Retreat Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Senior Service Specialist for the Blind 1 (Retreat Instructor)

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Senior Service Specialist for the Blind 1 (Retreat Instructor)

Salary

$57,241.60 - $87,172.80 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50309 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00441

Agency

131 Iowa Department for the Blind

Opening Date

08/19/2026

Closing Date

9/2/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-DNP

Point of Contact

April Stotz, April.stotz@blind.state.ia.us

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.

The Iowa Department for the Blind is seeking aSenior Service Specialist for the Blindto serve as a Retreat Instructor. We are looking for an individual with a strong positive attitude toward blindness, a passion for working with diverse populations across all stages of life, excellent problem-solving abilities, and a genuine commitment to learning and teaching.

This position offers an opportunity to join a team of energetic professionals who are dedicated to empowering individuals through high-quality training and support. The selected candidate will participate in one weeklong retreat and one weekend retreat each month. In addition, this role will assist with planning and delivering the Leadership Education Advocacy Program (LEAP), a summer retreat for young adults held from June through August.

The domicile for this position will be in Polk County, though alternative locations within the service region may be negotiated.

Essential Functions:

Instruction and Communication:

• Ability to work effectively with retreat participants on a wide range of skills, setting clear expectations and tailoring instruction to each individual’s needs. Able to support clients and students in diverse circumstances across the state.

• Demonstrates strong communication skills, conveying information and ideas clearly in person, by phone, in groups, through email, video conferencing, or other communication methods.

• Actively listens, engages with participants, and provides constructive feedback. Shows emotional intelligence, remains calm under pressure, and communicates in a respectful and supportive manner.

• Contacts clients as needed prior to retreats to answer questions and ensure they are prepared.

• Assesses clients’ training needs and provides blindness-skills instruction in Braille, cane travel, advocacy, home management, daily living, assistive technology, leisure activities, group training, and adjustment-to-blindness counseling.

• Supports clients in building self-confidence, developing a positive attitude toward blindness, and achieving meaningful success outcomes.

Logistics and Planning

• Able to work independently and collaboratively during planning and logistics. Communicates updates clearly, asks questions when clarification is needed, completes assigned tasks, and assists team members as appropriate. Strong critical-thinking skills are essential.

• Maintains a high standard of ethical behavior in all environments, including multicultural settings. Demonstrates integrity, honesty, respect, responsibility,

• Travels statewide to serve individuals participating in both youth and adult retreats. Appropriate flex time will be provided for hours worked during retreats.

Benefits of Working for the Iowa Department for the Blind and the State of Iowa:

Employees of the Iowa Department for the Blind enjoy a comprehensive benefits package offered through the State of Iowa. Benefits include:

• Health Insurance: Access to high-quality medical, dental, and vision insurance options at competitive rates.

• Retirement Benefits: Participation in the Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS) with employer contributions, plus optional retirement savings plans.

• Paid Leave: Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible scheduling options, including potential for compressed or adjusted work schedules and work from home opportunities when appropriate.

• Additional Benefits: Life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and other voluntary insurance options.

Working for IDB provides the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of blind Iowans while enjoying the stability, support, and growth opportunities offered by state employment.

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov .

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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