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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Job Posting at IDB<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> Senior Service Specialist for the Blind 1 (Retreat Instructor)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Salary: $57,241.60 - $87,172.80 Annually<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Location: Des Moines - 50309 - Polk County, IA<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Job Type: Full-time<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Job Number: 27-00441<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Agency: 131 Iowa Department for the Blind<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Opening Date: 08/19/2026<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Closing Date: 09/02/2026 11:59 PM Central<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Point of Contact: April Stotz<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="mailto:April.stotz@blind.state.ia.us">April.stotz@blind.state.ia.us</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>To Apply: All applications must be submitted through the State of Iowa job application site at <a href="https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa">https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Applicants are strongly encouraged to attach both a cover letter and resume to their online application<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>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. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The domicile for this position will be in Polk County, though alternative locations within the service region may be negotiated.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Essential Functions:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Instruction and Communication:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> Ability to work effectively with retreat participants on a wide range of skills, setting clear expectations and tailoring instruction to each individuals needs. Able to support clients and students in diverse circumstances across the state.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> Demonstrates strong communication skills, conveying information and ideas clearly in person, by phone, in groups, through email, video conferencing, or other communication methods.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> Actively listens, engages with participants, and provides constructive feedback. Shows emotional intelligence, remains calm under pressure, and communicates in a respectful and supportive manner.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> Contacts clients as needed prior to retreats to answer questions and ensure they are prepared.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> Supports clients in building self-confidence, developing a positive attitude toward blindness, and achieving meaningful success outcomes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Logistics and Planning<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> Maintains a high standard of ethical behavior in all environments, including multicultural settings. Demonstrates integrity, honesty, respect, responsibility, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> Travels statewide to serve individuals participating in both youth and adult retreats. Appropriate flex time will be provided for hours worked during retreats.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> Minimum Qualification Requirements<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>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;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>OR<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>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;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>OR<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></body></html>