Programs Manager

Programs Manager

Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities involving the direction or supervision of programs related to the delivery of agency services on a statewide basis. This may include the supervision of professional level staff in providing a variety of services and assistance to eligible clients, responsibility for a work unit of a division or a single program area, assisting in directing a major multifunctional program or unit, or overall responsibility for major program activities involving the principle operations of the agency. Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities involving providing direction and guidance for program services and operations, and coordinating program functions and activities within an agency division or unit.

• Manages a major agency unit, section, division or program; directs or supervises staff in the completion of assigned functions and activities.
• Develops and recommends policies, rules and regulations which pertain to the administration of assigned programs consistent with federal and state laws; participates in program analysis, including the analysis of problems and needed services.
• Directs studies of needs; reviews and analyzes information from studies and projects for immediate and long-range program development; advises subordinate program staff and other interested groups of the proper interpretation and application of agency rules and policies.
• Reviews periodic staff reports, administrative audits, program activities and other information to evaluate program effectiveness and quality of service; develops controls to assure accountability for program operation, policy implementation and the maintenance of efficiency in various units.
• Develops and maintains sound personnel policies and practices; participates in the selection of persons for educational scholarships; directs staff training programs.

Level II - At this level employees are assigned responsibilities related to direct supervisory responsibility over a professional level staff; responsibility for assessing program staffing needs, conducting local on-site staff meetings and training to provide information about program policies and procedures, counseling with local officials about needs and problems at the local level, developing and coordinating community, stakeholder, or partner outreach for the program, and initiating corrective actions concerning program procedures and staff management.

Level III - At this level, employees are assigned responsibilities involving the direction and supervision of a work section of a division having responsibility for a single program area administered by the agency. Employees will perform all essential functions related to the position.

Level IV - At this level employees are assigned responsibilities for assisting in the administration of a major multifunctional program or unit of the agency. This includes assisting in planning, organizing, and directing program or unit functions and activities and the supervision of lower-level managers or supervisors who are responsible for individual units or programs or functions. Positions at this level are found only in programs or divisions which are typically large in size, scope, and complexity or which have a major impact on the operations of the agency.

Education and Experience required at different levels consists of a master's degree and a certain number of years of professional experience; or a bachelor's degree and a certain number of years of professional experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of professional level experience for each year of the required education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required at different levels include knowledge of agency policies and procedures; of state and federal legislation related to assigned agency programs; of supervisory principles and practices; ability to supervise and evaluate personnel and program performance; to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; to interpret and apply policy material; to maintain effective working relationships with others; ability to administer programs and supervise personnel; to maintain effective working relationships with others; to exercise good judgment in the solution of problems; ability to plan, coordinate, and evaluate the activities of multiple work units and divisions engaged in a broad range of functions; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and to interpret, analyze, and resolve highly complex administrative and personnel problems.

Some positions will require that applicants be willing and able to perform all job-related travel. Some positions with the Department of Rehabilitation Services require proficiency in American Sign Language. Some positions with the Department of Rehabilitation Services require that applicants are eligible to sit for certification specific to the professional job duties such as Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), Certified Vocational Evaluator (CVE), Professional Vocational Evaluator (PVE), or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) examination.

Position may be filled at Level II, III, or IV. Position is located in the Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired - Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped - in Oklahoma City (SBVI72).

Essential Functions: Position is the Programs Manager of the Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (OLBPH) and is responsible for directing and managing the daily operations of this statewide program within the Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired of the Department of Rehabilitation Services. The OLBPH is part of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped network of libraries and provides information and reading materials for both pleasure and educational purposes in accessible formats. The library provides general library services; operates an Accessible Instructional Material Center (AIM); operates an in-house digital recording studio, both online and telephone-based audio information services; and has a repair facility for digital talking book players, as well as braille writing devices. The OLBPH currently services approximately 5,000 patrons and has a staff of 20 employees.

Duties include providing guidance and oversight for all library services and programs, providing supervision of all library employees and providing oversight of the Travis Harris library building and grounds which also houses other employees within the Department of Rehabilitation Services.

Applicant must be willing to perform all job-related travel. Trial period (if applicable) is required. Preference may be given to candidates with a Master's degree in Library Science from a program accredited by the American Library Association.

The Department of Rehabilitation Services will conduct a criminal background check on new hires as part of an offer of employment that is made contingent upon a successful criminal background check. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. now and in the future without employer sponsorship.

The Department of Rehabilitation Services provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees and their dependents. Benefits Include: generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums, a wide choice of health insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations, flexible spending accounts for health care expenses or dependent care, employee assistance programs and health and fitness programs, 11 paid holidays, 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave for the first year, Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match, Longevity Bonus for years of service, 5% additional pay for the possession of an appropriate professional certification or licensure, training opportunities to help meet CEU requirements.

Method of Application: Applicants without previous state service, with previous state service but not currently employed by a state agency must apply though the Workday on-line External Listings applicant system (State of Oklahoma Careers (myworkdayjobs.com). Current State of Oklahoma employees must apply through the Workday on-line Internal Listings applicant system (Find Jobs - Internal State of Oklahoma - Workday (myworkday.com).

For questions regarding specific duties or details of this job, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].

Equal Opportunity Employment. The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.