Job Description

Posting number: 26-02987

Department: 131 Iowa Department for the Blind

Job classification: Services Specialist for the Blind 2

Posting type: Open

Categories: Human Services

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 (IDB) is seeking applicants for the position of Services Specialist for the Blind 2/Generalist in the Iowa Orientation Center for the Blind. This person provides small group instruction in nonvisual skills in all subject areas. This person would fill in and teach classes as assigned and plan confidence building activities. This position works with students during some evenings and weekends, working on life skills, as well as out in the community to reinforce nonvisual skills training.

We are looking for someone who will bring a fun and enthusiastic energy to our team. Persons in this position will participate fully in center activities and challenge students to grow and reach their fullest potential. Our programs are based on a positive attitude toward blindness and a belief in the normality and competency of blind people. We know that with proper training and opportunity, blind people can live full, happy, and successful lives.

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Provide individualized, nonvisual instruction to adults in all center classes.
• Provide instruction to several students in a small group format.
• Assist Home Management Instructor in teaching skills of daily living, organizing training area, obtaining groceries. Substitute for other class areas as needed.
• Provide assistance to training center students in evenings and some weekends on the IDB premises. Assist students in preparing meals, learning non-visual techniques for cooking, cleaning, and organizing. Assist new students in grocery shopping, learning to travel to and from the center, to the bank, post office, and various daily living errands that arise.
• Serve as point person during some evenings and weekends for any student needs that may come up.
• Meet with Center Director and student for meetings and check-ins.
• After handing out maintenance checks, student bus passes, and other materials for student classes, write service verified case notes for delivery of these services each month for RSA reporting purposes.
• Demonstrate and promote a positive attitude toward blindness amongst center students.
• Evaluate student progress, set goals, and write progress reports within the case management system.
• Plan and participate fully in all center activities; some weekend student activities required.
• Purchase and maintain classroom supplies.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the agency's philosophy of blindness and the ability to implement this philosophy in work duties.

It is the policy of the Department for the Blind to conduct background checks on all finalist candidates prior to any offer of employment.

All candidates are strongly encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume. For more information, contact Sarah.willeford@blind.state.ia.us

Benefits:

At the State of Iowa, we are committed to your well-being. As a valued team member, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation with accruals that rollover on a yearly basis, sick leave with no limits on accrual and 9 paid holidays per year.
• Great Benefits: Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options.
• Retirement Plan: IPERS Retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan.
• Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care).
• Life Insurance: Free Life Insurance.
• Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our benefits webpage.

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 and experience equal to one year of full-time professional or paraprofessional work in human service fields such as: social services; nursing; personnel; vocational rehabilitation; education; psychology; or intangible sales, interviewing, recruiting, and promotion; recreation, public information, volunteer service for public or private organizations, fund raising, or ministry in a recognized faith or denomination;

graduation from an accredited college university with a major emphasis in library science or liberal arts and at least one year of library work experience;

an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting the equivalent of one year of full-time work experience (as listed above) 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.