[Job-Listings] Iowa Department for the Blind Job Posting August 19, 2026

[Juan Sosa]

Job Posting at IDB

Senior Service Specialist for the Blind 1 (Retreat Instructor)

Salary: $57,241.60 - $87,172.80 Annually

Location: Des Moines - 50309 - Polk County, IA

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 27-00441

Agency: 131 Iowa Department for the Blind

Opening Date: 08/19/2026

Closing Date: 09/02/2026 11:59 PM Central

Point of Contact: April Stotz

April.stotz at blind.state.ia.us <mailto:April.stotz at blind.state.ia.us> 

To Apply: All applications must be submitted through the State of Iowa job
application site at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to attach both a cover letter and resume
to their online application

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 is seeking a Senior Service Specialist for
the Blind to serve as a Retreat Instructor. We are looking for an individual
with a strong positive attitude toward blindness, a passion for working with
diverse populations across all stages of life, excellent problem-solving
abilities, and a genuine commitment to learning and teaching.

This position offers an opportunity to join a team of energetic
professionals who are dedicated to empowering individuals through
high-quality training and support. The selected candidate will participate
in one weeklong retreat and one weekend retreat each month. In addition,
this role will assist with planning and delivering the Leadership Education
Advocacy Program (LEAP), a summer retreat for young adults held from June
through August.

The domicile for this position will be in Polk County, though alternative
locations within the service region may be negotiated.

Essential Functions:

Instruction and Communication:

•              Ability to work effectively with retreat participants on a
wide range of skills, setting clear expectations and tailoring instruction
to each individual’s needs. Able to support clients and students in diverse
circumstances across the state.

•              Demonstrates strong communication skills, conveying
information and ideas clearly in person, by phone, in groups, through email,
video conferencing, or other communication methods.

•              Actively listens, engages with participants, and provides
constructive feedback. Shows emotional intelligence, remains calm under
pressure, and communicates in a respectful and supportive manner.

•              Contacts clients as needed prior to retreats to answer
questions and ensure they are prepared.

•              Assesses clients’ training needs and provides
blindness-skills instruction in Braille, cane travel, advocacy, home
management, daily living, assistive technology, leisure activities, group
training, and adjustment-to-blindness counseling.

•              Supports clients in building self-confidence, developing a
positive attitude toward blindness, and achieving meaningful success
outcomes.

Logistics and Planning

•              Able to work independently and collaboratively during
planning and logistics. Communicates updates clearly, asks questions when
clarification is needed, completes assigned tasks, and assists team members
as appropriate. Strong critical-thinking skills are essential.

•              Maintains a high standard of ethical behavior in all
environments, including multicultural settings. Demonstrates integrity,
honesty, respect, responsibility, 

•              Travels statewide to serve individuals participating in both
youth and adult retreats. Appropriate flex time will be provided for hours
worked during retreats.

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.

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