Iowa Department for the Blind
Iowa Department for the Blind logo
Services Specialist for the Blind 2 / Generalist
Location: Des Moines, IA
Salary Minimum: $50,252.80
Job Type: Full-time
Agency: 131 Iowa Department for the Blind
Job Number: 25-00926
Post Close Date: October 27, 2024
Point of Contact: Karly Prinds
To Apply: Applicants are strongly encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume to the online application.
Job Description:
The Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) is seeking applicants for the position of Services Specialist for the Blind 2/Generalist in the Blindness Empowerment and Independence Center. This person provides small group instruction in non-visual skills in all subject areas. This person would fill in and teach classes as assigned and plan confidence building activities. This position works with students during some evenings and weekends at their apartments and out in the community to reinforce non-visual skills training.
We are looking for someone who will bring 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. We know that with proper training and opportunity, blind people can live full, happy, and successful lives.
Duties include but are not limited to the following:
Provide individualized, non-visual instruction to adults in all center classes, including, Home Management, Braille, Technology, Cane Travel, and Wood Shop.
Provide instruction to several students in a small group format.
Assist Home Management Instructor in teaching skills of daily living, organizing training area, and obtaining groceries. Substitute for other class areas as needed.
Provide assistance to training center students at student apartments. 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, the bank, post office, and other daily living errands.
Serve as point person during some evenings and weekends for any student needs that may arise.
Demonstrate and promote a positive attitude toward blindness amongst 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.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
Possesses efficient written and oral communication skills.
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.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
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 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
For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description. (Download PDF reader)
Iowa Department for the Blind
524 Fourth Street
Des Moines, IA 50309-2364
Phone: 515-281-1333
E-mail: information@blind.state.ia.us
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