Public Service Manager II - Director, Division Blind and Visually Impaired

Director, Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired

If you are interested in using your leadership and management skills to create opportunities and improve lives, you may be interested in this position. Every day, the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) helps Maine people who are blind or visually impaired achieve greater independence, prepare for employment, succeed in the workplace, and fully participate in their communities. As Director, you will provide leadership for statewide programs that connect individuals with services, resources, training, and support that help them reach their personal and professional goals.

You will lead a team of dedicated professionals, oversee program operations and strategic initiatives, and build partnerships with consumers, employers, schools, community organizations, and advocacy groups throughout Maine. This position is based in Augusta and includes statewide responsibility for DBVI programs and services. Work involves planning, administering, and evaluating Vocational Rehabilitation program activities; directing staff and resources; ensuring compliance with federal and state requirements;

and promoting continuous improvement in service delivery. Work is performed under limited supervision.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develops, implements, and evaluates statewide service strategies and operational plans that support the Division's mission, performance goals, and customer outcomes.
• Provides leadership to managers and staff through coaching, performance management, strategic planning, and effective communication to support organizational success.
• Oversees program operations, budget administration, resource allocation, and compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and funding requirements.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with consumers, employers, educational institutions, advocacy organizations, community partners, and government agencies.
• Uses program data, performance measures, and customer feedback to evaluate effectiveness, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement corrective actions when needed.
• Supports innovation, continuous improvement, and organizational change to strengthen services and improve outcomes for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
• Promotes staff development and learning opportunities to build organizational capacity and maintain high-quality service delivery throughout the state.
• Represents the Division before advisory councils, stakeholder groups, community organizations, and state leadership.

Knowledge/

Skills Required:

• Knowledge of leadership principles and effective management practices.
• Knowledge of program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Knowledge of rehabilitation services, disability services, workforce development programs, or related human service systems.
• Knowledge of and experience with case management software; i.e., AWARE or similar software. Ability to analyze program needs and challenges, develop solutions, and implement effective strategies.
• Ability to use project management, time management, and organizational leadership techniques to accomplish goals.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Masters Degree in one of the Social/Behavioral Sciences or Public Administration and five (5) years experience in the providing rehabilitation services for people with disabilities. An understanding of and work experience in developing, coordinating, and/or administering employment and training programs
-OR- an acceptable combination of training, experience, and education. An understanding of and work experience with database applications.

Contact information:

Stephen Ball, Director, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services; email: stephen.ball

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of…