[Rehab] Iowa Orientation Center for the Blind: Generalist

Tue Jul 14 23:53:26 UTC 2026

Good afternoon,

Below is a current opening that was recently reposted to our Job Postings
<https://blind.iowa.gov/about-idb/job-postings>  page. Applications are open
until Friday, July 24. 

Services Specialist for the Blind 2/Generalist
<https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/5330793/services-specialis
t-for-the-blind-2-generalist?keywords=blind&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs&ut
m_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery> 

Salary: $52,270.40 - $79,414.40 Annually

Location: Des Moines - 50309 - Polk County, IA

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 26-02987

Agency: 131 Iowa Department for the Blind

Opening Date: 05/04/2026

Closing Date: 07/24/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag: #LI-DNP

Point of Contact: Sarah.willeford at blind.state.ia.us
<mailto:Sarah.willeford at blind.state.ia.us> 

To Apply: All candidates are strongly encouraged to submit a cover letter
and resume with their NeoGov 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 (IDB) is seeking applicants for the
position of Services Specialist for the Blind 2/Generalist in the Iowa
Orientation Center for the Blind. This person provides small group
instruction in nonvisual skills in all subject areas. This person would fill
in and teach classes as assigned and plan confidence building activities.
This position works with students during some evenings and weekends, working
on life skills, as well as out in the community to reinforce nonvisual
skills training. 

We are looking for someone who will bring a fun and enthusiastic energy to
our team. Persons in this position will participate fully in center
activities and challenge students to grow and reach their fullest potential.
Our programs are based on a positive attitude toward blindness and a belief
in the normality and competency of blind people. We know that with proper
training and opportunity, blind people can live full, happy, and successful
lives

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

*	Provide individualized, nonvisual instruction to adults in all
center classes.
*	Provide instruction to several students in a small group format.
*	Assist Home Management Instructor in teaching skills of daily
living, organizing training area, obtaining groceries. Substitute for other
class areas as needed.
*	Provide assistance to training center students in evenings and some
weekends on the IDB premises. Assist students in preparing meals, learning
non-visual techniques for cooking, cleaning, and organizing. Assist new
students in grocery shopping, learning to travel to and from the center, to
the bank, post office, and various daily living errands that arise.
*	Serve as point person during some evenings and weekends for any
student needs that may come up.
*	Meet with Center Director and student for meetings and check-ins.
*	After handing out maintenance checks, student bus passes, and other
materials for student classes, write service verified case notes for
delivery of these services each month for RSA reporting purposes.
*	 Demonstrate and promote a positive attitude toward blindness
amongst center students.
*	Evaluate student progress, set goals, and write progress reports
within the case management system.
*	Plan and participate fully in all center activities; some weekend
student activities required.
*	Purchase and maintain classroom supplies.
*	Thorough knowledge and understanding of the agency's philosophy of
blindness and the ability to implement this philosophy in work duties. 

All candidates are strongly encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume.
For more information, contact Brianna.Murray at blind.state.ia.us
<mailto:Brianna.Murray at blind.state.ia.us> 

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university and experience equal to
one year of full-time professional or paraprofessional work in human service
fields such as: social services; nursing; personnel; vocational
rehabilitation; education; psychology; or intangible sales, interviewing,
recruiting, and promotion; recreation, public information, volunteer service
for public or private organizations, fund raising, or ministry in a
recognized faith or denomination;

OR

graduation from an accredited college university with a major emphasis in
library science or liberal arts and at least one year of library work
experience;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting the
equivalent of one year of full-time work experience (as listed above) for
each year of the required education to a maximum substitution of four years

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job
description.
<https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class_and_pay/JobClas
sDescriptions/ServicesSpecialistfortheBlind2-41120.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_
source=govdelivery>  (Download PDF reader)
<https://get.adobe.com/reader/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery> 

Have a great day!

Mary Horton

Information Specialist

524 4th St. Des Moines, IA 50309

515-601-9126

mary.horton at blind.state.ia.us <mailto:mary.horton at blind.state.ia.us>  

Iowa Department for the Blind <https://blind.iowa.gov/> 

Schedule a Teams meeting with me
<https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meeting/new?attendees=mary.horton@blind.state
.ia.us> 

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