Position Summary
The Developmental Disability Services Director is a leadership role within the Vermont Care Partners (VCP) network, responsible for providing strategic guidance, advocacy, and coordination of developmental disability services across network agencies. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director works autonomously to influence policy, support agency collaboration, and engage with state and federal stakeholders.
Key responsibilities include analyzing and communicating policy developments, facilitating workgroups, advocating for legislative priorities, and fostering partnerships with advocacy organizations. The role requires expertise in developmental disability services, strong leadership and communication skills, and experience in policy analysis and legislative advocacy. This hybrid position involves both in-office and remote work, with increased in-person presence during the legislative session.
Environmental Factors
Responsibilities are carried out in a hybrid office environment, with increased in-person attendance required during the legislative session (January to June). The role involves limited in-state and occasional out-of-state travel, which may necessitate access to private transportation. Duties may be performed outside of typical working hours. Quick deadlines for important reports and need for sensitive communication under challenging and situations may be required.
Total Compensation
Salary Range: $80,000+ depending on experience.
Benefits Package: • 80% paid medical premium • Dental at no cost • 3% retirement contribution • short and long-term disability insurance • 13 paid holidays • up to 5 weeks of combined time off • work/life balance.
Qualifications
Expertise Required
1. Clinical and programmatic knowledge about developmental disabilities and current VT reform efforts.
2. Excellent organizational skills and ability to work independently and in groups.
3. Strong proficiency in written and verbal communication, coupled with exceptional presentation abilities.
4. Skill and ability to facilitate groups, achieve conflict resolution, and problem solve.
5. Skill and ability to conduct research, analyze data, and develop informational presentations.
6. Ability to balance relationships with accountability while upholding network positions.
7. Ability to perform under pressure within tight timeframes.
Qualifications and Experience Required
1. Master’s degree in human services, public administration, or related field preferred.
2. Minimum of three years’ experience working in community-based disability services.
3. Leadership experience in managing workgroups, programs, and/or policy initiatives.
4. Experience working with state government and legislative advocacy.
Roles & Responsibilities
1. Provides leadership to the network agencies and VCP staff on developmental services: programs, issues and public policy including state health care, service delivery and payment reform.
2. Develops, coordinates, and implements an annual work plan to support developmental services.
3. Provides information and analysis to the agency network and Developmental Services Directors regarding Developmental Services: research, best practices, program trends, public policy, regulation, law, and legislation at the state and federal levels.
4. Builds and participates in alliances and collaborations with advocacy partners including Green Mountain Self Advocates, Developmental Disability Council, Vermont Coalition of Disability Rights, Disability Law Project, VCIL, etc.
5. Serves as a liaison and advocate for the Developmental Services Directors and VCP with governmental agencies including Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living, the Department of Vermont Health Access, the Department of Children and Families and the Agency of Human Services.
6. Works with the VCP Director of Government Affairs on legislative priorities, testifies during the legislative session and helps to coordinate testimony. Participates in the development and implementation of the VCP’s legislative agenda, advocacy work, and innovative solutions for the network and for Vermonters.
7. Participates in VCP health policy work with health care partners to develop opportunities to strengthen and grow services.
8. Provides staff support to DS related monthly meetings and annual retreats.
9. Provides staff support and/or participation to VCP, state government and related workgroups including DDSD State Standing Committee, DAIL Advisory, VCP Outcomes, VCP Compliance and ad hoc groups, as needed.
10. Develops, coordinates, and supports training and conferences.
11. Collects and analyzes data and information for the VCP network, in collaboration with other VCP staff.
12. Participates in developing public communications and education.
13. Conducts ongoing and special projects, as needed.