Services Specialist Blind​/Generalist

Services Specialist for the Blind 2/Generalist

In this non‑merit position, the Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) seeks a Services Specialist for the Blind 2/Generalist to work in the Iowa Orientation Center for the Blind. The individual will provide small‑group instruction in nonvisual skills across all subject areas, fill in and teach assigned classes, and plan confidence‑building activities. The role requires evening and weekend work with students, life‑skills instruction, and community outreach to reinforce nonvisual training.

We are looking for someone who brings 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. With proper training and opportunity, blind people can live full, happy, and successful lives.

• 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 daily‑living skills, organizing training area, obtaining groceries, and 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 students 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 among 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.
• Have 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 Center Director, Karly Prinds at k arly.prindste.ia.us.

• 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.

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 (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

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

OR 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.