Initial Posting Date:

06/30/2025

Application Deadline:

07/13/2025

Agency:

Commission for the Blind

Salary Range:

$6,667 - $10,311

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Director of Independent Living (Business Operations Manager 1)

Job Description:

Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today! Director of Independent Living Services (Business Operations Manager 1)
As the Director of Independent Living Services for the agency, you would oversee and direct the agency’s specialized rehabilitation training services that are delivered to Oregonians who are blind in their homes and communities around the state. This position is based in our headquarters in Portland, Oregon. The Director of Independent Living Services leads a team of Rehabilitation Instructors that provides specialized training services in the skills related to blindness including low vision assessments and training, orientation and mobility (cane travel), personal management, adjustment to blindness, meal preparation, and adaptive devices. Oregonians from around the state work in collaboration with the rehabilitation instructors for the blind to develop and implement an individualized training program designed around their unique rehabilitation needs and goals. The Oregon Commission for the Blind is the only state agency who specializes in training for adults who experience vision loss. We play a unique and critical role to ensure that all Oregonians who are blind can access skills training to help them reach their independent living goals.

The position reports to the Executive Director and serves as a member of the agency's executive leadership team to ensure specialized training services are delivered in a way that will optimize an individual to being able to remain safe and independent in their home. Under the oversight of the Executive Director, this position has the authority to commit agency funds and is responsible for many decisions having immediate and long-range effects upon the Commission's ability to serve the citizens of Oregon who are blind. The Director of Independent Living Services is responsible for developing and upholding performance standards to ensure delivery of timely services statewide.

For a full review of the position duties, details, and working conditions, please click here.

What We Are Looking For
Minimum Qualifications:
Five years of supervision, management, or progressively related experience*; OR two years of related experience* and a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Blindness Rehabilitation, Low Vision, Mobility or other related specialized discipline.

*Related experience must include working with persons experiencing Blindness, Low Vision, Mobility or other related disabilities.

Desired Attributes:

• A passion and commitment to support the mission of the agency as a member of the agency leadership team.

• Proven track record for leadership and collaboration that develops, empowers and supports employees to do their best work.

• Experience in the areas of Blindness Rehabilitation, Low Vision, Mobility or other related specialized discipline.

• Ability to develop trust and rapport with individuals who are blind as one of the Leaders of the team of Rehabilitation Professionals working to support their rehabilitation success.

• Ability to represent the agency in a variety of public settings for the purposes of advancing policy or public education.

• A commitment to operational excellence through stewardship of agency resources, upholding integrity in operational practices that optimize our ability to meet short-term and long-term goals.

• Experience in using data to inform decision-making in order to optimize the training and rehabilitation services and outcomes for Oregonians who are blind.

Preference Statement:
Preference may be given to those with a Credential, Bachelor, or Master's degree in Orientation and Mobility or Low Vision Therapy.

Application Details and Instructions

• Visit the State of Oregon job opportunities webpage to submit your application. Please ensure the work history in your applicant profile is up to date and attach a current copy of your cover letter and resume. If you are a current State of Oregon employee, you must apply through your employee Workday account.

• Please make sure your application materials clearly address how your education and/or experience relates to the Desired Attributes section of this announcement. Qualified applicants whose background most closely matches the attributes will be invited to interview.

• This announcement is for 1 (one), full-time, permanent, Executive Service -Supervisory, Director of Independent Living Services (Business Operations Manager 1) position and may be used to fill future vacancies.

• Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline. If you have questions about the announcement, or need an alternate format to apply, please contact the Recruiter, Nancy Karnas at: nancy.karnas@das.oregon.gov | 971-719-3083.

Benefits of Joining Our Team
For Oregonians who are blind and visually impaired, our services are nothing short of life changing. They help people be more independent, continue their education, and be a fully connected part of their communities. We invite you to visit the Oregon Commission for the Blind website to learn more!
Additional benefits include:

• Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, and a competitive benefits package.

• Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon.

• Get There - Oregon’s easy-to-use carpool matching tool and trip planner.

• Live, work, and play in Portland, Oregon.

Additional Details

• Finalists will be subject to a computerized criminal history check. Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification.

• Agency does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. If your employment authorization and documentation is contingent on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet Agency employment eligibility standards.

• Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.

Helpful Links & Resources
How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | What You Need to Know to Get the Job
Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage | Classification and Compensation | Pay Equity