vending facility Business consultant

basic purpose:

Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities related to assisting persons who are blind to become self-supporting, useful members of society by helping them to become successful business owners. Plans and implements a program pertaining to the establishment and operation of vending facilities by the blind and visually impaired.

Typical functions:

The functions within this job family will vary by level, but may include the following:

· Advises and consults on a continuing basis with persons who are Licensed Blind Managers in all aspects of good business practices, such as: physical management, financial management, human resources management, marketing management and daily operations of a vending facility.

· Promotes business opportunities for the blind and visually impaired by seeking new locations for vending facilities, snack bars, cafes, cafeterias and vending machines in government and private buildings; negotiates agreements or contracts on proposed new locations with property owners.

· Plans and draws blueprints for layouts of vending facilities; conducts feasibility studies; designs necessary equipment; writes complete specifications covering construction, layout and equipment for vending facilities; prepares all necessary information on equipment and vending facility construction for the letting of bids.

· Instructs blind and visually impaired vendors in servicing, minor repairs, adjustments and preventative maintenance of vending machines and related vending facilities equipment; assists vendors by arranging the necessary repairs to refrigerated and non-refrigerated vending machines and related vending facility equipment.

· Supervises the training of blind and visually impaired vendor trainees in the operation and maintenance of a vending facility; instructs in how to comply with state and federal food preparation laws; provides elementary training on purchasing, vending routes, displaying and marketing a variety of vendor food items in snack bars and cafeterias.

· Assists vendors in the purchasing of initial stock and obtaining the necessary insurance coverage, permits and licenses; advises operators on display of merchandise and other appropriate sales techniques.

· Provides documentation and completes reports detailing facility compliance with rules and regulations.

LEVEL DESCRIPTOR:

This job family consists of two levels of work which are distinguished by the depth and breadth of accountability and the level of responsibility assigned for providing direction and leadership in administering assigned programs or activities

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Level I Code: K31A Salary Band: H

This is the entry level where employees are assigned responsibilities for performing entry level duties providing basic business consultant services to persons who are blind. Consultants at this level provide basic financial and business management instruction to vendors in the Business Enterprise Program. Consultants at this level provide instruction on the basic upkeep and repair of vending equipment. At this level employees are assigned responsibilities which are limited in size and/or scope involving the supervision, direction, management, coordination or implementation of the Business Enterprise Program.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required include knowledge of the principles and practices of small business management; of retail merchandising, sales and bookkeeping; of the operation and maintenance of vending equipment; of blueprint interpretation; and of report writing. Ability is required to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to advise operators in the use of modern business techniques; and to communicate effectively.

Education and Experience requirements consist of three years of experience in the operation of vending facilities, snack bars, cafes or cafeterias; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting the completion of thirty semester hours of college course work including six hours in business administration or hotel and restaurant administration for each year of the required experience.

Level II Code: K31B Salary Band: I

This is the career level where employees are assigned responsibilities for performing a full range of duties at the full performance level providing business consultant services to persons who are blind. Consultants at this level provide extensive business, financial and management instruction for vendors in the Business Enterprise Program.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level consist of those identified in Level I plus the ability to develop a formal business plan with consumers. Knowledge of business plan development and business consultation practices is necessary to effectively serve consumers in this program. Consultants at this level will also need to be proficient in the use of computer aided design/drafting (CADD) software or a comparable professional design and drafting program. Skill in using this software is needed to facilitate the layout and design of ergonomically efficient vending stands and work areas.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level I plus two years of additional experience as a Vending Facility Business Consultant.