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Education and Training Division
Location: Des Moines, IA
Salary Minimum: $50,731.20
Salary Maximum: $77,272.00
Job Type: Full-time
Agency: 131 Iowa Department for the Blind
Job Number: 21-02263
Post Close Date: March 28, 2021
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 the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.
The Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) is seeking four energetic and passionate teachers for its new Young Adult Transition Program for blind youth. Ideal candidates will possess a strong teaching ability and a belief in the capacity of blind persons. 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. Primary areas of instruction will include career exploration, literacy, orientation and mobility, technology and independent living skills. Each teacher will be assigned specific areas of focus. During the summer, teachers will work with IDB's summer program for youth ages 14-21 teaching the same subjects as during the school year.
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.
Teach students to read and write contracted braille, travel using the long white cane, and utilize access technology including smart phones and computers with screen reading software.
Work with students to explore potential career paths, develop job readiness skills, and participate in volunteer and paid work-based learning experiences.
Serve as a role model for students in the use of nonvisual techniques and problem-solving skills.
Develop curricula, assessments and teaching materials for teaching blind youth in areas such as literacy, orientation and mobility, career exploration, money management, self-advocacy, and independent living.
Work with students and their families, IEP teams, vocational rehabilitation counselors, case workers and others as appropriate to assist each student in planning for his/her next steps after completion of the program. Develop individualized goals for each student. Assist students in advocating for their wants and needs. Assist students in learning how to utilize supports as needed without giving up their independence and self-autonomy. Assist students in transitioning to college, the IDB Orientation Center and/or community living as appropriate.
Document student progress through monthly, quarterly and end of program reports. Measure students' progress toward their goals on an on-going basis through the use of data and rubrics. Collaborate with other 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
- Read and write contracted braille
- Teach clients to utilize the contracted braille code proficiently; including the use of
- English grammar, spelling and sentence structure.
- Independently travel (using a long white cane under sleep shades)
- Teach clients to travel using a long white cane
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 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. (Download PDF reader)
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