The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) is seeking an Assistant Area Director. Reporting to the Area Director, you will assist with the oversight, management, and supervision of the Area Office Team, which includes Vocational and Careers Counselors, Administrative Staff, and Supervisors. You will collaborate with the Area Director to evaluate the needs of the Area office unit and ensure that staff have access to professional development and supervision. You will be instrumental in integrating data as a management and communication tool to drive a culture change that advances the consumer experience. Partnering with the Area Director, you will provide coverage for the office in their absence and liaise with agency personnel and external shareholders working with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and Community Living programs through collaboration and building nurturing environments. Empathy, leadership, flexibility, partnership, advocacy, and excellent communication skills are the traits of a successful Assistant Area Director. MRC is a learning and participatory performance culture with an emphasis on high-performance teams, individual performance/contribution/impact, and engaging in activities to promote and support a program/division/agency (e.g., committee membership, Roadmap workgroup membership, presenting at Town Halls, achieving learning and performance goals). In addition, MRC is an agency committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial equity, as well as innovation, transformation, and change, creating a culture of agility, excellence, and belonging. _Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive):_ · Assist the Director in developing and implementing the area office's goals and objectives. · Monitor the implementation and compliance of the Area Office’s operational policies, procedures/best practices, and guidelines. · Create, monitor, and analyze key metrics for the area office’s day-to-day and long-term operations performance. · Work with relevant stakeholders to compile and analyze data for efficient programmatic and organizational decisions. · Assist with leading, managing, and inspiring all personnel within the Area Office to ensure an efficient, productive, and collaborative team willing to take on new challenges and identify solutions while maximizing their technological and clinical skills. · Oversee Area Office staff hiring, onboarding, training, and performance evaluations. · Provide ongoing team, program, and project management support, including advising or overseeing aspects of the Area Office’s budget and funding. · Provide risk and quality assurance checks for all decisions and actions and advise implementing recommendations from agency consultants, senior leadership, and the Area Director regarding Vocational Rehabilitation services. · Serve as the Area Office liaison to create collaborative and effective relationships, including consumers, community providers, families, school representatives, advocacy organizations, and other state partners. · Participate in statewide initiatives and workgroups. · Assist in ongoing staff development and training and ensure area office compliance with the EPRS system. · Other duties, as assigned. _Preferred Qualifications_: · Experience in designing and implementing program and service provision processes for consumers with disabilities is required. · Knowledge of all IE programs and policies, including Vocational Rehabilitation, Supported Living, Home Care Assistance Program (HCAP), Statewide Head Injury Program (SHIP), and Chapter 688. · Proficiency with the principles and practices of case management and eligibility determination. · Knowledge of clinical/programmatic needs of people with disabilities. · Proficiency in disability policy, programs, and service provision policies and procedures. · Proficient with Rehabilitation Services Administration compliance policy and requirements. · Knowledge of Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act. · Experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial equity. · Knowledge and experience in leading diverse, high-performance teams. · Experience with budget development and management, financial management, expenditure control, and purchase of service contract policies. · Knowledge of computer hardware/software and networks, including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office products, computers, phones, faxes, etc. · Ability to analyze large data sets and utilize data to implement change. · Ability to anticipate problems and take appropriate action, mediate conflicts, coordinate competing interests, work under time constraints, and build consensus. -Ability to set vision and priorities for the Area Office and execute Unit goals · Ability to communicate articulately and clearly in writing and orally to various MRC’s internal and external stakeholders. · Ability to coordinate and direct project management activities. _About the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission_ MRC provides services that break down barriers and empower people with disabilities to live life on their own terms. Our programs focus on vocational rehabilitation, community living, and disability determination for federal benefit programs. We are change agents and community builders. And we put the people we serve at the heart of everything we do. We envision a Commonwealth that is open to all, where everyone can seize their true potential and contribute fully to our communities and the world. Together with stakeholders, partners, and allies, MRC collaborates, problem solves, and innovates to bring about a better Massachusetts for everyone—one that is truly equitable, accessible, and inclusive. Learn more about our impactful work: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-rehabilitation-commission _Pre-Offer Process_:/ / A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website. If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Request Form For questions, please the contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4. Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume for consideration for the position. Please indicate Assistant Area Director, Springfield Area Office MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, professional internship, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below. Substitutions: I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience. II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience. III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required experience. IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required experience. *Comprehensive Benefits* When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. Job: Community and Social Services* *Organization: Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission *Title: *Assistant Area Director Springfield Location: Massachusetts-Springfield-243 Cottage Street Requisition ID: 240005AB