[NABS-L] Summer Job Opportunity with Iowa Department for the Blind

[elizabethrouse.nfb at gmail.com]

Hi all,

 

I was asked to pass along the below opportunity to anyone who might be
interested. As a former employee, I'd love to discuss further if you have
questions.

 

Best of luck with finals!

Elizabeth

 

Iowa Department for the Blind 

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

 

Summer Youth Program Staff

LOCATION:
Des Moines, Iowa

Post Close Date: January 3, 2023.

PART TIME/FULL TIME STATUS: 10-15 Temporary Full-Time Positions

SALARY: $17.43/hr. Expected total salary to be approximately $8,000. 

 

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

Applications will be evaluated based on the cover letter and resume uploaded
to the site.

While offers of employment cannot be made until January, the first
interviews will be scheduled for the week after Thanksgiving, and applicants
are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

 

Work Schedule: 

Initial staff training will be held in Des Moines the weekend of March
24-26. 

The primary time of employment will be May 30-August 17, 2023. 

Summer youth counselors may consistently work significantly more than forty
hours per week, based on the number of students enrolled in the program and
those students' needs. Exact schedules will be determined by the needs of
the students in the program, and the skillset of each staff member.
Tentative staff role assignments will be announced after the March training
weekend.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION:

LEAP summer staff will support the mission, vision and values of the Iowa
Department for the Blind during our two-month residential summer program for
youth ages 14-21. Summer staff will enjoy watching youth challenge
themselves and grow in their independence throughout the summer. Roles will
be assigned based on staff skills and student needs, but will include
teaching daily classes such as braille, cane travel, access technology and
career exploration as well as teaching independent living skills during
mornings and evenings in the student apartments and during evening and
weekend activities. 

          Strong candidates will possess solid communication skills,
maturity, the ability to follow directions and ask questions as needed, work
hard and have fun, as well as a strong belief in the abilities of blind
persons and a commitment to helping students grow toward their potential.
Housing is available for employees who live outside the Des Moines area. 

 

Examples of duties:

Support student learning through braille, technology, personal management,
cane travel, and money management instruction. Provide instruction in social
skills, appropriate etiquette and self-advocacy. Reinforce blindness skills
learning through assisting students with daily living tasks, meal planning
and preparation, grocery shopping, laundry, and cleaning and organizing
apartments. 

Assist students in traveling to and participating in activities in the
community such as eating at restaurants, bowling and rock climbing.
Reinforce proper cane technique and other nonvisual skills during these
activities.

Serve as a role model for students in the use of nonvisual techniques and
problem-solving skills.

Ensure safety of students by monitoring student behavior and the student
living areas.

Communicate with other program staff regarding student needs and progress.
Document student progress including written student reports at the end of
the summer. 

 

Essential functions of this position:

Demonstrate and promote a positive philosophy of blindness

Actively monitor student behavior and living areas

Communicate regularly with program leaders regarding student needs and
concerns

Document student progress through detailed written reports

Demonstrate proper use of the long white cane

Read and write braille to support students in developing their braille
skills

Actively participate in all summer program activities

 

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 QUALIFICATIONS:                                            

High school diploma or equivalent

 

For more information, contact Helen Mejia at
<mailto:helen.stevens at blind.state.ia.us> helen.stevens at blind.state.ia.us.