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Education and Training Division
Location: Des Moines, IA
Salary Minimum: $35,464.00
Salary Maximum: $51,833.60
Job Type: Full-time
Agency: 131 Iowa Department for the Blind
Job Number: 21-01054
Post Close Date: November 9, 2020
Pointe of Contact: Helen Stevens
To Apply: For consideration please submit your resume, and cover letter to Helen Stevens Education and Training Director Iowa Department for the Blind 524 4th Street Des Moines, IA 50309-2364 helen.stevens@blind.state.ia.us
Job Description:
This is a non-merit position with the Iowa Department for the Blind. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section.
Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of t
The Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) is seeking four energetic and passionate Youth Services Workers for its new Young Adult Transition Program for blind youth. Ideal candidates will possess a belief in the capacity of blind persons, patients, and the ability to connect with and motivate youth. IDB can provide training in the specific blindness skills areas listed if needed.
The Young Adult Transition Program is a school-year based program for youth who have finished high school, but who need additional instruction in order to participate in post-secondary learning and employment opportunities. Youth Services workers will primarily work with students on their independent living and social skills. During the summer, these positions will work with IDB's summer program for youth ages 14-21.
These positions will be expected to work Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM during initial staff training and for some agency meetings and ongoing professional development training. Individual Youth Services Worker's schedules will then be set with the Program Administrator to provide appropriate coverage to meet students' needs. Work hours will primarily consist of evenings and weekends to work with students outside of classes.
Monitor student behavior and the students' living areas. Provide appropriate supervision to ensure student safety.
Document student progress through monthly and end of program reports. Collaborate with program staff and supervisor to address student needs and concerns.
Promote a positive philosophy of blindness through involvement in trainings and community outreach events for parents, educators and other service providers as directed.
Duties and responsibilities to include the following:
- Provide Workplace Readiness, Self-Advocacy and Disability-Related skills training to blind youth in comprehensive residential training programs such as the Young Adult Transition Program and LEAP Program.
- Work with students on increasing their independent living skills in areas such as developing and managing their morning and evening routines, managing personal hygiene, maintaining clean and organized living spaces, completing laundry and other common household tasks, shopping for groceries and other needed items and planning and preparing their own meals.
- Support student learning through providing supplemental braille, technology, cane travel and money management instruction, in particular by working with students to utilize these skills in their daily lives outside the classroom.
- Facilitate students' development of age-appropriate social skills through recreational activities on and off campus. Assist students in traveling to and participating in activities in the community. Reinforce proper cane technique and other nonvisual skills during these activities.
- Serve as a role model for students in the use of nonvisual techniques and problem-solving skills.
- Monitor student behavior and the students' living areas. Provide appropriate supervision to ensure student safety.
- Document student progress through monthly and end of program reports. Collaborate with program staff and supervisor to address student needs and concerns.
- Promote a positive philosophy of blindness through involvement in trainings and community outreach events for parents, educators and other service providers as directed.
Essential functions of this position:
- Demonstrate and promote a positive philosophy of blindness
- Actively participate in program activities
- Communicate regularly with program leaders regarding student needs and concerns
- Document student progress through regular written reports
- Actively monitor student behavior and living areas
- Clearly document incidents related to students' health and safety
- Travel using the long white cane under sleep shades in order to provide appropriate guidance and instruction to students when traveling
- Read and write contracted braille to provide guidance and feedback to students developing their braille skills
It is the policy of the Department for the Blind to conduct background checks on all finalist candidates prior to any offer of employment.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Graduation from high school or G.E.D.;
OR
experience equal to two years of full-time work in a youth service program working directly in the treatment of adjudicated, at risk, or other youths needing service or assistance. For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description (Download PDF reader) and minimum qualifications.
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