Assistant Director, Office for Blindness and Vision Services (Program Manager III)

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE); Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is seeking an Assistant Director for the Office of Blindness and Vision Services (OBVS) to lead the statewide Independent Living Older Blind (ILOB) program and coordinate services for individuals with significant disabilities.

The role includes establishing statewide performance goals, managing human resources, and maintaining accountability for a $1 million ILOB budget while ensuring compliance with federal requirements and reporting obligations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of professional specialized experience in rehabilitation counseling or vocational evaluation services for clients with disabilities.
• 2 years of required experience must include direct supervision of other professionals.
• Master’s Degree substitution can replace one year of required rehabilitation experience.

Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate the statewide Independent Living Older Blind (ILOB) Program and serve as Assistant Director for OBVS.
• Establish performance goals for Independent Living Specialists statewide and strategically manage human resources.
• Manage and ensure accountability for the ILOB Case Services Funds budget (approx. $1 million) and ensure compliance with federal laws and reporting.
• Provide staff training, program evaluation, and leadership in operational practices; oversee Deafblind Services and special projects.
• Review and approve specialized vendors to ensure high-quality, compliant services.

Skills

Leadership

HR management

Program evaluation

Compliance

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

This position directs and coordinates the Division of Rehabilitation Services' (DORS) statewide Independent Living Older Blind (ILOB) Program and serves as Assistant Director for the Office of Blindness and Vision Services (OBVS).

The Assistant Director will establish performance goals for Independent Living Specialists statewide and strategically manage human resources to ensure the delivery of high-quality ILOB services to eligible individuals with significant disabilities, supporting them in preparing for and achieving successful independent living outcomes.

The position is responsible for developing, managing, and maintaining accountability for the ILOB Case Services Funds budget of approximately $1 million. This includes ensuring compliance with federal laws, regulations, guidance, and reporting requirements associated with the ILOB grant.

As Assistant Director of OBVS, this position oversees staff training, Services for the Blind operations at the Workforce and Technology Center, program evaluation, consumer inquiries, Deafblind Services, special projects, and regional administrative approvals. The position also provides leadership in operational practices and the review and approval of specialized vendors to ensure effective, compliant, and high-quality services.

Education: Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Five (5) years of professional specialized experience in providing rehabilitation counseling or vocational evaluation services to clients with physical or behavioral disabilities or teaching services to clients with blindness or low vision in Rehabilitation Services. Two (2) years of the required experience must have included direct supervision of other professional employees specializing in rehabilitation services for clients with disabilities.

NOTE: A Master’s Degree or equivalent 36 credit hours of post baccalaureate course work in Educational Administration, Rehabilitation Counseling, Special Education, Counseling and Guidance, Vocation Evaluation, Psychology or in a Social Science related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience in rehabilitation.

Applicants must meet the selective qualification(s) to be considered. Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

• Must have at least two (2) years of professional experience providing rehabilitation counseling or vocational evaluation services to clients with blindness or low vision.

Applicants must consent to a State Police Investigation (fingerprinting) as a routine procedure for all employees with this Agency.

Proof of eligibility to work is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

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