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