John Robinson's Blog, page 36
October 24, 2016
Kids with Autism Get Help from Exceptional Minds
For young people who are identified as being on the autism spectrum, growing into adulthood can present unique challenges. However, people with autism can possess special talents. Madeline Petti is an example of how Exceptional Minds, a visual effects animation studio in Hollywood, California, helps students with autism seek and reach their full potential. “I want…
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October 7, 2016
New York State Weekly Job Posting October 6, 2016
The State of New York is working with Our Ability to build a talented and diverse pool of candidates for various current and upcoming state government positions. Interested candidates for any of these positions should submit their resume with the description of the job posting to info@ourability.com.
Candidates considered for any of these positions will be required to complete financial disclosure forms.
Energy Research and Development Authority, (NYSERDA)
Project Manager, NY-Sun
Job code: 411 Location: Albany or NYC
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Experience in the solar industry and awareness of the Photo Voltaic supporting organizations
• A bachelor’s degree plus 3 years of energy and/or industrial sector experience. Graduate degree preferred, particularly with a policy or energy background
• Strong project management skills with the ability to set priorities, collect and document project requirements, successfully handle multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Proven experience with or knowledge of one or more of the following:
o New York State energy policy and solar programs and incentives
o Policy research and writing
o PV installation processes and financials
• Knowledge of planning, zoning and permitting issues at a local level is preferred
• Demonstrated problem solving ability with a proactive and collaborative style that works well in teams
• Superior oral and written communication and presentation skills, along with a demonstrated ability to develop relationships with key stakeholder groups
Energy Research and Development Authority, (NYSERDA)
Project Coordinator, Large-Scale Renewables
Job code: 410 Location: Albany
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• An associate’s degree and relevant experience as described below
• Strong database management skills
• Proficiency in technical writing/editing skills
• Ability to efficiently manage the project administration process and the communications between the various stakeholders
• Ability to collect and document project requirements and successfully handle multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Must be detail oriented with a high degree of accuracy in all duties
• Superior organizational, time management and interpersonal skills
• Excellent computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, etc.)
• Must be a self-starter and function well independently and in teams
Energy Research and Development Authority, (NYSERDA)
Project Manager, Large-Scale Renewables
Job code: 408 Location: Albany or NYC
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• A bachelor’s degree and 5 years of progressively increasing responsibility and experience in areas of data gathering, data management, analysis, and reporting/presentation of data; experience in performance management principles is a plus
• Excellent analytical and data presentation/visualization skills. Proficiency in Excel and facility with Tableau or other similar data visualization tools
• Experience articulating functional requirements for databases or other enterprise systems used to support reporting and performance management
• Attention to detail, including data quality and accuracy
• Excellent problem solving skills; ability to anticipate obstacles and develop plans to resolve them
• Experience with project management methods, processes, standards, and tools
• High level of energy and enthusiasm with the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced settingPreference will be given to those individuals who possess:
• An advanced degree and experience in areas such as: energy pricing, energy marketing (purchases and sales), energy contracting, renewable electricity generation, renewable energy markets, and emissions trading and accounting
• Proficiency in technical writing
• Experience with Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) programs
Energy Research and Development Authority, (NYSERDA)
Project Manager, Large-Scale Renewables
Job code: 407 Location: Albany or NYC
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• A bachelor’s degree and 5 years’ experience working actively in one or more areas relating to Large Scale Renewables markets such as:
o energy markets
o project finance or financial analysis
o energy service company or utility operations
o state or national policy design and implementation
• Increasingly responsible experience working in the energy sector with a demonstrated record of success & familiarity with large-scale renewable market development
• Knowledge of and insight into the renewable energy markets; an advanced understanding of end-user market actors, economics and impediments
• Demonstrated experience in one or more areas of project management such as:
o outside contractor management
o economic analysis
o contract management involving budgeting, reporting and invoicing
• Demonstrated ability to develop relationships with key stakeholder groups including the end user/ratepayer community and governmental agencies at the Federal and State level
• Excellent presentation and interpersonal skills that resonate with audiences of different backgrounds; the ability to present clear and actionable information persuasively, concisely and unambiguously in speech and in writing
• Ability to foster and contribute to a culture of excellence grounded in people, learning, problem solving, and teamwork
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Office products such as Excel, PowerPoint and Word
Preference will be given to those individuals who possess:
• An advanced degree and experience in areas such as: utility operations, energy pricing, energy contracting, renewable electricity generation, renewable energy markets, and renewable project development
• Experience with Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) programs
Energy Research and Development Authority, (NYSERDA)
Project Manager, Large-Scale Renewables
Job code: 409 Location: Albany
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• A bachelor’s degree and 5 years’ experience working in the evolving energy and/or commodity markets or similar market areas
• Demonstrated experience in one or more areas of project management such as:
o outside contractor management
o economic analysis
o contract management involving budgeting, reporting and invoicing
• Advanced skills with Microsoft office products such as Excel, PowerPoint and Word, along with strong written and verbal communication skillsPreference will be given to those individuals who possess:
• An advanced degree and experience in areas such as: energy pricing, energy marketing (purchases and sales), energy contracting, renewable electricity generation, renewable energy markets, and emissions trading and accounting
• Experience with Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) programs and voluntary retail electric markets
October 6, 2016
New York State Weekly Job Posting September 29, 2016
The State of New York is working with Our Ability to build a talented and diverse pool of candidates for various current and upcoming state government positions. Interested candidates for any of these positions should submit their resume with the description of the job posting to info@ourability.com.
Candidates considered for any of these positions will be required to complete financial disclosure forms.
Empire State Development
Sr. Director – Finance Location: NYC
Minimum Qualifications: Education Level required: Bachelor Degree in Finance, Accounting or Business Administration (MBA a plus).
Relevant experience required: Minimum 7+ years’ of work experience in finance, accounting, treasury, budgeting, contracts, procurement, risk management or related experience. Public sector experience a plus.
Knowledge required: Strong knowledge of treasury, finance, accounting, budgets, procurement and contracts. Excellent computer skills and strong expertise in various software applications. Outstanding oral and written communication skills. Ability to work with all levels of management and as a team player.
Empire State Development
SVP, Chief Marketing Officer Location: NYC
Minimum Qualifications: Education Level required: BA required, Advanced Marketing degree preferred
Relevant experience required: Brand Marketing, B to B marketing experience at a company, advertising agency or branding company
Knowledge required: Marketing Strategy, Branding, Advertising production, Social media, Media planning
Empire State Development
Director, Entrepreneurial Assistance Program Location: NYC
Minimum Qualifications: Education level required (education required for this position): College degree and/or training in public administration related to business development, bank lending, real estate financing and/or accounting.
Equivalent Experience required (include no. of years required): 5-6 years experience in some combination of micro business development, not-for-profit organization, entrepreneurship training and public sector.
Knowledge and Special Required: Awareness of ESD and other public funding programs, excellent communication and negotiation skills, excellent organizational skills, Excellent people and group coordination skills a must, Computer skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access
Children and Family Services, Office of (OCFS)
Youth Facility Director 3, Location: Ella McQueen Reception Center (Kings County)
Minimum Qualifications:
One year of experience as a Youth Facility Assistant Director 3, M-1 or Youth Facility Director 1, M-1.
OR – OCFS Experience
One year of professional experience at G-26/M-2 or above; or two years of professional experience at G-24/M-1; or three years of experience at G-23 or above; or a satisfactory equivalent combination of the above experience. Qualifying experience must have been gained in a facility-based position, or in a central office position having substantial responsibility for the support of OCFS operated residential programs.
OR – NYS Experience – Non-OCFS
One year of professional experience at G-28/M-3 or above; or two years of professional experience at G-26/M-2 or above; or three years of professional experience at G-24/M-1 or above. Qualifying experience must have been gained in a facility-based position, or in a central office position having substantial responsibility for the support of residential programs. Two years of the required experience must have included responsibility for the supervision of professional staff.
OR Non-State Experience
Bachelor’s Degree and seven years’ experience must have been gained in the overall administration of a care/custody facility for adult correctional, juvenile justice, mental health or forensic mental health clientele. Qualifying experience must have been gained in a facility-based position having substantial responsibility for the support of residential programs. Two years of the required experience must have included responsibility for the supervision of professional staff.
September 28, 2016
New York State Listing of Vacancies of Executive Positions and for Boards and Commissions
The State of New York is working with Our Ability to build a talented and diverse pool of candidates for various current and upcoming state government positions. Interested candidates for any of these positions should submit their resume with the description of the job posting to info@ourability.com.
Candidates considered for any of these positions will be required to complete financial disclosure forms.
Listings Subject to change: CONFIDENTIAL
AGENCY Location
Aging, Director Albany
Authorities Budget Office, Director Albany
Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Albany
Justice Center, Executive Director Albany
Office of People with Developmental Disabilities < Commissioner Albany
JOBS
Deputy Secretary, Economic Development, Executive Chamber
Assistant Secretary, Economic Development, Executive Chamber
Deputy Secretary, Energy, Executive Chamber
Deputy Secretary, Transportation, Executive Chamber
Lottery Director Gaming/Albany
First Deputy Medicaid Inspector General Albany
General Counsel, Department of Motor Vehicles Albany
General Counsel, Department of Transportation Albany
Assistant Counsel, Gaming Albany
Assistant Counsel, Justice Center Albany
Administrative Assistant – various NYC/Albany
MAJOR BOARDS
Battery Park City (2) $260 per diem
Gaming Commission $300 per diem
SONYMA unpaid
State Athletic Commission unpaid
Public Service Commission Paid/Full Time Position
Power Authority (2 seats) unpaid
SUNY Construction Fund unpaid
DASNY unpaid
MTA unpaid
September 6, 2016
Allison Jones Selected as U.S. Flag Bearer for Rio 2016 Paralympic Games
RIO DE JANERIO, Brazil – Today U.S. Paralympics, a division of the United States Olympic Committee, announced that cyclist Allison Jones (Colorado Springs, Colorado) has been selected as the flag bearer to represent the U.S. Paralympic Team at the Opening Ceremony for the 2016 Paralympic Games. The ceremony will take place on September 7 at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Jones, who will lead the 289-member U.S. Team, was chosen by a vote of fellow Team USA athletes.
“Being able to consider ending my Paralympic career with this honor is just amazing,” said Jones. “Only one person gets chosen out of almost 300 hundred athletes on the team. That enough people believed in me, my story and my legacy, it’s just a real honor.”
Jones, who was born without her right femur, has been active in sport her entire life. A cyclist and alpine skier, the Rio Games are an impressive eighth for the dual-sport Paralympian. Jones has won eight Paralympic medals throughout her career thus far; London 2012 was her most successful Games, as she won gold in the individual time trial, and bronze in the 3km pursuit on the velodrome and in the road race. With that gold in London, Jones is amongst the very few athletes who have won gold at both a summer and winter Paralympic Games.
“The Opening Ceremony is just an amazing experience,” said Jones. “To walk into a stadium full of people who are there for you – they are there to cheer you on – it’s an awe-inspiring moment. You mean something not just as an individual but on behalf of the movement, to me it’s something that can never been replicated.”
The Opening Ceremony will be shown on NBCSN from 7-10 p.m. E.T.
Visit USParalympics.org/Rio2016 for more information on Team USA at the Paralympic Games, including athlete bios, team history and links to competition schedules. Follow the U.S. Paralympic team on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
United States Olympic Committee
1 Olympic Plaza
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
July 20, 2016
Focusing on the Abilities of Employees Earns Sodexo Double Recognition
By Autumn Anderson, Sodexo Employment Brand Sourcing Manager
At Sodexo, we talk a lot about diversity and inclusion, why it’s critical for our success as a company and how we’re constantly evolving to create more supportive environments for all employees.
The past couple of months have been especially exciting for me – both as a member of the Talent Acquisition team, but also as the Co-Communications Chair for the Sodexo Organization for disAbilities Resources (SOAR) – as we have been recognized for our efforts to recruit and hire people with disabilities by not one, but two different organizations!
First, DiversityInc ranked Sodexo #6 in their list of Top 9 Companies for People with Disabilities.
Then, Sodexo was named a recipient of the 2016 Leading Disability Employer Seal™, awarded by the National Organization on Disability (NOD) to recognize companies that demonstrate exemplary hiring and employment practices for people with disabilities.
While it may not be obvious to all, Sodexo managers are constantly working behind the scenes to do things like:
Develop partnerships with local organizations that help them identify and hire employees who may feel it is too challenging or overwhelming to find meaningful work on their own
Participate in trainings like The Voice, which educates them on how to become an ally for people with disabilities and provides ideas on low or no cost accommodations
Attend internal events, like the recently launched SOAR “Perspectives on Disabilities” panels, to learn best practices for communicating with and managing employees with all types of disabilities
In addition to hiring frontline and hourly employees with disabilities, our corporate Talent Acquisition team actively works to make our management-level jobs accessible and inviting to everyone.
From making sure the closed captioning is accurate on our career videos to adding alt text to the images on our careers blog for those using a screen-reader, these are just a few examples of how we are making it a priority to be inclusive and accommodative from the get-go – before we even receive an application or schedule an interview.
As with anything, our work in this area is never done. Each year, we aim to progress in our efforts to inspire people of all abilities to consider Sodexo for the next step in their career and to help those who have already joined us be able to grow and thrive with our team.
To learn more about disability employment at Sodexo, visit our careers blog for firsthand stories and more!
July 7, 2016
Days 9 and 10 – Great Events and Strong Challenges – #JourneytoWork
By John Robinson Days 9 and 10 – #JourneytoWork
Wednesday started out in picturesque Little Falls. It is beautiful in Little Falls when you leave the village along the path. You are rolling in between two rock formations for at least a mile. It is a very cool and soothing area to cycle through.
It was a bittersweet day on Wednesday. We had beautiful weather and wonderful friends with us, but it’s the first day since year one that Doug could not ride. I found myself respecting 
how much I enjoy and rely upon having a friend, colleague and hand cyclist to share our Journey. He was under the weather, and I understand how much he missed the opportunity to bike on Wednesday. We also had two flat tires – both Anthony and Trish had suffered tire malfunctions during the day. Anthony’s was more severe – unable to finish the final 10 miles. Thankfully, Trish had her flat tire with one mile to go and she was able to limp in.
It was a brutally hot day Wednesday. And, we forgot how soft the trail is between Little Falls and Canajoharie. It is indescribable on how hard it is to push my hand cycle through the soft path.
We had many positives. We we crossed the 300 mile mark! We enjoyed great company, listened to Owen’s friend Nate play the guitar and we ended the day with Karen’s Ice Cream just outside of Amsterdam. All in all it was a long, hot and bittersweet 42 miles.
Thursday proved to be an amazing day – with some extra challenges at the end. We had a wonderful event with Liberty ARC. We met many of our friends we’ve seen in years past and celebrated with nearly 200 people seeing us off for the day. We had more riders than at any point to date. Again, we were joined by people from Saratoga Bridges, Schenectady Arc, Liberty Arc as well as our good friend Matt from Helen Hayes Adaptive Sport. We left Amsterdam with the sheriffs escort to the county border. This was wonderful treat by Liberty. Liberty is a great example of employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. NYSID was on hand as well, and it’s great to be able to share our cooperative message of employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. We could not do this Journey to create employment opportunities without the help of NYSID!
We had an equally exciting and important event and Price Chopper/Market32 headquarters at noon. We have found great friends with Price Chopper/Market 32 over the years and will continue to work with them to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities!
As we left this wonderful event, Doug Hamlin lost his break cable again. On the first day in Buffalo he had a similar repair. We called Freeman’s Bridge Sports who fixed his cable. There are so many wonderful bike shops along the canal, and it does not end with the wonderful bike shops in the capital region!
We now have 18 miles to go to Albany!
July 6, 2016
Day 9 Blog – Three Friends Perspective – #JourneytoWork
By Laura Empie, Leah Giodano and Lisa Alexander
New Bikes – Old Friends
Our journey began on Wednesday, June 29th as we joined Doug and John during their first week of their bike ride from Buffalo to
Albany. Laura, Leah and Lisa all returned for another year – but this time with new bicycles! We were so inspired by our incredible journey last year that we tossed away a borrowed bike, an old mountain bike and, what one of our daughter’s fondly refers to as, a “mom bike”! We believed, with our updated equipment and our new knowledge of bike repair and maintenance, we were ready to meet the “Journey Along the Erie Canal” challenge for 2016!
Very quickly we saw that while our cycling abilities had improved tremendously as we pedaled down the same old trail, what remained constant and unchanging from the previous year was the fulfillment and pride of riding side by side with John and Doug (and at times behind, trying to keep up!) Their endurance and forever optimistic and effervescent personalities inspired us, as did the bikers that came out to meet us from various facilities along the way throughout the 100+ miles we road along the Erie Canal.
Our new knowledge and the advice given to us by the more experienced riders about tire changes, quick handling turns, best seat and feet positions and height, which gears for hills and which gears to use for coasting, was rewarding. However, again, what we always came back to was John and Doug and how successful they both are in meeting the challenges they face every day. They don’t reject their disabilities, they accept them and overcome them and both have incredible abilities! What keeps them motivated as we travel along the Canal path? Perhaps it’s the friends and family 
companionship, the good weather, Steve providing safety support with the truck, Trish with her steadfast trail and bike knowledge guiding us, Heidi riding as point guard, Anthony always popping up to grab a photo or that they are able to inspire those we meet along the trail? We may never know the extent, but we have a greater appreciation for all abilities.
Being a part of this whole incredible group of devoted friends and family members certainly provided us with a lot of laughs, an opportunity to develop new friendships, showed us how natural public speaking could be and left us with feelings of pride and accomplishment! We brought new bikes but covered the same old trail with two men who showed us what is really important. Thank you John and Doug for again including us in your adventure! L…L…L
July 4, 2016
The Longest Day and Inspiration on Journey 2016
By Doug Hamlin – Day 7 – The Longest Day with early inspiration.
Today we had the privilege to ride with Nichole Hastings for the first seven of our 42 miles to Lock 20 in Utica. I met Nichole last
summer when I spoke at the ADA 25th Anniversary celebration. Nichole was gracious enough to say that I inspired her to work toward joining Journey 2016. Well, today she inspired me. Nichole has cerebral palsy, which does not slow her down a bit. She met us at 6:00am and was the star of the live shot on the early WSTM news. Then she led us off the starting block and down the trail. Thanks Nichole – you are OUR inspiration.
Later – down the road, Lisa suffered a flat tire requiring some mid-ride mechanics, but she recovered quickly. The trail was tough in spots for John and Doug with lots of stone dust and grass, but we powered through and were rewarded with some well deserved paved downhill!
All-in-all, a long day, but the annual 8 miles of “mosquitoville” was thankfully mosquito free!
We arrived at Lock 20 where Steve provided a cake to celebrate Andrea’s birthday – Happy Birthday Andrea!!
July 3, 2016
Day 6 to Chittenango and a Day of Rest!
Day 6 of the Journey: Warners Rd. to Chittenango – 24 miles.
Day 7, the day of rest…
It was wonderful riding on Saturday with gorgeous sunny skies and cooler temps. We started out early with our usual crew plus 
Pam’s friends Sandy and Jeff Pine and Sharon Roegiers, our long time friend from Rochester. Scott McClurg led us through Syracuse again, which is very helpful navigating the streets and traffic. We have never gone through Syracuse on a Saturday and I was really pleased to see so many people honk and wave from their cars.
Heidi McGough, my sister, started the day by showing everyone how to ride her Eliptigo in the parking lot, such fun. Heidi is riding the whole trail with us this year and I feel honored to have this time to spend with her. This is more time for us together since we were teenagers. The beginning of the day we rode through Syracuse from end to end. Downtown Syracuse is always really special and we think of our time that we lived here. I love the downtown area with the fountain. The second half of the day we are back on canal and we always see many turtles and birds, it is a very pretty section.
After the ride we had a get together at the Hamlin’s on Skaneateles Lake -a perfect end to a great day.
Sunday, July 3rd, was our day off. Sharon and I went for a run around Song Lake with Leah. Lisa and Laura, the other 2 L’s were 
supposedly riding their bikes but we only saw them once. We spent the afternoon and evening enjoying the company of our friends and family.
This bike ride is very special. Every year that we come out here we have the opportunity to connect with new friends and old. I am always amazed at the wonderful folks we meet from the communities. We have friends from different programs in the community and the people who live along the path. All are special. We all share a common goal, no matter who you are you want to strive to reach your full potential. We have already met so many great people it is hard to imagine what the next week will bring. I’m sure the next 5 days will be just as awesome as the last 6. Some day, I know John and I will look back at these rides with pride and amazement at the time we had.
