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 experienced candidates for the position of Employment Counselor (Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor). This position provides employment-focused counseling and instruction for individuals who are blind or have low vision, including students of the Orientation Center for the Blind.

The Employment Counselor supports clients in identifying and pursuing career goals, developing employment skills, and successfully obtaining or advancing in competitive integrated employment. Responsibilities include job development, career instruction, collaboration with service providers and employers, and follow-up services after job placement.

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.

Key Responsibilities:

Instruction & Career Development

• Provide individual and small group instruction to clients on topics such as job search strategies, accommodations, interviewing techniques and workplace expectations.
• Teach alternative techniques of blindness and nonvisual strategies related to employment tasks.
• Ensure clients have appropriate assistive technology and alternative techniques necessary to perform tasks in chosen career fields.
• Coordinate and support client participation in job fairs, reverse job fairs, career showcases, and college fairs to build soft skills, confidence, and professional networks.
• Facilitate access to work-based learning experiences, including job shadows, informational interviews, internships, volunteer work, and paid/unpaid employment opportunities.

Employer Engagement & Job Development

• Build and maintain strong relationships with employers to develop meaningful employment, internship, and job shadowing opportunities.
• Educate businesses on disability inclusion, workplace accommodations, and the value of hiring individuals who are blind or have low vision.
• Develop customized employment strategies that align employer needs with client skills and goals.
• Partner with American Job Centers to share job search resources and expand placement opportunities.
• Collaborate with Rehabilitation Technology Specialists to ensure appropriate assistive technology and workplace supports are in place.

Career Guidance and Counseling

• Provide vocational counseling and support throughout the job search, interviewing and onboarding process.
• Collaborate with VR counselors and service providers to coordinate support services and progress toward employment outcomes.

Post-Employment Support & Retention

• Provide ongoing support to clients for up to one year after employment placement to ensure job satisfaction and retention.
• Monitor progress, address employment-related concerns, and provide additional services or referrals as needed.
• Maintain regular communication with employers and clients to assess job fit and long-term success.

Case Management

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation using the agency’s electronic case management system.
• Submit reports, case notes, service authorizations, and correspondence in compliance with federal and state VR requirements.
• Prioritize workload efficiently to meet deadlines, maximize client outcomes, and support program goals.

Qualifications

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 o 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.

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.

Address

524 4th Street
Des Moines, IA 50309