[Jobs] Director Disability Services, Washington D.C.

[David Andrews]

Director – Department on Disability Services

Mayor Fenty has been given a broad mandate to 
improve city services by the District of Columbia 
voters.  To do so, he seeks exceptional leaders 
to run key agencies, such as the Department on 
Disability Services (DDS).  The Fenty 
administration will employ individuals who 
combine energy, enthusiasm, achievement, and an 
ability to attract and motivate other exceptional 
people.  Backgrounds in either the public or 
private sector, characterized by innovation, 
“outside the box” thinking, and imagination will 
set candidates apart.  A focus on public service 
as “customer service” will be a hallmark of the 
new administration.  In addition, the Fenty 
administration will hold its agency heads 
accountable for achieving targeted 
results.  Respect for the public trust and the 
commensurate integrity are mandatory 
prerequisites.  Years of experience will be 
considered as will responsiveness, aptitude and adaptability.

In 2006, DDS was established as a stand alone 
agency combining the services of the Mental 
Retardation and Developmental Disabilities 
Administration (MRDDA) and the Rehabilitation 
Services Administration (RSA) (both formerly 
housed in the Department of Human Services).  Per 
the Department of Disability Services 
Establishment Act (the Act) the mission of DDS is 
to lead the reform of the District’s 
developmental disabilities and vocational 
rehabilitation service delivery system by 
coordinating the collaborative efforts of 
governmental agencies, contractor providers, 
Medicaid waiver providers, labor, and community 
leaders to improve the care and habilitation services provided to customers.

The Director of DDS shall ensure that District 
laws, regulations, programs, policies, and 
budgets are developed and implemented to promote 
inclusion and integration, independence, 
self-determination, choice, and participation in 
all aspects of community life for individuals 
with disabilities and their 
families.  Additionally, the Director shall 
establish quality standards, rules, and policies 
for all services and supports, including Medicaid-funded services.

The DDS Director will report directly to the 
Mayor; and candidates must hold at least a 
master’s degree or its equivalent in human 
services, clinical services, human service 
management, public administration, social work, 
or a related field; and possess: (1) demonstrated 
knowledge of current best-practice policies, 
programs, services, and support systems for 
individuals with disabilities; (2) familiarity 
with local and federal funding streams supporting 
services to people with disabilities;  (3) 
experience in managing human service programs; 
and (4) experience in litigation management.

The Director of DDS should also be prepared to 
overcome certain challenges currently facing the 
department.  These challenges include managing 
internal organizational difficulties; recruiting 
qualified staff; building collaborative 
relationships with other governmental agencies; 
and motivating employees around a strategic 
objective.  Additionally, these challenges exist 
in the context of an on-going lawsuit (originally 
filed in 1976) that necessitates improvements 
within the agency be achieved in the near term.

Salary and Residency Requirement
The Director of the Department on Disability 
Services is an E5 employee with a salary range of 
$118,651-$179,096.  The incumbent must be a 
resident of the District of Columbia or be 
willing to become a resident within six months of his/her appointment.



Application Instructions
Interested candidates should forward a resume and 
cover letter via email to 
<mailto:carter.hewgley at dc.gov>carter.hewgley at dc.gov 
by February 28, 2007.  Applications may also be forwarded to:

Office of the City Administrator
Attn: Carter Hewgley
2000 14th Street NW
8th Floor
Washington, DC 20009



David Andrews and white cane Harry.