Job Information
Iowa Department of Administrative Services Summer Youth Program Staff in Des Moines, Iowa
Summer Youth Program Staff
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Summer Youth Program Staff
Salary
$17.43 Hourly
Location
Des Moines - 50309 - Polk County, IA
Job Type
Temporary
Job Number
25-01637
Agency
131 Iowa Department for the Blind
Opening Date
12/16/2024
Closing Date
1/31/2025 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag
#LI-DNP
Point of Contact
Ambrose Ball-Harney ambrose.ballharney@blind.state.ia.us
To Apply
Thoroughly complete application via NeoGov
Job Description
This is a non-merit, temporary 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.
All applications must be submitted through the State of Iowa job application site athttps://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa. Applications will be evaluated based on the cover letter and resume uploaded to the site. While offers of employment cannot be made until January, the first interviews will be scheduled for December, and applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Work Schedule:
Staff training will take place over 3 weeks starting on May 16th and ending on June 6th with primary employment starting June 9th and going through August 15, 2025.
Summer youth counselors may consistently work significantly more than forty hours per week, based on the number of students enrolled in the program and those students’ needs. Exact schedules will be determined by the needs of the students in the program, and the skillset of each staff member. Tentative staff role assignments will be announced after the training.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
LEAP summer staff will support the mission, vision and values of the Iowa Department for the Blind during our two-month residential summer program for youth ages 14-21. Summer staff will participate in watching youth challenge themselves and grow in their independence throughout the duration of LEAP. Roles will be assigned based on staff skills and student needs, but will include teaching daily classes such as braille, cane travel, access technology and career exploration as well as teaching independent living skills during mornings and evenings in the student apartments and during evening and weekend activities.
Strong candidates will possess solid communication skills, maturity, the ability to follow directions and ask questions as needed, work hard and have fun, as well as a strong belief in the abilities of blind persons and a commitment to helping students grow toward their potential.
Housing is available for employees who live outside the Des Moines area.
Examples of duties:
Support student learning through braille, technology, personal management, cane travel, and money management instruction.
Provide instruction in social skills, appropriate etiquette and self-advocacy.
Reinforce blindness skills learning through assisting students with daily living tasks, meal planning and preparation, grocery shopping, laundry, and cleaning and organizing apartments.
Assist students in traveling to and participating in activities in the community such as eating at restaurants, bowling and rock climbing.
Reinforce proper cane technique and other nonvisual skills during these activities.
Serve as a role model for students in the use of nonvisual techniques and problem-solving skills.
Ensure safety of students by monitoring student behavior and the student living areas.
Communicate with other program staff regarding student needs and progress.
Document student progress including written student reports at the end of the summer.
Essential functions of this position:
Demonstrate and promote a positive philosophy of blindness
Actively monitor student behavior and living areas
Communicate regularly with program leaders regarding student needs and concerns
Document student progress through detailed written reports
Demonstrate proper use of the long white cane
Read and write braille to support students in developing their braille skills
Actively participate in all summer program activities
It is the policy of the Department for the Blind to conduct background checks on all finalist candidates prior to any offer of employment.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent
Agency
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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