Services Specialist for the Blind 2 / Independent Living Skills CoordinatorLocation: Des Moines, IA Salary Minimum: $50,252.80Job Type: Full-timeAgency: 131 Iowa Department for the BlindJob Number: 25-01010Post Close Date: November 8, 2024Point of Contact: Ambrose Ball-HarneyTo Apply: Applicants are strongly encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume to the online application.Job Description:This is a non-merit position, 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 Instructor for its Young Adult Transition Program (YATP) for blind youth.This role will allow you to assist youth grow in their empowerment and self-advocacy, in particular their independent living skills. Ideal candidates will possess a belief in the capacity of blind persons, strong organization and time management skills, the ability to clearly communicate plans verbally and in writing, and the ability to connect with and motivate youth. IDB can provide training in the specific blindness skills areas listed if needed. Experience teaching blindness skills, writing or following IEPs, or teaching others to self-advocate is strongly preferred but not required. The Young Adult Transition Program is a school-year-based residential program for youth ages 17-21 who have finished high school, but who need additional instruction in order to participate in post-secondary learning and employment opportunities.The YATP team consists of three Vocational Rehabilitation Teachers who teach braille/technology, orientation and mobility, and career exploration classes. 4 Youth Services workers who work with students on their personal care, cooking/cleaning, and social skills in the IDB dorms, during community activities, and during volunteer and paid work experiences.The Independent Living Skills instructor will coordinate the independent living skills component of the program to ensure that students are progressing toward their Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Vocational Rehabilitation goals. This will include direct teaching, as well as writing lesson plans for Youth Services Workers and collaborating with them on their instruction. During the summer, the YATP team, along with temporary employees hired for the summer, run IDB’s summer program for youth ages 14-21. This position will initially work Monday through Friday, 8 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. for staff training. After training, work hours will typically consist of day, some evening, and possibly 1 weekend a month. The exact schedule will be set by the program administrator. Duties and responsibilities to include the following:Coordinate the independent living skills component of YATP and LEAP by writing lesson plans for Youth Services Workers and tracking student progress toward long-term IEP goals. Select specific goals for each student to focus on each month and produce written monthly reports on student growth and concerns.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 (YATP) 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 non-visual techniques and problem-solving skills.Work with students to develop their own systems and strategies to ensure that they are moving towards empowerment and independence.Manage the supplies needed for YATP, LEAP, and weekend retreat programming. Track the supplies in inventory and facilitate the purchase of new supplies as needed.Plan group activities: Connect individual students with community groups and activities that align with their interests; create opportunities to develop students' social skills and self-confidence.Promote a positive philosophy of blindness through involvement in trainings and community outreach events for parents, educators and other service providers as directed.Other duties as assigned. Essential functions of this position:Demonstrate and promote a positive philosophy of blindnessActively participate in program activitiesCommunicate regularly with program leaders regarding student needs and concernsDocument student progress through regular written reportsActively monitor student behavior and living areasClearly document incidents related to students’ health and safetyBe able to travel using the long white cane under sleepshades in order to provide appropriate guidance and instruction to students when travelingTeach organization skills and appropriate behaviors 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 yearsFor additional information, please click on this link to view the job description. (Download PDF reader)
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