[Rehab] FW: Job Posting Youth Services Workers

[Edward Bell]

Subject: Job Posting Youth Services Workers

 

Good morning,

 

Below is the job posting for our Youth Services Worker positions for our 4+
Young Adult Transition program. Please be aware that there will be two
separate postings for this program, one for Youth Services Workers, and one
for Vocational Rehabilitation Teachers. Please don't hesitate to reach out
to me with questions, and thank you for your help spreading the word.

 

Thanks,

Helen

 

Iowa Department for the Blind 

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Youth Services Worker

Young Adult Transition Program

 

Location: Des Moines, Iowa

Salary Minimum: $34,736.00

Salary Maximum: $50,772.80

 

Post Close Date: May 18, 2020

 

Job Description:

This is a courtesy posting for a non-merit position.  Please follow
instructions in the "To Apply" section for directions on how to apply for
this position.

 

The Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) is seeking four energetic and
passionate Youth Services Workers for its new Young Adult Transition Program
for blind youth. Ideal candidates will possess a belief in the capacity of
blind persons, patients, and the ability to connect with and motivate youth.
IDB can provide training in the specific blindness skills areas listed if
needed.

The Young Adult Transition Program is a school-year based program for youth
who have finished high school, but who need additional instruction in order
to participate in post-secondary learning and employment opportunities.
Youth Services workers will primarily work with students on their
independent living and social skills. During the summer, these positions
will work with IDB's summer program for youth ages 14-21.

These positions will be expected to work Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM
during initial staff training and for some agency meetings and ongoing
professional development training. Individual Youth Services Worker's
schedules will then be set with the Program Administrator to provide
appropriate coverage to meet students' needs. Work hours will primarily
consist of evenings and weekends to work with students outside of classes. 

 

Duties and responsibilities to include the following:

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 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 nonvisual techniques and
problem-solving skills.

Monitor student behavior and the students' living areas. Provide appropriate
supervision to ensure student safety.

Document student progress through monthly and end of program reports.
Collaborate with program staff and supervisor to address student needs and
concerns.

Promote a positive philosophy of blindness through involvement in trainings
and community outreach events for parents, educators and other service
providers as directed.

 

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

Travel using the long white cane under sleepshades in order to provide
appropriate guidance and instruction to students when traveling

Read and write contracted braille to provide guidance and feedback to
students developing their braille skills

 

It is the policy of the Department for the Blind to conduct background
checks on all finalist candidates prior to any offer of employment.

 

For further information, contact Helen Stevens, 515-829-7411 or
<mailto:helen.stevens at blind.state.ia.us> helen.stevens at blind.state.ia.us

 

To Apply:

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral
requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human
Resources Enterprise.  Persons who wish to be considered for this position
must submit a resume and letter of application to:

 

Helen Stevens

Education and Training Director

Iowa Department for the Blind

524 4th Street

Des Moines, IA 50309-2364

 <mailto:helen.stevens at blind.state.ia.us> helen.stevens at blind.state.ia.us