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Education and Training Division
Location: Des Moines, IA
Salary Minimum: $51,292.80
Salary Maximum: $78,124.80
Job Type: Full-time
Agency: 131 Iowa Department for the Blind
Job Number: 22-01832
Post Close Date: January 10, 2022
Point of Contact: Helen Stevens
To Apply: Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise. Persons who wish to be considered for this position must submit a resume and letter of application 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 an energetic and passionate Cane Travel instructor for its Young Adult Transition Program for blind youth. This position will serve as part of a small team that works closely together. 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. During the summer, this position will work with IDB’s summer program for youth ages 14-21.
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.
- Provide daily Cane Travel and Orientation and Mobility instruction to students enrolled in the Young Adult Transition program.
- Design lesson plans to meet students’ individual needs and the goals on their Individualized Education Programs and Individual Plans for Employment both to be taught directly and for use by other program staff.
- Write monthly and end of program reports and complete bi-weekly IEP progress monitoring.
- Provide daily guidance and direction to summer program staff hired to provide direct instruction to summer program students.
- Provide guidance and support to Youth Services Workers in how they can most effectively support students’ growth and independence in the area of travel.
- Develop curricula, assessments and teaching materials for teaching blind youth.
- 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.
- Serve as a role model for students in the use of nonvisual techniques and problem-solving skills.
- 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
Preferred candidates for this position will possess a state of Iowa Orientation and Mobility teaching license, or the ability to obtain one within two years of employment. There are multiple ways to obtain this certification, and more information can be provided upon request.
It is the policy of the Department for the Blind to conduct background checks on all finalist candidates prior to any offer of employment.
For further information, contact Helen Stevens, 515-829-7411 or helen.stevens@blind.state.ia.us
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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