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Young Adult Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

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Young Adult Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Salary

$56,118.40 - $85,467.20 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50309 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-01095

Agency

131 Iowa Department for the Blind

Opening Date

10/27/2025

Closing Date

11/6/2025 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Ambrose Ball-Harney [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

Job Description

This is a non-merit position. 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.

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

The Department for the Blind (IDB) is searching for experienced candidates for the position of Young Adult Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. As a member of a team of 3 young adult vocational rehabilitation counselors, this position can be based in the state of Iowa and travel to serve and manage a caseload of Pre Employment Transition Age Students (Pre-ETS) aged 14-21 who are blind or have low vision in a regional third of the state.

Following successful completion of the orientation and training activities, the position will be housed in the state of Iowa. The training for this position is a minimum of 14 weeks and is completed in Des Moines, Iowa. If individual can demonstrate existing skills and supervisor and training instructor agree, the individual may be able to test out of certain aspects of training.

This position is responsible for assisting students of the Iowa Department for the Blinds Pre-ETS programs to identify employment goals. The position provides counseling and guidance and ensures that clients receive training in the alternative techniques of blindness in order for the individual to successfully pursue their vocational goals. This position will also be responsible for educating and offering students information regarding Pre-ETS programs that are applicable to them. Ideal candidates will have a solid understanding of career development, employer engagement and instruction strategies. The successful candidate will also have experience developing plans, partnering with service providers and education professionals, and providing access to work-based learning experiences including job shadows, informational interviews, and volunteer, paid, and unpaid work opportunities. In addition, strong documentation, collaboration, organization and time management skills are essential to the position.

Duties and responsibilities include the following areas:

Case Management

+ Independently prioritize workload to maximize effective utilization of time, resources, and agency assets. This position covers a territory of several counties in a third of Iowa and requires frequent travel.

+ Submit necessary reports, case recordings, authorizations, and correspondence in a timely and accurate manner.

+ Maintain client files and other records in an organized and specified format.

Application and Eligibility Determination

+ Interview applicant, consult with family, and contact other sources such as ophthalmologists, community partners, and employers to procure visual, medical, psychological, social and educational information.

+ Determines eligibility for services, assesses vocational, social and medical needs through appropriate testing and medical reports.

Plan Development/Counseling and Guidance/Plan Implementation

+ Provide guidance and counseling regarding client’s personal and vocational adjustment throughout the rehabilitation process.

+ Assist clients through informed choice in determining appropriate vocational goals and serves as a resource for clients seeking information regarding employment and employment goals.

+ Maintains a working knowledge of assistive technology and reasonable accommodations.

+ Assist clients to obtain an employment outcome using a variety of job development and job placement strategies including contacting employers, assessing employers’ needs, and providing resources and education to employers and clients.

+ Counsel and guide clients in the establishment of self-employment goals.

+ Involve at the minimum 1 new and 1 returning Pre-ETS student in Pre-ETS programming once per quarter

Public Awareness and Education

+ Advocate, consult, advise, educate, mediate, and intercede with service providers, employers, and the general public.

+ Develop and maintain referral sources by providing information and resources through personal contacts, written communication and presentations.

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.

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!

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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