Associate Director of Outreach-Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE)

Associate Director of Outreach-Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE)

Salary

$85,000.00 - $127,500.00 Annually

Location

Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2026-05493

Department

School for the Blind

Opening Date

07/03/2026

Closing Date

8/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Persons with a disability requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact HR@wssb.wa.gov or call 360-696-6321. Those with hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

(Logo: Silhouette of Washington State with a lighthouse icon pointing to Vancouver)

The Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) is a school with a purpose to empower blind and low vision individuals to reach their full potential. We believe in a future where every blind and low vision student in Washington has the supports and services they need to succeed.

Our programs and services are provided across a diverse continuum of service options; including a range of short and long-term programs that include residential options at our Vancouver campus, outreach services in local schools and communities, access to specialized technology and resources through our Ogden Resource Center, as well as training options for parents, educators, and related service providers through a combination of department efforts.

Our greatest resource at WSSB are our incredible staff. Our valued employees are continuously encouraged to improve the ways that we provide service to our students and the community. WSSB's core values are as follows: being student-centered, equity, accessibility, relationships, and continuous improvement

Position Profile:

The Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) is currently recruiting an Associate Director of Outreach for Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) for blind and low vision children. This position reports to the Outreach Director and works collaboratively within the department, agency, other state agencies, as well as local service providers to coordinate and provide outreach services to families of blind and low vision children receiving early intervention services as well as blind and low vision youth in preschool. This position serves on the WSSB Educational Leadership team charged with implementing the strategic initiatives outlined in the agency strategic plan. This position also serves as the state lead for early intervention for blind and low vision children, working closely with the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Family's (DCYF) Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) program. The purpose of this position is to provide leadership in the development and coordination of a statewide system of training, technical assistance, and service delivery that will increase local capacity to meet the needs of families and service providers in support of identified infants, toddlers, and preschool age children who are blind or have low vision, including those with additional disabilities.

Duties

The Associate Director of Outreach for EI/ECSE will help ensure that families of infants and toddlers, as well as preschool children with identified vision loss receive the appropriate EI/ECSE vision services, regardless of where they live in Washington. This position will coordinate and partner with existing local, regional, and state resources, and utilize the use of distance technologies where feasible and appropriate. The goal is for all blind and low vision children, ages birth to five, including those transitioning into kindergarten, to have access to appropriate specialized services provided in a timely manner in the communities where they live.

Essential Functions:

• Manage direct contracts with ESIT Provider Agencies (EPAs) for the WSSB Birth to 3 Program to provide EI services to families by being an active member of the IFSP teams, including maintaining monthly data for services delivered and contract agreements.
• Manage teacher caseloads and service times, balancing capacity of staffing needs with service needs.
• Process new referrals appropriately through communication with WSSB Birth to 3 Program staff and referring EPAs with direct coordination and customer service at the highest level.
• Maintain adequate staffing, enhancing productivity of personnel, and achieving objectives within allocated budget by performing personnel functions, e.g., interviewing, evaluating, supervising, etc.
• For the purpose of implementing and maintaining services and programs, this position coordinates and collaborates with local, regional, state and national entities, e.g. Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF), Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), Department of Services for the Blind (DSB), medical community, university programs, county family resource coordinators, school districts, Washington Sensory Disability Services (WSDS), and the Washington DeafBlind Program.
• Develop short and long- range plans/programs to ensure state capacity to meet EI/ECSE needs of families of blind and low vision children and blind and low vision youth in preschool programs, including kindergarten transition.
• Participate in meetings, workshops, and seminars for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform the functions of this position.
• Train, conduct, coordinate, and assist with appropriate assessments for the population of children served through this position.
• Provide leadership in the development of workshops and training programs for both certified teachers of blind and low vision students or certified orientation and mobility specialists who work with the EI/ECSE population and other related service providers on the IFSP/IEP team of children with blind/low vision. This includes partnership with others in the development of materials and learn modules (digital or in person).
• Provide supervision and support through coaching and mentoring for service providers around the state for the purposes of providing ongoing in-service training, direct and indirect services, as well as to ensure a high standard of service provided to meet the needs of children and families served throughout Washington.
• Meet objectives and ensure compliance with established financial, legal, and/or administrative requirements by managing budgets and/or grant activities including subcontracts from fiscal agents, private grants, etc.
• Collect and maintain a variety of data for the purposes of documenting, monitoring, and evaluating program activities and outcomes aligned with program and agency strategic plan goals and objectives.
• Prepare a variety of written materials (e.g., reports, budgets, grant proposals, etc.) for the purposes of documenting activities, soliciting, and maintaining funding, providing written reference, and conveying information for both WSSB and contract deliverables with other state agencies.
• Provide direction, information, and state interpretations concerning rules and regulations of IDEA, Part C and B, to ensure compliance with established regulations.
• Secure alternate funding for programs/services by researching information from a variety of sources.
• Resolve issues with technical, legal, and administrative information in response to inquiries from administrators, parents, EI/ECSE professionals and educators, etc.

Qualifications

Experience

Experience within the specialized field of early intervention and early childhood special education for families of blind and low/vision children as well as youth who are blind or low vision, including those with additional disabilities, with increasing levels of responsibility demonstrating leadership and solid organizational skills in helping to develop/coordinate a world class partnership to meet the needs of these youth and families.

Education and key attributes

Required: A Master's degree with emphasis in education of blind and low vision children, EI/ECSE, and or subjects related to building and coordinating services for blind and low vision infants, youth and families.

Preferred: Successful completion of an education program administrator or principal leadership program and experience.

Other:

• Knowledge and training in working with a wide range of children who are blind/low vision, including those with additional disabilities.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in partnership with numerous agencies and organizations in to streamline and improve statewide services for families/children who are blind/low vision.
• Knowledge of and experience with IDEA, part C and B, regulations, and services.
• Knowledge and skill in a range of assessments and assessment practices appropriate for children with vision loss.
• Successful completion of the Washington State UEB examination or literary braille certification through the National Library of Congress is preferred.

Supplemental Information

Opportunity for All:

The Washington State School 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.

Veterans Preference:

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veterans Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security number. For additional information on Veterans Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicants suitability and competency to perform in the position.

The state of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance with their application, or that need this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 696-6321. Should you have any questions regarding this position, or the online application, please email HR@wssb.wa.gov. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Do you have a masters degree in education?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a certification for Education Administration (or near completion of administration program)?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have previous teaching experience working with blind and low vision individuals? Please explain.

04

Are you willing to undergo a federal and state background records checks which includes fingerprinting as part of the employment process?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov