This is a non-merit position with the Iowa Department for the Blind. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section.  

The Iowa Department for the Blind is seeking an energetic, flexible, and enthusiastic professional to manage our Orientation Center and oversee our facilities and maintenance staff. This individual will serve as part of our agency leadership team.
 
 An ideal candidate will:

• Have understanding of and experience in administering and facilitating a structured discovery adjustment to blindness training center and/or teaching in such a center. 
• Possess the ability to supervisor the work of Maintenance staff. 
• Have excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Enjoy working with people and helping people to grow.
• Have the ability to solve problems in creative and cost-effective ways.
• Be interested in continuous improvement and possess a growth mindset.
• Have a general understanding of building maintenance, remodeling, and repair. 
• Have excellent project management skills.
• Have the ability to get dedication, teamwork, and quality work product from a team.
• Possess the ability to work as part of a team and communicate with colleagues and supervisor.
• Be excited by challenges and opportunities for growth.
• Have a positive attitude toward blindness and the ability to motivated and inspire center students to obtain a positive attitude toward blindness.
• Have a passion for empowering blind Iowans to be gainfully employed and live independently.

 Primary job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Administer, coordinate, and facilitate the activities of the Adult Orientation and Adjustment Center and Maintenance. Remain on call twenty-four hours a day. Help the Center maintain a positive atmosphere throughout the sensitive rehabilitation process, and facilitate programming so that an optimal level of rehabilitation training can take place. Supervise the work duties of Maintenance staff so that a clean, safe, and secure environment is maintained for IDB staff, students, and visitors.
• Provide direct counseling to students about blindness and related issues, including the use and development of alternative techniques of blindness. Coordinate counseling provided to students by other staff. Recommend outside counseling to students through community resources, if necessary. Conduct group blindness issue discussions attended by all students to discuss problems and issues connected with blindness. Develop and teach other classes, including a college seminar, to students, as needed.  Evaluate training curricula regularly and make updates as needed.
• In conjunction with Center staff, develop, coordinate, and administer training for students. Consult with staff when necessary to evaluate and meet the individual needs of students. Evaluate student attitude and progress through personal observation and discussions with individual students. Discuss each student’s progress and attitude with Center staff as needed. Advise Director of any significant problems. Advise Center staff of needed actions and delegate responsibilities for effective service delivery and support. Read monthly student progress reports submitted by staff.
• Attend management and supervisory meetings and actively participate as a member of supervisory and management teams to plan and implement policies and actions that affect the agency's overall performance. Be conversant with all aspects of the Department's programs, philosophy, and culture. Represent the perspective of the Orientation Center and Maintenance in management decisions, and help coordinate Center programs and Maintenance activities with those of other divisions. Carry out any projects and assignments made by the Director.
• Ensure IDB facilities are clean and safe. 
• Ensure building mechanical systems function properly and receive needed maintenance and upkeep.
• Provide supervision for Orientation Center and maintenance staff and assist other managers in dealing with personnel issues.

IDB requires a background check before any offer of employment.  Submission of a cover letter is very strongly recommended.