Job Description

Posting number: 27-00441

Department: 131 Iowa Department for the Blind

Job classification: Senior Services Specialist for the Blind 1

Posting type: Open

Categories: Human Services, Education, Training & Library

This is a non-merit position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

The Iowa Department for the Blind is seeking a Senior Service Specialist for the Blind to serve as a Retreat Instructor. We are looking for an individual with a strong positive attitude toward blindness, a passion for working with diverse populations across all stages of life, excellent problem-solving abilities, and a genuine commitment to learning and teaching.

This position offers an opportunity to join a team of energetic professionals who are dedicated to empowering individuals through high-quality training and support. The selected candidate will participate in one weeklong retreat and one weekend retreat each month. In addition, this role will assist with planning and delivering the Leadership Education Advocacy Program (LEAP), a summer retreat for young adults held from June through August.
The domicile for this position will be in Polk County, though alternative locations within the service region may be negotiated.

Essential Functions:

Instruction and Communication:

• Ability to work effectively with retreat participants on a wide range of skills, setting clear expectations and tailoring instruction to each individual’s needs. Able to support clients and students in diverse circumstances across the state.

• Demonstrates strong communication skills, conveying information and ideas clearly in person, by phone, in groups, through email, video conferencing, or other communication methods.

• Actively listens, engages with participants, and provides constructive feedback. Shows emotional intelligence, remains calm under pressure, and communicates in a respectful and supportive manner.

• Contacts clients as needed prior to retreats to answer questions and ensure they are prepared.

• Assesses clients’ training needs and provides blindness-skills instruction in Braille, cane travel, advocacy, home management, daily living, assistive technology, leisure activities, group training, and adjustment-to-blindness counseling.

• Supports clients in building self-confidence, developing a positive attitude toward blindness, and achieving meaningful success outcomes.

Logistics and Planning

• Able to work independently and collaboratively during planning and logistics. Communicates updates clearly, asks questions when clarification is needed, completes assigned tasks, and assists team members as appropriate. Strong critical-thinking skills are essential.

• Maintains a high standard of ethical behavior in all environments, including multicultural settings. Demonstrates integrity, honesty, respect, responsibility,

• Travels statewide to serve individuals participating in both youth and adult retreats. Appropriate flex time will be provided for hours worked during retreats.

Benefits of Working for the Iowa Department for the Blind and the State of Iowa:
Employees of the Iowa Department for the Blind enjoy a comprehensive benefits package offered through the State of Iowa. Benefits include:

• Health Insurance: Access to high-quality medical, dental, and vision insurance options at competitive rates.
• Retirement Benefits: Participation in the Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS) with employer contributions, plus optional retirement savings plans.
• Paid Leave: Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible scheduling options, including potential for compressed or adjusted work schedules and work from home opportunities when appropriate.
• Additional Benefits: Life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and other voluntary insurance options.

Working for IDB provides the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of blind Iowans while enjoying the stability, support, and growth opportunities offered by state employment.

E-Verify and Right to Work
The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in human service-oriented sciences, education, marketing or business and experience equal to three years of full time professional work;

the equivalent of three years of full-time experience as a rehabilitation counselor or teacher shall be considered as qualifying provided the employee has successfully completed training to meet the certification criteria established by the agency;

an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting the equivalent of one year of full-time professional work experience for each year of the required education to a maximum substitution of four years.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.