Job Information
Iowa Department of Administrative Services Youth Services Worker in Des Moines, Iowa
Youth Services Worker
Youth Services Worker
Salary
$17.05 - $24.92 Hourly
Location
Des Moines - 50309 - Polk County, IA
Job Type
Temporary
Agency
131 Iowa Department for the Blind
Job Number
21-01378
Closing
1/17/2021 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag
#LI-DNP
Point of Contact
Helen Stevens at helen.stevens@blind.state.ia.us
To Apply
For consideration applicants must send a cover letter and resume to:
Helen Stevens
Education and Training Director
Iowa Department for the Blind
524 Fourth Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
helen.stevens@blind.state.ia.us
Description
Benefits
Job Description
This is a non-merit position with theIowa Department for the Blind. 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.
Job Description:
Temporary Summer Youth Counselors will support the mission, vision and values of the Iowa Department for the Blind. Counselors will mentor youth ages 14-21 during IDB’s two-month residential summer program. Roles will be assigned based on staff skills and student needs, but will include teaching alternative techniques of blindness through daily classes such as braille, cane travel, access technology, home and personal management, as well as teaching alternative techniques of blindness through assisting students in their 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, 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.
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 summer 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
Work Schedule:
Initial staff training will be held via Zoom the weekend of March 25-27.
Additional remote training will be scheduled with employees during April and May.
The primary time of employment, in person in Des Moines, will be June 1– August 19, 2021.
Summer youth counselors may consistently work significantly more than forty hours per week, based on the number of students enrolled and those students’ needs.
It is the policy of the Department for the Blind to conduct background checks on all finalist candidates prior to any offer of employment.
Part Time/Full Time Status: Temporary Full-Time Positions
Salary: $17.05/hr. Expected total salary to be approximately $7,500.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Graduation from high school or G.E.D.;
OR
experience equal to two years of full-time work in a youth service program working directly in the treatment of adjudicated, at risk, or other youths needing service or assistance.
For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job descriptionand minimum qualifications.
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Agency
State of Iowa
Agency
131 Iowa Department for the Blind
Address
524 4th StDes Moines, Iowa, 50309
Website
https://blind.iowa.gov/
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