The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Director provides direction and oversight of the Samish Indian Nation Vocational Rehabilitation program, which provides rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities who are enrolled in a federally recognized tribe and who reside in the Samish Nation’s service delivery area. The VR Director will work closely with the Citizen Services Senior Director, and other Samish staff to develop and implement additional education and training-related opportunities for citizens and clients. The VR Director will be responsible for providing direct program services as well as administrative oversight.  The position supervises and guides VR staff in providing services to citizens and clients that will help them gain and maintain self-sufficiency and employability.

The applicant is expected to exhibit Samish Employee Core Values.

Why work for Samish?

The Samish Indian Nation provides a very competitive compensation package, which includes medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, Life Insurance, optional supplemental coverage plans, a 401(k) Plan, paid vacation and sick leave, and approximately 16 paid holidays. Best of all, we offer a great environment with passionate and caring staff!

Benefits Summary

• Remote/Hybrid Work Arrangement potential
• Health insurance including medical, dental & vision
• Life, AD&D, STD and LTD insurance
• Annual & Sick Leave
  
• Paid holidays (up to 16+ days per year)
• Paid jury, bereavement & cultural leave
• Wellness & Employee Assistance Plan
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Wage increases at 6 months, 1 year and annually (based on performance evaluation and available funds)

1. Oversees the Samish Vocational Rehabilitation Department and works closely with other Samish staff to ensure all programs, services and systems are developed in accordance with approved Samish Tribal Council policies, compliant with relevant federal, state, and local laws, and congruent with the Samish Indian Nation’s philosophy, mission and values.
2. Develops and monitors the Vocational Rehabilitation program and budget and additional education and training-related funding opportunities.
3. Enforces procurement policies mandated by tribal policy and funding contracts.
4. Disseminates program information to Samish citizens, responds to client complaints and grievances, and oversees the maintenance of client files and waiting lists (as needed).
5. Develops, implements, enforces, and recommends revisions to all Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation (TVR) and Employment and Training programs policies and procedures as required by federal, state, local or tribal ordinances and policies.
6. Researches and coordinates Vocational Rehabilitation services including but not limited to: responding to education and outreach on program services and available community resources for individuals with disabilities  who are enrolled in a federally recognized tribe and who reside in the Samish Nation’s service area, screening and verification of determinations of eligibility and IPEs, developing and maintaining a database and waiting list (if needed), providing classes to all clients and applicants, and maintaining orderly client files.
7. Prepares programmatic, fiscal, and statistical oral/written reports and data as requested by HHS Director for grant compliance and/or Tribal Council. Monitors and prepares grant applications while ensuring adequacy and timeliness.
8. Trains staff on and administers assessments and evaluations, including individual functional capacity, career training potentials and interests, various disability screenings, job satisfaction indicators and work preferences, etc. 
9. Develops, implements, and monitors progress in Community Rehabilitation Programs, utilizing on the job training (OJT) and work experience positions as relevant.
10. Develops and coordinates an advisory committee and/or focus groups for TVR and other programs as required.
11. Attends local, regional, and national meetings and training workshops related to American Indian and Alaska Native disability, employment, and training as required by grant(s)
12. Works cooperatively and builds positive relationships with Advisory Committee/Focus Groups, Samish Tribal Council, co-workers, and employees.
13. Supervises Vocational Rehabilitation staff to coach and develop skills (e.g., motivational interviewing, trauma informed care) in accordance with policies of the Tribe, TVR and governmental grant regulations; assigns cases, workloads, and territory coverage as detailed in approved grant.
14. Keeps staff informed of program policies and performance expectations through regular staff and individual supervisory meetings.
15. Performs other duties as assigned.
    

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.

1. Bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a closely related field. Equivalent years of experience working in a closely related field that involves client services, grants management and budgetary responsibility may be substituted year- for- year for a four-year college degree. Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling preferred.
2. A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in vocational rehabilitation case management, Employment and training, medical and psychological aspects of disabilities, and job development within a tribal setting.
3. Must have 3 years of supervisory experience.
4. Must possess familiarity with multiple community resources and systems, including DSHS., Social Security Administration, etc.
5. Ability to detect and understand the effect of mental or physical disabilities upon vocational and social adjustment.
6. Must be familiar with MS Office and e-file management.
7. Must have excellent oral and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to provide high-quality customer service.
8. Must possess working knowledge of Native American issues and culture.
9. Must possess a working knowledge of barriers to employment related to disabilities.
10. Must have a valid Washington State driver’s license and be able to meet the minimum insurance requirements regarding driving record to utilize GSA vehicles.

**Obtaining full COVID-19 vaccination no later than 60 days from the hire date will be a condition of employment for all Samish employees**

Applicants must be a Washington State resident or willing to relocate to Washington State.

Physical Demands: Long periods of sitting (60% of time); occasional bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, lifting, carrying, and pushing (20% of time); and occasional standing and walking (20% of time). Occasionally lifts/carries up to 20lbs. Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to use office equipment with frequent repetitive motion such as writing, typing, paperwork-handling, and phone use. Must possess the ability to view print on a computer screen and/or paper document; the ability to speak and hear exchanging information with end users by telephone Mental/Visual Demands: Frequent mental and/or visual attention to task is required. Occasionally work requires heavy concentration. Frequent interruptions. Tasks involve eye-hand coordination. Working Environment: Work environment is mainly indoors with heat and some air conditioning. Must sit or stand at desk for the majority of shift. Occasionally works alone without benefit of supervisor or co-worker. Unavoidable hazards/risks: Work requires minimal risks which require safety precautions (using some cleaning chemicals for light cleaning). Protective clothing or equipment may be required (goggles, gloves, masks, boots, etc.)

Samish Indian Nation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively encourages applications from all persons regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or ancestry.  Samish preference and Indian preference will be applied to the selection for this position as defined in Title 25, US Code Section 473.

CONFIDENTIALITY:  This position develops, maintains, and is responsible for safeguarding the computer/electronic and hardcopy file folders containing sensitive and proprietary information about the Tribe and its members.  The incumbent must maintain confidentiality of all work and files pertaining to enrollment, clients, survey results, and all other material that may identify individuals by name (either directly or by reference), as set forth by the Tribal Council in the Personnel Manual.  Any violation in this matter may result in immediate termination of employment. All materials, including electronic materials of any type or format, produced are considered works made for hire and are the property of the Samish Indian Nation.

Please state your eligibility for Indian preference in your cover letter.  Indian preference must be documented prior to interview or hiring.  BIA Form 4432 or tribal enrollment ID may be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference.

All persons who are offered employment with the Samish Indian Nation must give permission for a thorough background check of previous work performance, motor vehicle history, credit history and criminal history, as well as a pre-employment drug screen. The Drug Free Workplace Policy has not changed since the passing of WA State I-502. While Initiative 502 legalized marijuana within Washington State, employers maintain the right to decide on their tolerance policy. Because we receive federal grant dollars from the federal government, we still consider marijuana as an illegal substance and its use and possession completely prohibited.

This position is a “covered position” under the Tribe’s Indian Child and Family Violence Act Policy and all applicants must undergo a fingerprint background investigation in order to be hired for this position.  The Tribe will not hire, permit anyone to work or volunteer in a covered position if the person has ever been found guilty or entered a plea of no contest or guilty to any offense under federal, state, or Tribal law which involves violence, threat of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, prostitution, crimes against persons, or offenses committed against children.