Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment
The Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment advises the governor, legislature and other policy-makers on issues important to people who have disabilities.Created by executive order in 1987, committee members volunteer to benefit Washington state citizens with disabilities by:
- Advising the governor, the legislature and state agencies on policies issues affecting persons with disabilities;
- Recognizing employers who demonstrate leadership in employing people with disabilities;
- Monitoring legislation to assure equal opportunity and access for employment, education, health care and public services;
- Providing training and technical assistance to the business community, thereby promoting employment opportunities and awareness of disability issues;
- Promoting understanding of the needs and potential of people with disabilities, offering information and awareness training to the public;
- Conducting all activities in barrier-free environments, using appropriate auxiliary aids and services to ensure effective communication.
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Recruitment for GCDE Chairperson
The Governor's Committee on Disability Issues (GCDE) is recruiting to fill the position of Chairperson. This is a Governor appointed, volunteer position, for which current or former members of the Committee, those who have performed active volunteer or staff service with the GCDE; or those who have had comparable experience with another state Governor's Committee or served at the national level, may apply.In making your decision to apply, please ask yourself if you have the time, energy and commitment to serve as Chairperson of a statewide committee. The Governor's Committee has made significant contributions to the quality of life for persons of disability in the state of Washington, but a strong leader is needed for the Committee to meet the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead.
Position Description for Chairperson
The primary responsibility of the Chairperson is to lead and facilitate the Committee in working toward its common goals and objectives. Responsibility of this volunteer position involves providing oversight direction of Committee structure, policies, activities and general business. In fulfilling this responsibility, the Chairperson directs and delegates the functions of Committee business to staff to achieve the goals of the Committee. The meetings provide the guidance and motivation necessary for the Committee and staff to reach their common objectives and ensure that all the works get done.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge and Abilities:
- Demonstrated leadership and ability to facilitate groups in achieving a wide-range of objectives.
- Demonstrated ability to promote awareness of and advance the rights of persons with disabilities.
- Demonstrated ability and commitment to addressing a broad and comprehensive range of disability issues.
- Knowledge of the Committee's goals and objectives and familiarity with its specific projects and activities.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, Members, Associate Members and policy makers at all levels within the private and public sectors.
- Demonstrated, effective public communication skills.
- Working knowledge of the programs and services important to persons with disabilities within the state of Washington.
- Working knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations and guidelines affecting the civil rights of persons with disabilities.
- Demonstrated understanding and experience with a disability on a personal level.
- Demonstrated commitment to and experience in reaching out to working with all of the diverse elements that comprise the disability community.
- Cooperates with the Employment Security Department in the selection of the Executive Secretary. Provides direction to staff, as needed and appropriate, in conducting the general business and operations of the Committee.
- Provides direct liaison between the Committee, the Employment Security Department, Governor's Office, the Legislature and Congress, and other state agencies.
- Conducts and presides at General Membership meetings, Coordinating Committee meetings and other meetings, as appropriate.
- Appoints leaders of the Committee subgroups.
- Represents the Committee at various governmental and private sector meetings, functions and activities.
- Directs or delegates preparation of correspondence and written materials to the Committee, citizens, governmental officials and others.
To receive an application package, contact Debbie Himes at dhimes@esd.wa.gov. Applications must be postmarked or faxed to 360-438-3208, by April 25, 2008, to be considered.