Senior Services Specialist for the Blind 1

Job Description

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, Independent Living Rehabilitation Teacher.

We are looking for someone who has a positive attitude toward blindness, is passionate about working with a diverse population and individuals at any period of human development, has excellent problem-solving skills, and demonstrates an appreciation for learning and teaching. This is an opportunity to join a team of energetic professionals who enjoy making a difference in the lives of those served. Domicile will take place in Polk County; however, this may be negotiated.

Essential Functions

• Required to complete all training requirements of the Iowa Blindness and Empowerment and Independence Center Training then apply agency philosophy when training Independent Living and Vocational Rehabilitation clients.
• Communicate effectively: Must be able to effectively exchange information and ideas in a way that a message is clearly understood and received whether that be in person, by phone, in groups, video conferencing or through use of any other communication modality.
• Literacy skill: The ability to understand written English text (reading) and to express thoughts and ideas through written words in the English language (writing).
• Use of correct sentence structure: Ability to use correct sentence structure, punctuation, and word spelling.
• Active listener: Ability to engage with what someone then provides proper feedback.
• Emotional Intelligence: Can stay calm under pressure and express feelings in a constructive way.
• Contact Independent Living client referral, and/or guardian then as requested completes a program application, certifies the client for program eligibility, develop and complete planning processes and other related program requirements.
• Assesses the clients’ training needs of Independent Living and Vocational Rehabilitation clients, provide blindness skills training and instruction in the areas of Braille, cane travel, advocacy, home-management, daily living, assistive technology, leisure, group training, and adjustment to blindness counseling.
• Ability to help all clients served develop self-confidence, a positive attitude about their blindness, and achieve success outcomes.
• Case management includes managing the client’s case, authorizing program services and/or aids or devices within the parameters programmatically allowable, collecting specific documentation, information and data related for the client’s record necessary for federal and state statistical data collection.
  
  

Requires a high standard of ethical behavior in the workplace, and in multicultural settings. Examples include Integrity, honesty, respect, responsibility, accountability, and open communications.

Travels statewide to serve individuals who are eligible for Independent Living (IL) program services and for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program services, including students with disabilities who are potentially eligible (PE) for VR services.

Hours

8 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. M-F; schedule may vary with possible with potential for compressed work schedule. Statewide travel and overnight stays required.

Benefits

The State of Iowa offers an outstanding benefits package, including:

• Competitive salary with opportunities for increases.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and nine paid holidays per year.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) pension plan and optional 401A retirement plan with employer contributions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care.
• Employee discounts on wellness programs, recreation, travel, and more.
  
  

Minimum Qualification Requirements

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;

OR

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;

OR

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.