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Employment Supports Specialist / Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

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Employment Supports Specialist / Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Salary

$56,118.40 - $85,467.20 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50309 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-01253

Agency

131 Iowa Department for the Blind

Opening Date

11/13/2025

Closing Date

11/30/2025 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

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 Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) is seeking a compassionate, motivated, and skilled Employment Supports Specialist to join our Vocational Rehabilitation team. In this role, you will empower individuals with the most significant disabilities to prepare for, obtain, and maintain meaningful employment in their communities. You will work directly with clients who have intensive support requirements, managing a small caseload while consulting with Vocational Rehabilitation counselors and community rehabilitation providers. You will also collaborate with employers and community partners to expand opportunities, promote workplace accessibility, and support the full participation of Iowans who are blind or have 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, with flexibility for travel. Regular travel is required, including overnight stays up to 1 to 4 days per week. The position is based in Des Moines and serves a statewide territory, prioritized based on client needs and VR case progression.

Initial training for this role is approximately 14 weeks and will be conducted on-site in Des Moines, Iowa.

At IDB, you will make a lasting impact by helping clients achieve independence and purpose through work, while joining a passionate, supportive team dedicated to creating meaningful employment opportunities across the state.

Key Responsibilities:

Client Services:

+ Manage a small caseload of clients with intensive support requirements, ensuring timely and effective services.

+ Meet one on one with clients to develop personalized employment plans and build job readiness skills.

+ Empower clients to explore career interests, gain confidence, and communicate their strengths to employers.

+ Partner with counselors and community rehabilitation providers to implement individualized supports.

+ Use the Customized Employment process, including Discovery, Job Search Planning, Job Development, Negotiation, and Post Employment Support, to help clients secure and maintain meaningful work.

+ Identify and address barriers, connecting clients with training, assistive technology, and nonvisual strategies for workplace success.

Employer and Partner Engagement:

+ Build relationships with Iowa employers to identify job opportunities and workforce needs.

+ Provide consultation and support to employers on accommodations, accessibility, and strategies for retention.

+ Coordinate customized training and employment opportunities to ensure mutual success for clients and businesses.

+ Deliver training and technical assistance to IDB staff, community rehabilitation providers, and partners.

+ Conduct workplace assessments and develop solutions to overcome accessibility barriers.

Program Coordination and Case Management:

+ Track and document client progress and service delivery.

+ Collaborate with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors to coordinate services.

+ Spend at least 55 percent of work hours in the community, providing hands on support in homes, workplaces, and other settings.

+ Collect and analyze program data to measure outcomes and improve services.

+ Contribute to building IDB’s statewide network of employers, providers, and community resources.

Essential Functions:

+ Coordinate services for VR clients with VR counselors, clients, community rehabilitation providers, employers, and other team members regarding vocational objectives and support needs.

+ Communicate in written, oral, and presentation formats with educators, community rehabilitation providers, internal partners, and employers about equipment modifications, accommodations, and alternative techniques that help blind people succeed.

+ Interpret and analyze assessment data (inventories, client skills and interests, barriers to employment, accommodation and training needs and supports) to develop goals and activities to assist clients to obtain gainful employment.

+ Develop and implement approaches to help individuals who are blind explore career alternatives, find and interview for available jobs, and keep and/or advance in current jobs.

+ Conduct work site assessments and job analysis at clients' workplaces or potential workplaces across the state of Iowa in order to identify potential barriers and resources.

+ Travel up to 5 days a week within the state in order to meet with clients, educators, and other professionals and stakeholders to perform the work of the position.

+ Complete data and reporting pertaining to program measurements.

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 our benefits 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.

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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