FYI, also in Des Moines
From: Helen Stevens
Sent: Saturday, September 10, 2022 10:05 AM
To: Edward Bell <ebell at pdrib.com>; Dick Davis <ddavis at blindinc.org>
Subject: Young Adult Independent Living Skills Instructor Job Posting
Good morning,
Could you please help share the below. Applications are being submitted
directly to me, not through the state site.
Thanks,
Helen
Iowa Department for the Blind
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Services Specialist for the Blind 2/Independent Living Skills Coordinator
Young Adult Transition Program
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Anticipated starting salary: $47,382.40
Post Close Date: September 20, 2022.
Job Description:
The Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) is seeking an energetic and
passionate instructor for its Young Adult Transition Program for blind
youth. Ideal candidates will possess a belief in the capacity of blind
persons, strong organization and time management skills, the ability to
clearly communicate plans verbally and in writing, and the ability to
connect with and motivate youth. IDB can provide training in the specific
blindness skills areas listed if needed. Experience teaching blindness
skills, writing or following IEPs, or teaching others to manage medications
is preferred but not required.
The Young Adult Transition Program is a school-year-based residential
program for youth ages 17-21 who have finished high school, but who need
additional instruction in order to participate in post-secondary learning
and employment opportunities. The YATP team consists of three Vocational
Rehabilitation Teachers who teach braille/technology, orientation and
mobility, and career exploration classes. 4 Youth Services workers work with
students on their personal care, cooking/cleaning, and social skills in the
IDB dorms, during community activities, and during volunteer and paid work
experiences. The Independent Living Skills coordinator will coordinate the
independent living skills component of the program to ensure that students
are progressing toward their Individualized Education Program and Vocational
Rehabilitation goals. This will include direct teaching, as well as writing
lesson plans for Youth Services Workers and collaborating with them on their
instruction. During the summer, the YATP team, along with temporary
employees hired for the summer, run IDB's summer program for youth ages
14-21.
This position will initially work Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM for
staff training. After training, work hours will typically consist of
afternoon, evening, and weekend hours. The exact schedule will be set by the
program administrator.
Duties and responsibilities to include the following:
Coordinate the independent living skills component of YATP and LEAP by
writing lesson plans for Youth Services Workers and tracking student
progress toward long-term IEP goals. Select specific goals for each student
to focus on each month, and produce written monthly reports on student
growth and concerns.
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
non-visual techniques and problem-solving skills.
Coordinate the medication management component of YATP, LEAP, and weekend
retreat programming. Work with students to develop a system for organizing
their medication and taking it appropriately. Work with students on learning
to communicate with their medical providers and refill medications as
needed.
Manage the supplies needed for YATP, LEAP, and weekend retreat programming.
Track the supplies in inventory and facilitate the purchase of new supplies
as needed.
Plan group activities; Connect individual students with community groups and
activities that align with their interests; create opportunities to develop
students' social skills and self-confidence.
Promote a positive philosophy of blindness through involvement in trainings
and community outreach events for parents, educators and other service
providers as directed.
Other duties as assigned.
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
Teach organization skills and appropriate behaviors
It is the policy of the Department for the Blind to conduct background
checks on all finalist candidates prior to any offer of employment.
To apply, applicants must submit both a resume and cover letter to Helen
Mejia, Iowa Department for the Blind Education and Training Director, at
helen.stevens at blind.state.ia.us.
Only applications containing both a cover letter and resume will be
considered.
For further information, contact Helen Mejia, 515-829-7411 or
helen.stevens at blind.state.ia.us
