
Closing Date: December 13, 2024
Type of Position: Political Appointee
Posting Type: Employment Opportunity/Open to the Public
Pay Grade and Salary Range: GS-18/$55,000 - $75,000 p.a.
Email Your Resume, Cover Letter and References to: OfficeGovElectASG@gmail.com
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General Description
The Director of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) serves as the senior executive responsible for the administration, oversight, and management of vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities in American Samoa. This critical role ensures the effective delivery of services designed to enhance the independence, quality of life, and employability of individuals with disabilities. The Director is responsible for aligning the Office’s programs with both federal and territorial laws, including the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The role requires leadership, strategic oversight, policy formulation, compliance, resource management, and collaboration with local and federal partners.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and Executive Management:
Provide visionary leadership to the OVR, guiding its mission to promote independence and employment for individuals with disabilities.
Direct all OVR operations, ensuring seamless service delivery across program areas, including counseling, job placement, rehabilitation technology, and assistive services.
Foster a culture of high performance, ethical conduct, accountability, and collaboration within the OVR team.
Establish measurable objectives and ensure that OVR services are aligned with the goals of American Samoa’s economic development plans and disability policies.
Strategic Planning and Policy Development:
Develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures that comply with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, WIOA, and other relevant federal and territorial regulations.
Lead the creation and execution of the state’s Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment (CSNA) to identify needs, assess resources, and ensure effective service delivery.
Analyze and update OVR services to reflect evolving needs of individuals with disabilities, emerging employment trends, and changes in federal and state policy.
Ensure that policies and practices prioritize accessibility, equality, and full participation in community life for individuals with disabilities.
Fiscal and Resource Management:
Oversee the OVR’s budget and financial operations, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively to support the strategic goals of the agency.
Develop proposals and manage funding applications to secure financial support from both federal and local sources.
Monitor the use of federal, state, and private funds to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and proper allocation of resources.
Provide oversight of resource management, ensuring the provision of adequate tools, technologies, and infrastructure for vocational rehabilitation services.
Staff Development and Human Resources Management:
Lead the recruitment, development, and retention of a skilled and diverse OVR workforce.
Foster a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture, where staff are empowered to achieve excellence and engage in continuous professional development.
Ensure that all OVR personnel receive regular training and certification in areas such as vocational counseling, rehabilitation technology, and current best practices in disability services.
Evaluate staff performance regularly, providing constructive feedback and professional development opportunities to enhance service delivery.
Compliance and Reporting:
Ensure compliance with all relevant federal and territorial laws and regulations related to vocational rehabilitation services, including reporting requirements to the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA).
Prepare and submit all necessary reports to the Governor’s office, federal agencies, and other stakeholders, providing clear and transparent documentation on OVR activities, progress, and outcomes.
Ensure adherence to privacy laws and safeguard confidential client information, ensuring the protection of the rights of individuals served by OVR.
Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy:
Cultivate relationships with government agencies, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, employers, and community groups to advance vocational rehabilitation efforts.
Serve as the primary advocate for individuals with disabilities, promoting OVR services and ensuring that local employers and stakeholders understand the benefits of inclusive hiring practices.
Lead collaborative efforts to expand job opportunities and vocational training programs for individuals with disabilities, including outreach to private sector employers, educational systems, and advocacy groups.
Act as a liaison between the OVR and the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC), ensuring that the council’s feedback and recommendations are integrated into the OVR’s policies and practices.
Data Management, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement:
Implement a comprehensive system for collecting, analyzing, and reporting data on client outcomes, program performance, and satisfaction levels.
Regularly assess the effectiveness of OVR services, utilizing data-driven approaches to refine strategies and improve service delivery.
Champion a continuous improvement process, fostering a learning environment where new ideas and feedback from clients, staff, and stakeholders are used to enhance OVR’s impact.
Community Outreach and Public Awareness:
Lead initiatives to raise awareness about vocational rehabilitation services and the benefits of employing individuals with disabilities within the community.
Organize and support community outreach campaigns, informational sessions, and educational activities that emphasize the importance of vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities.
Promote awareness through media, public forums, and partnerships with advocacy groups.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
In-depth understanding of vocational rehabilitation laws and regulations, particularly the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, WIOA, and other federal and territorial disability services policies.
Knowledge of disability-related programs, services, and supports, including rehabilitation technology and assistive services.
Understanding of budget development, financial management, and performance reporting.
Knowledge of labor market trends, employment issues, and strategies for improving the employability of individuals with disabilities.
Strong leadership, management, and organizational skills with a proven ability to manage complex programs.
Effective communication skills, including public speaking, written reports, and media outreach.
Skilled in fostering collaborative relationships and influencing key stakeholders, including government agencies, employers, and advocacy groups.
Analytical skills for assessing program performance, interpreting data, and implementing strategies for improvement.
Ability to manage a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative and positive work environment.
Ability to develop and implement strategic plans that address the needs of individuals with disabilities in a culturally sensitive manner.
Ability to advocate effectively on behalf of individuals with disabilities and promote inclusive community engagement.
Ability to secure funding, manage resources, and ensure financial sustainability of OVR services.
Academic and Experience Requirements
Education:
A Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Vocational Rehabilitation, Social Work, Public Administration, or a related field is required.
Certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) or equivalent professional certification is highly preferred.
Experience:
A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in vocational rehabilitation or a related field, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership or management role.
Demonstrated experience in overseeing budgets, personnel, and multi-faceted programs.
Experience working with individuals with disabilities and a deep understanding of their unique vocational and rehabilitation needs.
Proven track record of working with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as community stakeholders, to promote vocational rehabilitation services.
Salary
The salary is competitive and based on experience and qualifications. Specific compensation details will be provided upon request.
Additional Information
For questions regarding the position or application process, please contact the Office of the Governor-Elect directly via email at officegovelectASG@gmail.com
*The American Samoa Government is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will be considered for political appointments without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal and territorial laws. Appointments will be made based on qualifications, experience, and the ability to serve effectively in alignment with the policies and goals of the administration.
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