Job Information
Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) Business Training Coordinator (Program Specialist 4) in Lacey, Washington
Business Training Coordinator (Program Specialist 4)
Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM -- 5:00 PM | HYBRID
*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 Aggie Swanson at (360) 407-7934 or email jobs@des.wa.gov.*
Note: **Standard business hours are Monday -- Friday, from 8 AM to 5:00 PM, and may occasionally require flexibility to meet the agency's needs. We promote a healthy work/life balance. Telework and a flexible schedule may be available upon supervisory approval. The hiring team may make a hiring decision at any time. It is within your best interest to apply for this position at your earliest convenience.
Who We Are: The goal of the Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) is to assist in the stable employment and increased independence of Blind, Deaf Blind and Low Vision customers. DSB provides training, counseling, and support to help Washington residents of all ages who have a visual disability to 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."
About the Opportunity: As the Business Training Coordinator within the Workforce Initiatives Unit, you will support the DSB mission of "working together with individuals who are Blind, Deaf-Blind, or Low Vision so they can flourish in their homes, communities, and workplaces." In this role, you will manage the agency's curriculum, vendors, and resources for training Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) customers in self-employment skills and business management. You will collaborate with VR customers, VR counselors, and the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) team to facilitate feasibility, skill acquisition, and training to successfully operate a business. This position also involves identifying specific training needs, coordinating internal and external resources, and developing and delivering training to ensure the success of VR customers in self-employment and/or the BEP.
* Some of What You'll Enjoy Doing Includes: *
Assessing agency self-employment training needs and facilitating program outcomes
Developing tools and resources for small business development, acquisition, and sustainability
Working closely with managers to identify, develop, and provide training strategies and identify external courses and provide needed skills training
Serving as a self-employment specialist, working with leaders to identify gaps and opportunities
Evaluating the effectiveness of training programs and incorporating feedback for future improvements
Develop, deliver, and manage training curriculum for owning and operating a concession, vending, micro-market, and/or food service operation within the BEP
Develop and deliver a training plan, coordinating instruction for BEP Owner candidates to learn the necessary skills to become a successful entrepreneur and BEP vendor
Serving as the point of contact for individuals interested in the BEP career pathway
Orienting individuals to available services and curriculum, establishing expectations and responsibilities
Coordinating and facilitating referrals, applications, and training for business entrepreneurship for agency customers and for the BEP with VR Counselors and staff
Collaborating with agency customers, VR Counselor, and agency program staff to develop a skills development plan for each participant using identified curriculum, vendors, and resources