Dutchess County Seeks Deputy Commissioner for Special Needs
Poughkeepsie, NY … The search is underway for Dutchess County’s new Deputy Commissioner for Special Needs. In his 2016 State of the County Address, Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro highlighted this new position, which may the first of its kind in the state, calling for an individual who will serve as an advocate for individuals and families with special needs. “We are looking for a unique person who has the ability to ‘Think Differently’ about how we can serve and assist those in our community with special needs – someone who will understand the challenges that special needs families face and will seek to remove barriers that can impede an individual’s quest for independence and success in life. ”
“Dutchess County Government and community agencies offer a wealth of service for special needs families, but it is not always easy to understand how to access these services and navigate the various processes and regulations. Our new Deputy Commissioner for Special Needs will be able to assist families and provide the support they need to connect to services,” continued County Executive Molinaro.
The Deputy Commissioner for Special Needs is a high level administrative and managerial position responsible for evaluating, planning, initiating, coordinating and monitoring the wide range of programs designed to help individuals and families with special needs. This individual will work closely with the various community agencies and county departments that provide services and resources for residents with disabilities and special needs, including the Departments of Behavioral and Community Health; Community and Family Services; Office for the Aging; and Public Works.
Individuals interested in the Deputy Commissioner for Special Needs position should have thorough knowledge of and sensitivity to the needs, interests and concerns of individuals and families with special needs. This individual should have broad knowledge of the community resources available to serve those with special needs and understand the laws and regulations that relate to individuals and families with special needs. He or she must have the ability to communicate effectively, with excellent interpersonal and relationship skills, in order to be a strong advocate to those who face barriers. The ideal candidate will be a self starter with exceptional problem solving and communication skills who can identify complex organizational/structural issues and guide cross functional/departmental teams towards solutions through collaboration and consensus building. A Bachelor’s degree and five years of full-time administrative/management experience (responsible for planning, directing, coordinating and supervising several units/departments) is required.
The complete career opportunity and position description can be reviewed here.
Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest that specifically addresses the qualifications listed and a resume by April 1st to the Dutchess County Department of Human Resources, 22 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY or by email to dcpersonnel@dutchessny.gov.
“In Dutchess County, we embrace and celebrate individuals of all abilities. Whether it is welcoming the Special Olympics New York athletes, working with local businesses so they can learn how to serve those on the autism spectrum, connecting a child with early intervention services, or partnering to make a playground accessible to all, Dutchess County strives to ‘Think Differently’ and assist our neighbors with special needs achieve success. We look forward to our new Deputy Commissioner for Special Needs advancing those efforts and helping Dutchess County be a model for the nation,” concluded County Executive Molinaro.
