<html class="apple-mail-supports-explicit-dark-mode"><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto"><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">Good afternoon,</p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"> </p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">Below is a current opening that was recently posted to our <a href="https://blind.iowa.gov/about-idb/job-postings" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Job Postings</a> page. Applications are open <span dir="ltr" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">until Wednesday, September 2.</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"> </p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/5453753/senior-service-specialist-for-the-blind-1-retreat-instructor?department%5B0%5D=131+Iowa+Department+for+the+Blind&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs&sort=PositionTitle%7CAscending&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Senior Service Specialist for the Blind 1 (Retreat Instructor)</a></b></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">Salary: $57,241.60 - $87,172.80 Annually</p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">Location: Des Moines - 50309 - Polk County, IA</p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">Job Type: Full-time</p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">Job Number: <span dir="ltr" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134); text-decoration-line: underline;">27-00441</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">Agency: 131 Iowa Department for the Blind</p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">Opening Date: 08/19/2026</p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">Closing Date: <span dir="ltr" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">09/02/2026 11:59 PM Central</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">LinkedIn Tag: #LI-DNP</p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">Point of Contact: April Stotz, <a href="mailto:April.stotz@blind.state.ia.us" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">April.stotz@blind.state.ia.us</a> </p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">To Apply: All applications must be submitted through the State of Iowa job application site at <span dir="ltr" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134); text-decoration-line: underline;">https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa</span>. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attach both a cover letter and resume to their online application</p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b>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.</b> </p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"> </p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">The Iowa Department for the Blind is seeking a <b>Senior Service Specialist for the Blind</b> 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. 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. The domicile for this position will be in Polk County, though alternative locations within the service region may be negotiated.</p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b> </b></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b>Essential Functions:</b></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">Instruction and Communication:</p><ul type="disc" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><li class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">Ability to work effectively with retreat participants on a wide range of skills, setting clear expectations and tailoring instruction to each individual\u2019s needs. Able to support clients and students in diverse circumstances across the state.</li><li class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">Demonstrates strong communication skills, conveying information and ideas clearly in person, by phone, in groups, through email, video conferencing, or other communication methods.</li><li class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">Actively listens, engages with participants, and provides constructive feedback. Shows emotional intelligence, remains calm under pressure, and communicates in a respectful and supportive manner.</li><li class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">Contacts clients as needed prior to retreats to answer questions and ensure they are prepared.</li><li class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">Assesses clients\u2019 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.</li><li class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">Supports clients in building self-confidence, developing a positive attitude toward blindness, and achieving meaningful success outcomes.</li></ul><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">Logistics and Planning</p><ul type="disc" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><li class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">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.</li><li class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">Maintains a high standard of ethical behavior in all environments, including multicultural settings. Demonstrates integrity, honesty, respect, responsibility, </li><li class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">Travels statewide to serve individuals participating in both youth and adult retreats. Appropriate flex time will be provided for hours worked during retreats.</li></ul><div><font face="Aptos, sans-serif" size="3"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></font></div><div><font face="Aptos, sans-serif" size="3"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Please email april.stotz@blind.state.ia.us with any questions.</span></font></div><div><font face="Aptos, sans-serif" size="3"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></font></div><div><font face="Aptos, sans-serif" size="3"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Thank you,</span></font></div><div><font face="Aptos, sans-serif" size="3"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Stacy Cervenka</span></font></div><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"> </p><div dir="ltr">Sent from my iPhone</div></body></html>