Director, The Hatlen Center

At Wayfinder Family Services, we understand the unique challenges facing some of our state’s most vulnerable children, youth and adults. Those with disabilities, those without a home of their own, those who have been abused and many, many more. We answer the call for them. We believe in the amazing potential in, and for, each and every one of them. And, together, we find a way to turn that potential into reality.  

Program and Role Summary

Wayfinder’s Hatlen Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, founded in 1972 by visionary Phil Hatlen in San Pablo, California, revolutionized education for individuals with visual impairments. As the first transition program of its kind in the United States, it set the gold standard for fostering independence and remains the only program of its kind in the nation. The Hatlen Center is recognized as a pioneer in the field of visual impairment education and continues to stand alone in its unique approach to empowering students.

The primary focus on the Director, is to provide overall leadership and management for the Hatlen Center for the Blind, ensuring the delivery of high-quality educational, vocational, and residential training services for adults with visual impairments. It oversees all operational, clinical, and instructional components, from curriculum design and staff supervision to student intake, progress monitoring, and successful completion of individualized goals, while maintaining compliance with all regulatory, contractual, and accreditation requirements.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Conducts weekly meetings with instructors to address student progress, daily notes, and any challenges students may be having. Ensure that all instructor’s student notes are complete for the week.
• Conduct tours for any prospective students, DOR representatives, counselors, school personnel, or additional parties interested in Hatlen’s services.
• Conduct active marketing targeting other blind organizations, schools, DOR counselors, and additional groups that would benefit from referring students to or attending Hatlen. It is the responsibility of the director to track all marketing/outreach activities, and to keep the Hatlen Center at full capacity.
• Facilitate referrals through effective and ongoing communication with Department of Rehabilitation personnel through phone calls, mailings, personal contacts, visits, tours, and presentations at District Offices. This major responsibility focuses on effectively meeting the needs of clients in need of services.
• Presents at various conferences in relation to Hatlen program offerings.
• Responsible for developing, overseeing, and meeting the department’s budget.
• Other duties as outlined in the position description.

Education and Experience:

• A minimum of a master’s degree from an accredited university in a related field such as rehabilitation, education, visual impairment, occupational therapy, social work, or psychology is required.Five years of management experience working with people with disabilities or school setting will be considered in lieu of education requirement.
• Minimum three years of demonstrated experience in the field of education, rehabilitation and/or providing services to individuals with blindness or visual impairment.
• Minimum three years of experience in supervisory role.     
• Valid CA Driver License with a minimum of three (3) years good driving history and must be approved by the agency’s insurance carrier to drive agency vehicles.

Benefits: Wayfinder is committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is both comprehensive and competitive which includes:

• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, 11 paid holidays, plus five winter holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match up to 4% 
• Employee referral program: Encourage your colleagues to join us
• Education tuition assistance program: Invest in your career development 
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible
• Flexible spending account (FSA) plans 
• Eligibility and other benefits are outlined in plan documents

Wayfinder Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We support a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment background and drug screenings.