Independent Living Skills Instructor (Services Specialist for the Blind 2) Young Adult Transition Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/newprint/4710081) Apply  Independent Living Skills Instructor (Services Specialist for the Blind 2) Young Adult Transition Salary $50,252.80 - $76,336.00 Annually Location Des Moines - 50309 - Polk County, IA Job Type Full-time Job Number 25-01097 Agency 131 Iowa Department for the Blind Opening Date 10/28/2024 Closing Date 11/12/2024 11:59 PM Central LinkedIn Tag #LI-DNP Point of Contact Ambrose.BallHarney@blind.state.ia.us To Apply All candidates are strongly encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume with their NeoGov application + Description + Benefits 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 AM to 4:30 PM 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 blindness + Actively participate in program activities + Communicate regularly with program leaders regarding student needs and concerns + Document student progress through regular written reports + Actively monitor student behavior and living areas + Clearly document incidents related to students’ health and safety + Be able to travel using the long white cane under sleepshades in order to provide appropriate guidance and instruction to students when traveling Teach 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 years For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description. (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class\_and\_pay/JobClassDescriptions/ServicesSpecialistfortheBlind2-41120.pdf) Why Choose the State of Iowa? At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice. Our Robust Benefits Package Includes: Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise. Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits. Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost. Retirement Planning: We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) . Paid Time Off: Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters. Professional Development: Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement. Employee Assistance Program (EAP): We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program. Diversity and Inclusion: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation. Join Us - Elevate Your Career: Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority! Agency State of Iowa Agency 131 Iowa Department for the Blind Address 524 4th St Des Moines, Iowa, 50309 Website https://blind.iowa.gov/ Apply Please verify your email addressVerify Email