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Residential Counselor - Activities Specialist 1

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Residential Counselor - Activities Specialist 1

Salary

$49,961.60 - $74,692.80 Annually

Location

Council Bluffs - 51503 - Pottawattamie County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

25-03109

Agency

282 Iowa Department of Education

Opening Date

06/26/2025

Closing Date

8/7/2025 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

[email protected]

To Apply

To ensure full consideration for this position, all requested materials must be completed and uploaded through the NEOGov online application process.

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Job Description

Residential Counselor

Works with students at Iowa School for the Deaf (ISD) and Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (IESBVI). To learn more about ISD seewww.iowaschoolforthedeaf.org. Learn more about IESBVI at www.iesbvi.org.

Responsible for supervising students and providing activities, instruction, guidance, and direction in development in areas of independence; appropriate social, emotional, linguistic development; and the Expanded Core Curriculum. Primarily works evening shift. Occasional weekends and other shifts may be required.

+ Primary caretaker for deaf students and/or blind students primarily during non-classroom hours – typically during the evening shift. Ensures students are safe and engaging in appropriate activities. Ensures the dormitory and other areas used are safe and secure for students.

+ Provides support for students: social, emotional, and educational. Counsels students; provides guidance.

+ Plans and implements appropriate social, emotional, physical, and intellectual activities for students. Works with Student Life Advisor (SLA) and others to develop individualized student plans. Collaborates with education program to support student educational goals. Provides language immersion and supports for language development.

+ Communicates with colleagues, supervisiors, and parents regarding student-related issues, concerns, and progress. Fosters positive, collaborative relationships with parents and other professionals.

+ Ensures that dormitory rules are followed by the students; uses disciplinary action when necessary and reinforces positive behaviors using PBIS.

+ Completes required documentation regarding students. Provides feedback for evaluations, IEPs, and dorm individualized student plans.

+ Tends to medical and personal needs of students. Participates in medication passing as needed.

+ Assists with driving and chaperoning weekend trips between dormitory and home (minivans). May occasionally supervise out-of-town overnight trips for school activities.

Hours:

Full-time, 195 work days.

Work days follows typical school calendar. Typically evenings, after school shift; may be Sunday – Thursday; or Monday – Friday schedule. Other days/weekends may be assigned occasionally.

A successful candidate will bring or have the ability and desire to learn:

+ Ability to plan, organize, arrange, teach, and lead activities that meet the needs of students.

+ Ability to recognize/assess the usefulness of techniques and practices as they relates to the students and the developmental plan for the student.

+ Ability to secure the confidence, respect, and cooperation of youths and exercise tact, initiative and good judgment in dealing with them.

+ Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards working efficiently. Works with minimal supervision. Demonstrates responsible behavior and attention to detail.

+ Knowledge of appropriate methods of handling upset students and misbehaving students.

+ Ability to anticipate disciplinary problems and to cope quickly and decisively with unexpected situations and behavior.

+ Ability to quickly perceive and observe problems as they arise.

+ Ability to report on the students’ abilities and progress in clear, concise terms.

+ Ability to work and communicate with others professionally and to foster positive relationships with students, parents, and other professionals.

+ Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information. Listens to others and responds appropriately.

+ Display high standards of ethical conduct.

+ Follows policy. Cooperates with supervisor and colleagues. Aligns behavior with the goals of the organization.

+ Works with minimal supervision. Demonstrates responsible behavior and attention to detail.

+ Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust and group identity. Fosters commitment and team spirit.

+ Must have the ability to reach the level of sign language proficiency designated for the position within the timeframe established by policy. Willingness to use sign language as needed.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

+ Experience working in a school environment.

+ Experience working with youth or disabled individuals.

+ Sign language skills or experience or knowledge of deafness and/or vision related fields.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

+ Opportunities to make a difference in the lives of students at Iowa School for the Deaf and Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

+ Collaborative, positive work environment

+ Competitive salary and benefits package:

https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/employment/Benefits\_Beyond\_the\_Paycheck.pdf(Download PDF reader)

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in art, the behavioral/social sciences, industrial therapy, music, occupational therapy, physical education, recreation, rehabilitation, therapeutic recreation, or other closely related fields;

OR

experience at a level comparable to Activities Assistant or above may be substituted in any equivalent combination for the required education on the basis of one year of experience for each thirty-semester hours of education to a maximum of four years;

OR

employees withcurrentcontinuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to two years of full-time work as an Activities Assistant.

For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description. (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class\_and\_pay/JobClassDescriptions/ActivitiesSpecialist1-02110-82110.pdf)

Additional Qualification Requirements

Designated positions in this job class require applicants to obtain the required Commercial Drivers License and endorsements within a period of time as determined by the appointing authority at the time of hire.

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) .

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

+ Yes - I understand and agree.

+ No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

+ No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

+ Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with major course work in art, the behavioral/social sciences, industrial therapy, music, occupational therapy, physical education, recreation, rehabilitation, therapeutic recreation, or other closely related fields?

+ Yes

+ No

04

How many years do you have of combined post high school education with major course work in art, the behavioral/social sciences, industrial therapy, music, occupational therapy, physical education, recreation, rehabilitation, therapeutic recreation, or other closely related fieldsANDfull-time experience at a level comparable to Activities Assistant or above?

+ No post high school education in the identified areas

+ No experience comparable to Activities Assistant or above

+ Less than two years of the combined education and experience in the identified areas

+ Two years to less than four years of the combined education and experience in the identified areas

+ Four or more years of the combined education and experience in the identified areas

05

Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - How many years of experience do you have in the classification of Activities Assistant?

+ I am not a State of Iowa employee

+ No experience in the classification of Activities Assistant

+ Less than two years of experience in the classification of Activities Assistant

+ Two or more years of experience in the classification of Activities Assistant

Required Question

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

282 Iowa Department of Education

Address

Grimes State Office Building

400 E 14th St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website

https://www.educateiowa.gov/

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