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Intake Counselor / Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

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Intake Counselor / Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Salary

$56,118.40 - $85,467.20 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50309 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-01033

Agency

131 Iowa Department for the Blind

Opening Date

10/22/2025

Closing Date

11/5/2025 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-DNP

Point of Contact

Keri Osterhaus [email protected]

To Apply

All applications must be submitted through the State of Iowa job application site at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attach both a cover letter and resume to their online application.

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Job Description

This is a non-merit position. candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section.

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.

The Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) is seeking applicants for the position ofIntake Counselor. This position is responsible for assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision to obtain, maintain, or advance in employment through personalized support and early-stage vocational rehabilitation services.

The Intake Counselor plays a critical role at the front end of the vocational rehabilitation (VR) process, focusing on new referrals, early client engagement, application assistance, eligibility determination, and initial assessments. This position ensures that clients begin their journey toward independence and employment with a strong foundation, including counseling, guidance, and access to training in the alternative techniques of blindness to help them make a positive adjustment to blindness or low vision.

This is a full-time position with standard work hours of 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. Workdays may be adjusted as needed to accommodate travel requirements. Regular travel is required, including overnight stays up to 1 to 4 days per week. Based in Des Moines, this position serves a regional territory covering Central and Northeast Iowa, with the potential for future expansion based on program needs.

The Intake Counselor works closely with key referral sources—including schools, American Job Centers, eye care providers, and community organizations—to ensure that individuals who are blind or have low vision are identified and connected to services as early as possible. As the first point of contact for many clients, this position establishes rapport, gathers key information, and evaluates needs to determine eligibility and readiness for services.

A vital part of this role involves collaborating closely with VR counselors in the field to ensure warm handoffs and seamless transitions from intake to service planning. The Intake Counselor is responsible for ensuring that clients continue moving forward toward plan development, maintaining active engagement and momentum through each step of the early VR process.

Duties and responsibilities to include the following areas:

Referral Development & Outreach

+ Serve as the initial point of contact for individuals referred to vocational rehabilitation services.

+ Develop and maintain strong referral relationships with schools, eye care providers, American Job Centers, and community organizations.

+ Conduct outreach and presentations to educate partners and stakeholders about IDB’s mission and services.

+ Represent the agency in the community to raise awareness and promote equitable access to services.

Applications & Initial Assessments

+ Assist prospective clients in completing application forms and submitting required documentation.

+ Conduct intake interviews to collect personal, educational, and medical background information.

+ Coordinate with providers to gather ophthalmological, psychological, educational, and medical records as needed.

+ Perform initial assessments to help identify client strengths, limitations, interests, and vocational needs.

Eligibility Determination

+ Review assessment results and documentation to determine eligibility for services in accordance with federal and state VR guidelines.

+ Complete eligibility determinations accurately and within required timelines.

+ Clearly communicate eligibility decisions to clients and support them in understanding the process and available options.

Early Engagement & Service Initiation

+ Facilitate a smooth and timely transition into the vocational rehabilitation (VR) process, ensuring clients begin receiving appropriate services as quickly

+ as possible.

+ Coordinate with vocational rehabilitation counselors and rehabilitation staff to initiate service planning and referrals.

+ Help clients make informed choices about their goals, service options, and available resources.

Case Documentation

+ Maintain accurate, organized, and confidential case files in compliance with agency standards.

+ Complete timely and professional case notes, eligibility decisions, and other documentation in the electronic case management system.

It is the policy of the Department for the Blind to conduct background checks on all finalist candidates prior to any offer of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

The ability to read, write, and speak Spanish is preferred and may be considered a valuable asset in serving a diverse client population.

Benefits:

At the State of Iowa, we are committed to your well-being. As a valued team member, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

+ Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation with accruals that rollover on a yearly basis, sick leave with no limits on accrual and 9 paid holidays per year.

+ Great Benefits: Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options.

+ Retirement Plan: IPERS Retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan.

+ Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care).

+ Life Insurance: Free Life Insurance.

+ Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit ourbenefits webpage. (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits)

It is the policy of the Department for the Blind to conduct background checks on all finalist candidates prior to any offer of employment.

Selectives

752: Vocational Rehabilitation

6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both that specifically relates to employment and training services for individuals with disabilities. That knowledge base will include an awareness of the unique needs of this population, laws relating to discrimination or reasonable accommodations, assistive technology, and an understanding of employment and training systems and services, especially as provided in Iowa.

AND

257: Career Development Counseling

6 months experience at the high school or college level or in the public or private sector such as Iowa Workforce Development or an employment agency. In the case of the latter, must have experience analyzing and assessing applicants’ work and education history and applying it to career goals.

• Must possess broad knowledge of postsecondary education and/or job training infrastructure.

• Must be able to communicate with program participants of varying academic and vocational abilities.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in human service-oriented sciences, education, marketing or business and experience equal to three years of full time professional work;

OR

the equivalent of three years of full-time experience as a rehabilitation counselor or teacher shall be considered as qualifying provided the employee has successfully completed training to meet the certification criteria established by the agency;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting the equivalent of one year of full-time professional work experience for each year of the required education to a maximum substitution of four years.

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/SeniorServicesSpecialistfortheBlind1-41151.pdf)

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 a degree in human service-oriented sciences, education, marketing or business? IF YES- How many years of full-time professional work do you have?

+ Not applicable

+ One year to less than two years of full-time professional work

+ Two years to less than three years of full-time professional work

+ Three years or more of full-time professional work

04

How many years of full time professional work do you have as a rehabilitation counselor or teacher?

+ Not applicable

+ One year to less than two years of full time professional work as a rehabilitation counselor or teacher

+ Two years to less than three years of full time professional work as a rehabilitation counselor or teacher

+ Three years or more of full time professional work as a rehabilitation counselor or teacher

05

How many years do you have of COMBINED post high school education in human service-oriented sciences, education, marketing or business AND full-time professional experience as a rehabilitation counselor or teacher? 30 semester hours equals one year of experience.

+ Not applicable

+ One year to less than three years of full time professional work

+ Three years to less than six years of full time professional work

+ Six years to less than seven years of full time professional work

+ Seven years or more of full time professional work

06

Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both that specifically relates to employment and training services for individuals with disabilities? That knowledge base will include an awareness of the unique needs of this population, laws relating to discrimination or reasonable accommodations, assistive technology, and an understanding of employment and training systems and services, especially as provided in Iowa.

+ Yes

+ No

07

If you answered "Yes" to the question above - please list exactly HOW you meet it: list exact classes and credit hours, employer, dates and hours per week and exact duties. Please do not paste or state - See application or resume. If you answered no to the question above please type in "No" in the box below.]

08

Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months' experience in Career Development Counseling at the high school or college level or in the public or private sector such as Iowa Workforce Development or an employment agency? In the case of the latter, you must have experience analyzing and assessing applicants' work and education history and applying it to career goals.

+ Must possess broad knowledge of post-secondary education and/or job training infrastructure.

+ Must be able to communicate with program participants of varying academic and vocational abilities.

+ Yes

+ No

09

If you answered "Yes" to the question above - please list exactly HOW you meet it: list exact classes and credit hours, employer, dates and hours per week and exact duties. Please do not paste or state - See application or resume. If you answered no to the question above please type in "No" in the box below.

Required Question

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

131 Iowa Department for the Blind

Address

524 4th St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50309

Website

https://blind.iowa.gov/

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