Reader Driver (On-Call - Vancouver - Clark County)
State of Washington
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Job summary
Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) seeks an on-call Reader/Driver to assist staff who are blind, low vision, or deaf-blind by reading documents and driving between work sites. The role is intermittent with no set schedule and may involve lifting up to 40 pounds.
Training and accommodations provided, with emphasis on safety and confidentiality. The position requires a valid driver's license, ability to read handwritten documents, and strong communication skills.
Qualifications
- Valid, unrestricted driver’s license with 3+ years driving experience and clean record.
- Ability to read and interpret handwritten and printed documents.
- Clear, respectful communication with blind, low-vision, or deaf-blind staff or customers.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and act with integrity.
- Willingness to learn about needs and resources for individuals with visual disabilities.
- Experience or knowledge working with individuals who are blind, low vision, deaf blind, or with disabilities.
Responsibilities
- Operate a state vehicle to transport staff to and from work locations.
- Read and complete handwritten documents; print documents as needed.
- Relocate or carry items as part of the role.
- Support staff with reading and driving tasks as required.
Skills
Job description
This job announcement will be used to fill 1 position located at: 2120 E 13th St., Vancouver - Clark County, WA 98661
This position does not have a set schedule and may work both day and evening hours. Reader-Driver is on-call; work is intermittent, sporadic and does not fit a particular work schedule or pattern
- Contact Information: Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388. For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Rachel Vaughan via email jobs@des.wa.gov.
Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) provides training, counseling, and support to help Washington residents of all ages, who are blind, low vision or deaf blind pursue employment, education, and independent living. Our mission is "Working together with individuals who are Blind, Deaf-Blind or Low Vision so they can flourish in their homes, communities, and workplaces."
The primary responsibility of the agency is to assist customers with visual disabilities retain their employment, become employed and/or increase independence and inclusion in their communities. Many of the services provided by DSB staff require travel and fieldwork necessary to perform the essential functions of the job. Approximately 20% of the DSB workforce is blind, low vision, or deaf blind. Staff who are blind, low vision or deaf blind may need and request the services of Reader/Drivers to facilitate their job performance by performing visual reading and driving functions.
This position provides reading and driving assistance for transporting blind, low vision, or deaf blind department staff to and from work locations. Driving requirements may consist of short distances, and long distances beyond 60 miles/day. Customer interactions may consist of assisting the individual. Reader-Driver is on-call; work is intermittent, sporadic and does not fit a particular work schedule or pattern. Some lifting maybe included for staff that utilize orientation and mobility aides such as long cane or guide dogs. Work will consist in either a motor vehicle, in an office setting, or at times customer homes. Incumbent may lift and carry equipment weighing up to 40 pounds. Drivers will primarily utilize office assigned state motor pool vehicles. Private owner vehicles (POV) may be used in exceptions only.
- Operating a state vehicle, transporting blind, low vision, or deaf blind department staff to and from various work locations
- Reading and completing handwritten documents
- Printing documents
- Relocating or carrying items
- Demonstrated ability through previous roles or education to meet the competencies below. Roles could be experience gained through military service, volunteer leadership, consulting, self-employment, previous roles, classes or certifications, or non-traditional jobs
- Licensing and Driving Experience - Valid, unrestricted, Driver's License recognized by Washington State and 3 years of licensed driving experience, with no more than 3 minor infractions
- Defensive and Attentive Driving: Ability to drive safely and defensive in all traffic, road, and weather conditions and following mapping directions (GPS, paper, written, or verbal) and ability to remain attentive while transporting individuals who may require assistance
- Document Reading and Support - Ability to accurately read, scan, and print handwritten, printed, or typed documents and locate specific content needed
- Clear and Effective Communication - Ability to speak clearly, use understandable language, and communicate effectively with blind, low-vision, or deaf-blind staff or customers.
- Professional and Respectful Interactions - Ability to engage with others in a respectful, courteous, and professional manner
- Confidentiality and Integrity - Ability to maintain privacy and professionalism when supporting staff with sensitive work activities or documents
- 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
- Knowledge and experience working with individuals who are blind, low vision or deaf blind or individuals with disabilities
State Of Washington Employees Contribute To Ensuring Services, Programs, Workplaces, And Interactions Are Responsive, Respectful, Accessible, And Effective To The People And Communities We Serve. Employees Are Expected To
- Take action to learn and Grow: Demonstrate a willingness to learn from new experiences, seek feedback, consider different perspectives, and continuously improve knowledge, skills, communication, and approaches to work.
- Take action to meet the needs of others: Seek to understand the needs and experiences of customers, coworkers, and communities. Identify barriers to access and participation and address them before they become obstacles for the people we serve, providing support that is respectful, timely, and effective.
- Must pass a background check prior to employment
We are committed to providing equitable access to employment opportunities. If a criminal background check is required for employment at an agency, it will occur only after a conditional offer of employment has been made and accepted. Applicants are not required to disclose criminal history during the hiring process prior to a conditional offer. Criminal history will not automatically exclude an applicant from consideration and will be reviewed on an individual basis consistent with applicable law and the requirements of the position.
Learn more about the Washington Fair Chance Act: Washington Fair Chance act guide
This position is included in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
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.
For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Rachel Vaughan by emailing jobs@des.wa.gov.
Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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.
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
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.
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
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