Technology Instructor / Senior Services Specialist for the Blind 1

Full 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 (IDB) is seeking a skilled and forward-thinking Technology Instructor to join the Orientation Center for the Blind.

This position plays a critical role in preparing blind and low vision adults to compete successfully in the workforce through the confident use of technology.

The successful candidate will design and deliver individualized and group-based instruction in access technology. Instruction emphasizes problem-solving, adaptability, and the development of transferable skills necessary for employment, education, and active participation in the community.

This role requires both technical expertise and the ability to teach complex concepts in a clear, practical, and empowering way.

Candidates should demonstrate strong teaching skills, a commitment to high expectations for blind and low vision people, and the ability to continuously learn and evaluate emerging technologies.

Duties and Responsibilities

Include, but are not limited to:

• Assess student skills, needs, and learning styles using structured and informal evaluation methods to establish a baseline of technology proficiency and skills
• Develop individualized instructional plans based on assessment results, incorporating each student’s vocational goals, prior experience, and learning pace
• Provide instruction in access technology, including Windows, macOS, Microsoft Office, screen readers (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, TalkBack), and common workplace applications
• Teach the effective use of smartphones, tablets, and other mobile technologies
• Instruct students in the use of braille displays, OCR software, scanners, printers, and other adaptive equipment
• Develop technology curriculum to reflect current industry standards and accessibility practices and adapt that curriculum to each student’s unique goals and needs
• Evaluate student progress and document outcomes through written reports and case notes
• Troubleshoot and support routine technology issues within the Orientation Center for the Blind
• Collaborate with instructional staff to integrate technology across all training areas
• Provide workshops, demonstrations, and training to staff and clients on accessible technology
• Support students in achieving educational goals, including GED preparation as needed
• Demonstrate a positive understanding of blindness and disability and also the ability to effectively teach, model, and inspire that understanding

Essential Functions

• Communicate effectively with students, colleagues, and stakeholders in person, virtually, and in writing
• Translate complex technical information into clear, practical instruction for nontechnical users
• Independently learn, evaluate, and apply new and emerging technologies
• Assess and recommend appropriate access technology solutions based on individual needs and goals
• Collaborate in the development and evaluation of curriculum and instructional methods
• Participate fully in Center activities and interdisciplinary training efforts
• Perform other duties as assigned

It is the policy of the Department for the Blind to conduct background checks on all finalist candidates prior to any offer of 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.

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;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;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 this link to view the job description.