As the Executive Director, I support the Council in advocacy and policy changes that promote choice, independence, productivity, and inclusion for all North Dakotas with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Council focuses on projects that improve opportunities for people with disabilities, including education, employment, and transportation, community living and health care. Just as important the Council works to build the capabilities of individuals, families and communities, enabling each to become more self-sufficient. The projects are developed in direct response to the concerns and ideas voiced by consumers, families, service providers, policy-makers and other professional. By listening to these collective voices, the Council advances the dialogue for change.•Prepare policies, budgets, plans, reports and resolutions.•Identify and implement policies and practices promoting cost-effective operations.•Write, edit and direct the composition of annual plans and budgets. •Submit the state plans and budgets within deadlines established for federal review and funding approval. •Prepare the biennial budget request to the State Legislature.•Develop and maintain an appropriate financial management information system. •Conduct the preparation and processing of grant/contract agreements.•Develop and maintain a uniform fiscal expenditure reporting system for all funded projects.•Review expenditure reports to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and adherence to contractual requirements. Coordinate approval and processing of payments to project contractors and service providers. •Develop and maintain a project monitoring system to include onsite visits, as needed, and narrative progress reports.•Assist the Council and the Governor's Office in maintaining representative membership in compliance with state and federal law by notifying them of membership vacancies.

ND DVR Division of Vocational Rehabilitation – Bismarck, ND; Conducted consumer intakes to determine rehabilitation needs, referred for psychological, educational, medical, psychiatric, or vocational evaluation as necessary; provided information about vocational rehabilitation services.Administered, analyzed, and interpreted comprehensive rehabilitation and vocational assessments; determined eligibly for services based on state and federal guidelines.Provided vocational guidance and counseling to consumers and their families.Assisted consumers with job develop, job search, skills training, job placement and follow-up services.Performed comprehensive case management services and accurate case documentation.Built and maintained short and long-term working relationship with local and regional employers to assure quality placement and outcomes.Provided consultation, technical assistance and information to employers regarding issues related to the American’s with Disability Act and job accommodations.

Conducted educational counseling and advised active duty personnel regarding college course work and professional development as it related to their degree plan.Provided information and referral services to active duty members on educational opportunities, military education benefits, utilization of the G.I. Bill, federal financial aid, scholarship and grant opportunities.Monitored education objectives and training records of active duty personnel and ensured they continued to progress towards reaching their desired goals.Coordinated arrangements for semi-annual graduation ceremonies for active duty personnel who obtained a degree through the Community College of the Air forceCertified billing invoices received for 20 community colleges and research any discrepancies in the billing statements submitted.