[rehab] Job Posting Iowa Department for the Blind

[Richard Sorey]

Iowa Department for the Blind
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

POSTING DATE:                                                                                 April 7, 2015


JOB TITLE:                                                                                          Senior Services Specialist for the
                                                                                                            Blind 1 / Employment Specialist
JOB CODE:                                                                                         41151 Senior Services Specialist
for the Blind 1
LOCATION:                                                                                        Johnson County, Iowa
LOCATION ZIP CODE:                                                                       52240
PART TIME/FULL TIME STATUS:                                         1 Permanent/Full-Time Position
SALARY MINIMUM:                                                                         $44,969
SALARY MAXIMUM:                                                                        $68,494

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Department for the Blind (IDB) is seeking applicants for the position of Senior Services Specialist for the Blind 1/ Employment Specialist. This position is responsible for assisting blind and visually impaired clients to obtain, retain, or maintain employment. The position provides counseling and guidance and ensures that clients receive training in the alternative techniques of blindness in order for an individual to make a positive adjustment to blindness and successfully pursue vocational goals. The position is domiciled in Des Moines, Iowa.

Duties and responsibilities to include the following areas:



DUTIES:

Employer Relations:
*Contact and consult with private employers, public and private non-profit agencies, employment agencies and civic groups by field visits, telephone and other communication to solicit employment and training opportunities for clients.

* Make presentations, conduct or facilitate employer workshops and meet with employers individually to provide information on a variety of topics to include: blindness-related information, accommodations, labor market, tax credits, cooperative ventures and business regulatory requirements.

* Develop and implement services that are based upon the various identified needs of businesses like: job postings and candidate outreach, specialized recruitment, applicant screening and assessment, and job fairs.

* Maintain detailed information on area employers regarding types of employment available, qualification for employment and salaries and benefits.


Partner relations:
*Contact community rehabilitation partners, vocational rehabilitation partners and workforce partners by field visit, telephone or other communication to solicit training and employment information; monitor and maintain records regarding agreements.

*Participate as a member on statewide and regional partnership teams including the Employer Disability Resource Network and the Disability Employment Initiative State Leadership Team; provide information to counselors and clients concerning regional and statewide activities.

*Serve as agency contact for the National VR Employment Team (NET). Communicate information to Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors.


Client Services:
*Interview eligible applicants to determine work best suited to their particular skills and abilities; assess applicant qualifications and readiness for job referral, classroom training, on-the-job training or support services;

*Administer tests to identify aptitudes, educational and vocational achievements and interests; interpret and discuss test results with applicants; explore and identify employment barriers with applicants; counsel clients regarding recommended solutions to employment barriers and suggested supportive services.

*Assist clients to prepare for interviews and assist with applications and resumes; conduct workshops in job search techniques and appropriate career planning methods.


Public Awareness and Education:
* Advocate, consult, advise, educate, mediate, and intercede with service providers, employers, and the general public.

*Design and complete presentations for professional, educational, and consumer groups regarding IDB.

*Develop and maintain referral sources by providing information and resources through personal contacts, written communication and presentations.

The department is seeking an individual who has graduated 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.

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:
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.

For additional ways to qualify, please click on this link to view the job description<https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class_and_pay/JobClassDescriptions/SeniorServicesSpecialistfortheBlind1-41151.pdf> and minimum qualifications.
POST CLOSE DATE:   April 28, 2015

TO APPLY:
Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise. Applications to DAS-HRE only, will not be considered.
For further information, contact VR Program Supervisor, Keri Osterhaus, (515) 281-1281 or (800) 362-2587.

Persons who wish to be considered for this positon must submit a resume and letter of application to:
Keri Osterhaus - VR Program Supervisor
Iowa Department for the Blind
524 Fourth Street
Des Moines, IA 50309

Or email keri.osterhaus at blind.state.ia.us<mailto:keri.osterhaus at blind.state.ia.us>

All applicants need to apply by 4:30p.m. on the day of the post-closing.