Job Details

Reader / Driver Community Worker On-Call

This job announcement will be used to fill 2 positions located in: Tacoma/Pierce County WA, and another position in Spokane WA area. This position does not have a set schedule and may work both day and evening hours. Reader-Driver is on-call; work is intermittent, sporadic and does not fit a particular work schedule or pattern.

Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388. For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Rachel Vaughan via email jobs@des.wa.gov.

Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) provides training, counseling, and support to help Washington residents of all ages, who are blind, low vision or deaf blind pursue employment, education, and independent living. Our mission is "Working together with individuals who are Blind, Deaf-Blind or Low Vision so they can flourish in their homes, communities, and workplaces."

The primary responsibility of the agency is to assist customers with visual disabilities retain their employment, become employed and/or increase independence and inclusion in their communities. Many of the services provided by DSB staff require travel and fieldwork necessary to perform the essential functions of the job. Approximately 20% of the DSB workforce is blind, low vision, or deaf blind. Staff who are blind, low vision or deaf blind may need and request the services of Reader/Drivers to facilitate their job performance by performing visual reading and driving functions. DSB is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness - qualifying employer.

This position provides reading and driving assistance for transporting blind, low vision, or deaf blind department staff to and from work locations. Driving requirements may consist of short distances, and long distances beyond 60 miles/day. Customer interactions may consist of assisting the individual. Reader-Driver is on-call; work is intermittent, sporadic and does not fit a particular work schedule or pattern. Some lifting maybe included for staff that utilize orientation and mobility aides such as long cane or guide dogs. Work will consist in either a motor vehicle, in an office setting, or at times customer homes. Incumbent may lift and carry equipment weighing up to 40 pounds. Drivers will primarily utilize office assigned state motor pool vehicles. Privately owner vehicles (POV) may be used in exceptions only.

Some of the duties associated with this position include:

• Operating a state vehicle, transporting blind, low vision, or deaf blind department staff to and from various work locations
• Reading and completing handwritten documents
• Printing documents
• Relocating or carrying items

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability through previous roles or education to meet the competencies below. Roles could be experience gained through military service, volunteer leadership, consulting, self-employment, previous roles, classes or certifications, or non-traditional jobs

Required Competencies :

• Licensing and Driving Experience - Valid, unrestricted, Driver's License recognized by Washington State and 3 years of licensed driving experience, with no more than 3 minor infractions
• Defensive and Attentive Driving: Ability to drive safely and defensive in all traffic, road, and weather conditions and following mapping directions (GPS, paper, written, or verbal) and ability to remain attentive while transporting individuals who may require assistance
• Document Reading and Support - Ability to accurately read, scan, and print handwritten, printed, or typed documents and locate specific content needed
• Clear and Effective Communication - Ability to speak clearly, use understandable language, and communicate effectively with blind, low-vision, or deaf-blind staff or customers.
• Professional and Respectful Interactions - Ability to engage with others in a respectful, courteous, and professional manner
• Confidentiality and Integrity - Ability to maintain privacy and professionalism when supporting staff with sensitive work activities or documents
• Willingness to Learn: Must have a desire to learn about the specialized needs of and/or resources available to individuals who are blind, deaf blind, or low vision and who also may have other disabilities
• Professional Growth and Service Mindset - The ability to take action to learn and grow. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others
• Knowledge and experience working with individuals who are blind, low vision or deaf blind or individuals with disabilities

Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment:

• Must pass a background check prior to employment

How to Apply: Interested? We would love to hear from you! Click "Apply" at the top of this page to start your application. You can save the application and come back to it, if needed. Be sure to complete the application fully to include a full work history and responses to the supplemental questions.

• A letter of interest, describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting
• A current resume, detailing experience, and education; and
• A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)

Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.). Please Note: By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify the information provided. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not substitute for completing the "duties summary" section of the online application. Please do not refer to the resume for details, or your application may be disqualified. Background Check Notice: Prior to any new appointment into the Department of Services for the Blind, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted as a condition of employment. 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 position. Union Inclusion: This position is included in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Opportunity for All: The Department of Services for the Blind celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws. You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials, and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.