DSHS DVR State Independent Living Council Executive Director

Description Executive Director - Washington Statewide Independent Living Council (WASILC) Join us in championing an innovative vision for disability advocacy and independent living across Washington State. As the Executive Director of the Washington Statewide Independent Living Council (WASILC), you will lead efforts to empower people with disabilities to achieve full societal participation, advocating for equity and inclusiveness. You will collaborate with diverse partners, including state agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations, to uphold the Independent Living Philosophy and influence meaningful change. In this pivotal role, you will be a key figure within DSHS’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) assigned work with the WASILC to advance independent living strategies and goals in Washington. You will navigate and align both DSHS policies and the Council’s mission to ensure that our initiatives resonate statewide. Your commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, along with valuable lived experiences or a deep understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities, will be integral to advancing our mission forward. This Olympia-based role offers a hybrid telework schedule anywhere within the South Puget Sound. Some Of What You Will Do Serve as the primary liaison with external organizations to coordinate and promote WASILC’s priorities and activities. Develop, maintain, and oversee the WASILC budget, ensuring compliance with federal grant requirements. Advise the Council Chair and Executive Committee on emerging issues, governance, and policy development. Collaborate with Directors of Centers for Independent Living to support the Independent Living Network. Supervise WASILC staff, including the Disability Integration Manager and Executive Assistant. Organize and lead the development and implementation of the State Plan for Independent Living. Cultivate and maintain strong inter-agency relationships with state and local leaders. Advocate and educate on the impact of legislation affecting people with disabilities. In your first six months, you will facilitate quarterly and over 15 committee meetings, establish key relationships with Council members, Centers for Independent Living (CILS), state agency partners, and community contributors, and introduce yourself to over 25 organizations. You'll gain comprehensive knowledge of the State Plan for Independent Living, lead its development, and provide recommendations on strategic SILC options. You'll streamline internal operations and roles, strengthen relationships with the Council members, and facilitate the recruiting of new board members while providing ongoing training and orientation for Council members. Who Should Apply Professionals with 7* years in a leadership role encompassing executive decision-making responsibilities ; work experience should include: Self-starter with initiative and motivational skills; able to work well with diverse perspectives. Strategic thinker who can implement plans in manageable steps. Proficient in meeting facilitation and strong written and verbal communication. Knowledge of the Independent Living movement, the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act (Titles I & VII), IDEA, and related laws. Experience in advocating systems change, community organizing, managing budgets, stakeholder engagement, managing projects, public policy, and legislative work. Experience living with a disability and/or working with people with various types of disabilities. A master's degree will substitute for 6 years of above work experience. A bachelor's degree will substitute for 4 years of above work experience. Preferred Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Comprehensive knowledge of VR laws, regulations, WAC, and DVR customer service manual. Background in community organizing and advocacy. Skilled in policy development and implementation. Proficient in managing projects and Boards/Councils. Familiarity with public policy, legislative bodies, and state agencies. Adept at conducting public and customer focus groups and forums. College degrees in sociology, psychology, disability studies, or public administration. We partner with people to access support, care, and resources. This role is Exempt Management Services 1 (EMS1). Be the voice that champions the rights and opportunities for people with disabilities in Washington State. Interested? Please list 3 professional references’ contact information on your application and include your current resume and a cover letter explaining how your knowledge, skills, and abilities qualify you for this role. Questions? Email bastrjl@dshs.wa.gov or phone Jenny at 360-791-4168, reference 03045. To learn more about DSHS, go to www.dshs.wa.gov . The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security. #WeAreHiring #InclusionWorks Supplemental Information Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle. Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protect­ed veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384. 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