IDB VR

IDB VR assists blind & low vision Iowans across the state gain or retain employment. IDB VR partners with Iowa employers to meet their hiring needs.

We have highly trained staff to conduct worksite assessments & deliver technology training & consultation.

01/24/2022

Are you looking for a rewarding career as a direct care worker? Here are a couple of current positions looking to hire in central Iowa:
Woodward Community Based Service in Des Moines, Direct Support Professional - Pay: $14.00 - $16.00 per hour; Education: High school or equivalent (Preferred) Experience: Caregiving: 1 year (Preferred) Work Location: Multiple Locations; full job description: https://tinyurl.com/2p87yvue
Resident Assistants Windsor Manor Assisted Living in Indianola $14-$16 per hour; evenings and nights; reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (preferred); education: high school or equivalent (preferred); experience: caregiving: 1 year (preferred);license/certification: CPR Certification (preferred); full job description: https://tinyurl.com/4n6yzm72

01/24/2022

Looking for a great summer job where you can make a difference in the lives of blind youth and earn over $17 per hour? Are you passionate about helping blind youth get the skills and self-confidence they need to become independent and successful adults? Are you interested in a career in the blindness field and need a place to gain experience and connections? Check out this posting for counselors in our summer young adult program closing on 1/31: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/3342589/summer-youth-counselor?fbclid=IwAR15StRTABJ4tW10BtkEOdrK_6VU2SVYPHiKy-TpianWJONURo8dKyIKW6A

Summer Youth Counselor 01/24/2022

Summer Youth Counselor This is a non-merit temporary position with the Iowa Department for the Blind. 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 Ente...

01/24/2022

Image is of a DART bus driving down the road on a snowy day.

Because of the forecasted extremely cold temperatures moving in to central Iowa today (1/24), DART is partnering to offer free rides to warming centers and shelters through Thursday (1/27).

Learn more: bit.ly/3H2j3TF

Photos from IDB VR's post 11/09/2020

It is National Apprenticeship Week! Apprenticeships have significant benefits to both job seekers and employers. Contact your local IowaWORKS to learn more.
* Iowa is home to about 800 apprenticeship programs and around 7,800 registered apprentices.
* On average, apprentices earn more than $60,000 per year, at the end of the apprenticeship, with zero or minimal debt (according to Iowa Economic Development Authority)
* To create an apprenticeship, employers are able to collaborate with the state's community colleges, all of which are pre-approved by DOL as registered apprenticeship eligible. If the employer is looking to create an apprenticeship for an occupation not already approved, it can work to create one. If there are no colleges in the surrounding area or the colleges do not have relevant classroom instruction available, an employer can work with online providers approved by DOL or train certified in-house instructors.
* The state's Registered Apprenticeship Development Fund is geared toward small- to medium-sized business. It makes $1 million available each year for registered apprenticeship programs in "high-demand occupations."
* Apprenticeships boost retention rates, 91% of workers who complete an apprenticeship are still employed with the same employer 9 months later.

04/01/2020

Come join our fantastic library team!
ILBPH is seeking applicants for the position of Librarian 1 to fill the role of Technical Services Librarian. This position is responsible for collection development of electronic resources, cataloging electronic resources, processing materials and ensuring accessibility through discovery and access.

To see full position description and to apply:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/2759695/librarian-1?keywords=librarian&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

Applicants are strongly encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume to the online application.
Questions Contact:
Sarah Willeford
Library Director
515-494-8439
[email protected]

www.governmentjobs.com

Updates and Resources about COVID-19 | iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov - www 03/30/2020

List of Polk County Community Resources:

- Iowa Workforce Development

https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/updates-and-resources-about-covid-19

- Polk County General Assistance

- COVID Program Updates https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/cfys/modifications-to-program-services-due-to-covid-19/

- How to Apply for Assistance https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/cfys/services/general-assistance-program/

- LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance) Program
https://humanrights.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/media/dcaa_polk_03-21-20.pdf

- 211 Resource Line- Call 211 or go to website

https://www.211iowa.org/

- Food Assistance- Des Moines Public Schools

https://www.dmschools.org/coronavirus/family-support-district-closure/124486-2/

- Food Assistance- West Des Moines Community Schools

https://www.wdmcs.org/coronavirus-information/community-resources/

Surrounding school districts are also offering meal sites, please visit the school district website for more information.

Updates and Resources about COVID-19 | iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov - www

Iowa Department for the Blind 03/27/2020

We are all looking forward to MONDAY at the Iowa Department for the Blind! Thanks to our library, there are 3 new fantastic programs that will be offered via phone & online, starting Monday, March 30th:

- IDB Read: offered via phone.
Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00am – 11:00am
Call in and listen to one of our wonderful volunteer narrators read live on the phone, followed by a short chat about the book.
Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30pm - 4:30pm: with narrator, Christine Mach, read a cozy mystery. The first one is titled "A Scone to Die For" by H.Y. Hanna.
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00am – 11:00am: with narrator, Bob White, read a western, titled "Sackett’s Land" by Louis L’Amour.
Please call the library at 515-281-1323 to get the conference call number for IDB Read.
We look forward to reading with you!

- Tech Time with Tyler: offered via phone.
Every Wednesday from 8:00am – 11:00am
Call in at 515-452-1343 and get your tech questions answered!

- Braille Bits Online: offered via Zoom (online meeting platform, that is very easy to use, and is accessible from a computer, tablet, or smartphone).
Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:00pm - 2:45pm
We will listen to a Braille Bits podcast and have a fun and lively conversations surrounding all things Braille.
Please contact Denise Bean at 515-452-1338 for more information or to register. You can also register by completing the registration form linked on the library blog at iowalibrary.blog

- Library patrons receiving library cartridges will receive up to 20 titles instead of the library's usual 10 titles. It is our hope that this will help keep you reading as we work through challenging times. You will continue to receive the books you have added to your list and the author and subjects you like – there will just be more titles per cartridge. Feel free to keep the cartridges as long as you need to. We have a video explaining Bookshelf mode on our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/c/IowaDepartmentfortheBlind

While our building is closed to visitors, we hope that you will stay connected and engaged with IDB through these additional programs. We hope that we can bring a little distraction and some happiness during this uncertain time. If you have any questions, please call the library at 515-281-1323. Stay safe, stay connected and happy reading.

Iowa Department for the Blind The Iowa Department for the Blind helps educate, train and empower blind and low vision individuals to pursue lifelong goals. With offices in Des Moines and ...

03/27/2020

We are hiring!
As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor you will be empowering blind and low vision Iowans by providing assistance to obtain, maintain or advance in employment. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors provide counseling and guidance regarding clients personal and vocational adjustments throughout the rehabilitation process, while assisting clients through informed choice in determining vocational goals and serves as a resource for clients seeking information regarding employment and employment goals. In addition to, connecting clients to training in alternative techniques of blindness in order to make a positive adjustment to blindness and successfully pursue vocational goals.

Please see additional information and qualifications for this position, as well as how to apply:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/2757505/vocational-rehabilitation-counselor?department[0]=131%20Iowa%20Department%20for%20the%20Blind&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs&sort=PositionTitle%7CAscending&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

03/25/2020

COVID-19 UPDATE: In an effort to protect the health and safety of both the public and employees, IDB is asking the public not to visit our building until further notice. The majority of staff are now working remotely. Counselors and teachers are refraining from visiting clients but will make every effort to provide as many services as possible via phone and over the internet. Current clients can still call, text, or email their VR counselor or IL teacher. The support and braille learning groups run by Terri Wilcox are working on meeting via phone during this time. We are still taking referrals via phone or through our website.
Library patrons can call or email the library. The library is working to continue to send out cartridges, braille, and large print books as long as we can feasibly do so. Library staff have increased the number of audio books being placed on a multi-book cartridge from 10 to 20 books. Library staff are working on providing online training to teachers, paras, families, and braille learners on braille, creating accessible documents, and other very useful topics. The library is looking to set up phone narrator reading/discussion groups for patrons.
The entire agency is committed to continue as many services as possible via phone and internet and is looking to find additional and innovative ways to do so. We will share additional updates and information as it is available.
Thank you for your patience and flexibility.

Temporary Job Opportunities | iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov - www 03/25/2020

If you are needing work experience, temporarily lost your job, or wanting to make additional money; This is a great resource for openings across the state for temporary positions. *Updated Daily

Temporary Job Opportunities | iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov - www Temporary job opportunities for employees impacted by COVID-19 closures There are openings across the state for temporary positions. Please see the following companies with temporary openings available. (Updated Daily) Employers with temporary job openings Exceptional Persons, Inc. - Link to job ope...

03/09/2020

Work somewhere delicious 🍔🍟 Five Guys (Ankeny location)and Five Guys (West Des Moines location) will be at the IowaWORKS *Park Fair Mall- 100 E. Euclid #4 Des Moines* on March 11th from 1:00pm - 3:00pm. Open positions include, FT: general managers, shift leads, shift managers and crew members. Apply via: https://www.fiveguys.com/careers

Corridor Careers Events | Corridor Careers 03/09/2020

SAVE THE DATE: April 9th from 3pm - 6pm
CORRIDOR CAREER FAIR at the Cedar Rapids Marriott (1200 Collins Rd N.E.)
Register today at corridorcareers.com/events.

Corridor Careers Events | Corridor Careers See the variety of events put on by Corridor Careers to help you along each step of the job-seeking process.

03/09/2020

Are you looking for a new career?
Do you wonder what employers are looking for?
At Re-Connect you will hear from Recruiters about their company, what they are hiring for and how you can be a standout candidate. You will also get the chance to ask the questions that will help you secure a job.
Each event will consist of an employer panel representing each of the industries:
-Construction/Engineering
-Advanced Manufacturing
-Healthcare
-Financial/Customer Service
-Transportation and IT
Followed by an opportunity to speak with company representatives.

Show up early, dress for the occasion and bring your resume to share!
2020 Calendar
March 19*
April 16*
May 21*
June 18*
July 16*
August 20*
September 17*
October 15*
November 19*
December 17*
*Unless otherwise stated, Re-Connect events:
• Take place at the Cedar Rapids IowaWORKS Center (bottom of Lindale Mall).
• Begin promptly at 1:00 pm and those arriving late may not be allowed to join.
• Space is limited, so please register at www.iowaworks.gov to secure your seat.

Check Facebook for scheduled employers and specific locations: www.facebook.com/IowaWorksCedarRapids/events or
www.facebook.com/IowaWorksIowaCity/events
Contact your local IowaWORKS office with any questions:
Cedar Rapids: 319-365-9474 (ext. 31503)
Iowa City: 319-351-1035 (ext. 30310)

Co-Sponsored By: Iheart radio and IowaWORKS / IowaWORKS

iowaworks.gov

03/09/2020

Counting down ONE WEEK to the Job Fair at the Opportunity Center in the Ladd Library (3750 Williams Blvd SW in Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404) on March 16th, from 2:00pm - 4:00pm

03/06/2020

Are you an employer or job seeker in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area? Grab a Job is an efficient way for job seekers to meet with multiple employers and for hiring professionals to find the best candidates, and save time. It's a win-win situation for everyone. Grab a Job takes place EVERY Tuesday morning from 10:30-12:30 at the IowaWORKS. Attending employers can conduct open interviews or assist job seekers with applying for open positions. Attendees may speak with employers anytime between 10:30-12:30. Number of employers attending will vary. This Tuesday, March 10th employers include:
-Goodwill of the Heartland
-Robert Half Technologies
-The Hotel at Kirkwood
-Iowa Premium

Career Services at Western Iowa Tech Community College 03/06/2020

🙌 Are you a Sioux City, IA Local Employer? IowaWORKS and Western Iowa Tech Community College, as a part of the greater Siouxland Economic Development Corporation efforts, are bringing you a wonderful opportunity to connect with students, alumni, and members of the general public who are eager to learn about your hiring needs.

The Spring Career Fair is taking place on March 26, 2020 from 10:00AM to 3:00pm on the Sioux City WITCC campus

Spaces are quickly filling! Don’t miss out!

The cost for your company to attend the event will be $40.00 and will include two lunch tickets for your representatives.

Registration is easily completed ONLINE:

Please go to http://meetyournewcareer.com/
Scroll down and click on the banner to complete the registration form
Check the appropriate career cluster boxes for your company, and choose your payment option.
This semester there are two options:
You can still mail your check OR you can now call in to pay by credit card

Upon receipt of payment and the completed information sheet, we will reserve a table for you and email you a confirmation that a table has been reserved for you. More specific information will be emailed as the event gets closer.

If you have any additional questions please contact Carol at 712-274-8733, ext. 1383 or Jon at 712-233-9030, ext. 46007 or at either of the emails: [email protected] [email protected]

Career Services at Western Iowa Tech Community College Job Training Partners offers a variety of programs and services to individuals wanting to enter the workforce whose career and employment situation is in transition. We offer a variety of programs and services to help individuals identify and meet their career goals.

03/06/2020

⚠️ Are you a student or job seeker in the Dubuque, IA Local area that has an interest in the Skilled Trades? Make sure you mark your calendars for the SKILLED TRADES EXPO, which will be held at the Truck Country Corporate Training Center (10819 Wood Gate Drive) on Saturday, April 4th. More than 20+ manufacturing/skilled labor companies will be available to meet with you and discuss their current job needs, as well as their prodcuts and services they provide. See the attached flyer for more details!

03/06/2020

👋 HEY Dubuque, IA Local Employers!! Come be a part of this Exciting Expo!! The SKILLED TRADES EXPO is happening on Saturday, April 4th at the Truck Country Corporate Training Center. This is your opportunity to SHARE about your company’s products, TEACH about career pathways within your company, ENGAGE with the community and CONNECT with students/job seekers. See the attached flyers for more details and for addtional information, contact Joan Schuster at 563-588-5765 or email: [email protected]

Services Specialist for the Blind 2 03/06/2020

Are you looking for a fulfilling career making the difference in the lives of older Iowans? As a Services Specialist for the Blind 2 you will be empowering older adults who are losing their vision and helping them to maintain their independence by providing education and training in alternative techniques.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/2734074/services-specialist-for-the-blind-2?fbclid=IwAR0qSModLuhd2orTVkAfd5lE7ga3x8kPoQM1prBMma0wEcKyx_Uxq8P8nzY

Services Specialist for the Blind 2 This is a non-merit position with the Iowa Department for the Blind. The Iowa Department for the Blind is looking to fill a Services Specialist for the Blind. The position will be statewide with regional assignment focus in East Central Iowa, with flexibility to allow domicile in any one of these ...

02/06/2020

Thank you Wells Blue Bunny for the wonderful (and delicious) partnership discussion!

Our quote for the day: “Don’t let your ice cream melt while you’re counting somebody else’s sprinkles.”

Amazon Confirms Bondurant Fulfillment Center, Facility to Create 1,000 Full-Time Jobs 02/06/2020

It has officially been confirmed that Amazon Fulfillment Center will opening in Bondurant, Iowa (anticipated for late 2020) providing 1,000 full-time jobs, starting at $15 minimum wage.
http://whotv.com/2020/02/06/amazon-confirms-bondurant-fulfillment-center-facility-to-create-1000-full-time-jobs/

Amazon Confirms Bondurant Fulfillment Center, Facility to Create 1,000 Full-Time Jobs The long-rumored Amazon fulfillment center being built in Bondurant under the code-name Project Bluejay has finally been confirmed.

01/27/2020

Thank you Michael Foods for the opportunity to learn about the products and services offered globally, nationwide, and throughout the state of Iowa. A huge shoutout to all the friendly staff at the Norwalk, Iowa location that provided us with a wonderful tour, allowing us to learn about essential functions of each position. We look forward to our partnership to meet your hiring needs with fantastic candidates. 🔆Kudos for the creative solution this company is taking to eliminate the transportation barrier 🙌

01/16/2020

What a wonderful day spent in Hawkeye nation reconnecting with a great partner 👍

Meet the blind actress cast in Waterloo Community Playhouse's thriller 'Wait Until Dark' 01/16/2020

Congratulations Kelsi! You are going to be fantastic!!
“There are misconceptions about blindness, and a lot of stuff in the media portrays blindness the way they think it is. I’m trying to put accuracy into the role.”

https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/meet-the-blind-actress-cast-in-waterloo-community-playhouse-s/article_bdd8cc3c-7fe6-5399-ad4a-6a36a60e36c5.html

Meet the blind actress cast in Waterloo Community Playhouse's thriller 'Wait Until Dark' Kelsi Hansen is playing Susan, a newly blind woman threatened in her apartment by a trio of thugs in the WCP thriller "Wait Until Dark." Hansen is blind and making

01/14/2020

❗️🕰Tuesday time check! Have you worked through lunch?! Stop in at Pieology Pizzeria where the pizza is fresh, fast, and the employees are fantastic! Thanks for the delicious partnership 🙌 🍕

27 Most Common Job Interview Questions and Answers 01/14/2020

It may be a new year but interview questions often remain the same. Check out the link below for a great resource of some of the most common interview questions and answers.
*⚠️: Job candidates are often unprepared for the “What questions do you have for me?” interview question. Prepare yourself by checking out #22- #26 in the link for some great examples.

https://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/27-most-common-job-interview-questions-and-answers.html

27 Most Common Job Interview Questions and Answers Want to know (or use) some of the most common interview questions and answers? Here's a comprehensive list, along with some of the best answers.

01/13/2020

Hiring Event at IowaWORKS​ 903 Lincoln Way, Ames on Wednesday, January 15th !!

10am-12pm Mainstream Living, open positions: Direct Support Professionals (FT&PT) $11-$13.50/hr, apply at https://www.mainstreamliving.org/employment

1pm-3pm Mediacom, open positions: Broadband Specialist & Field Auditor, $11/hr + Incentive Pay, apply at https://www.mediacomcable.com/careers
or Apply by text, send “MEDIACOM” to 97211

01/13/2020

$20.00-$22.00 per hour and flexible hours?!
2020 CENSUS APPLICATION DAY!
IowaWORKS will be hosting 2020 Census Application Day tomorrow (Tuesday, January, 13th) from 9am-1pm at 200 Army Post Rd.
This event will consist of back-to-back workshops with on-site staff to assist individuals with getting applications completed.
*If you are unable to attend tomorrow, another event will be held on Wednesday, January 14th from 10am-1pm.

01/07/2020

On-Site Hiring Event with Balance Autism

Where: IowaWORKS (200 Army Post Road Suite #44, Des Moines, IA 50315)
When: THIS Thursday (1/9/2020) from 12pm-3pm

Open positions with Balance Autism:
Adult Autism Associate
Behavior Technician
Employment Specialist

To find out more information visit: Balanceautism.org/careers

Photos from IDB VR's post 01/07/2020

Do you enjoy working with children and are looking for a career in Early Childhood Education?

The Child Care Ready Workshops are starting this Saturday January 11th. All workshops will be held at Indian Hills Community College - Advanced Technology Center Room 111A. The workshop dates are, January 11th & 25th and February 8th & 29th.

If you have questions regarding the event, contact Brenda O'Halloran at 515.401.4957 or email [email protected] For Questions about becoming an in-home child care provider, contact Julie Davis at 515.371.0525 or email [email protected]

12/12/2019
12/09/2019

It might be freezing outside but what a warm and welcoming meeting with John Deere in Ankeny, Iowa.

12/09/2019

⚠️ATTENTION EMPLOYERS⚠️

Apply NOW for the Employer Innovation Fund!! ❗️Link to apply is in comments and deadline is December 17th.❗️

👉The Future Ready Iowa Employer Innovation fund is a grant opportunity for employers to carry out creative solutions that address local workforce issues. It encourages employers, community leaders, and others to lead efforts for developing regional workforce talent pools. Employers can promote credit and non-credit education and training opportunities in high-demand jobs.

12/09/2019

Update: James is pictured below smiling and laughing with his talking digital food thermometer that enables him to complete essential functions of his job efficiently. James Hunt has been successfully employed with Kwik Star in Ankeny, Iowa for about 60 days. He is currently working 38hrs per week, w/full benefits, in a food prep position. What does James enjoy most about his position? That from day one, his manager recognized his potential, skills, and abilities. Congratulations James and thank you Kwik Star for being a model to employers everywhere in practicing inclusive hiring and recognizing skills and abilities. As you can tell from the video below, James is extremely happy with his position at Kwik Star.

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Telephone

Address


Des Moines, IA
50309

Opening Hours

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Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Other Des Moines government services (show all)
Iowa House Democrats Iowa House Democrats
State Capitol Building
Des Moines, 50319

We are putting people over politics.

DMACC Urban Campus Library DMACC Urban Campus Library
1100 7th Street, Bldg 1
Des Moines, 50314

The mission of the DMACC Libraries is to provide access to academic and professional development

Iowa Department of Natural Resources Iowa Department of Natural Resources
6200 Park Avenue, Suite 200
Des Moines, 50321

Leading Iowans in caring for our natural resources Active: 8-4:30 M-F www.iowadnr.gov/SocialMedia

Cowles Library Cowles Library
2507 University Avenue
Des Moines, 50311

Cowles Library, Drake University. The largest private academic library in Iowa.

Polk County Iowa Polk County Iowa
111 Court Avenue Ste 300
Des Moines, 50309

Serving a diverse Central Iowa community, Polk County is among the nation’s most innovative public institutions.

Iowa Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau Iowa Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau
215 E 7th Street
Des Moines, 50319

Vision: A place where motorists, pedestrians and cyclists share the safest roads in the nation.

United Way of Central Iowa United Way of Central Iowa
1111 9th Street
Des Moines, 50314

Fostering an equitable, engaged, and empowered community

Iowa Economic Development Authority Iowa Economic Development Authority
1963 Bell Avenue, Suite 200
Des Moines, 50315

Iowa offers a positive business climate, an educated work force and an economy focused on innovation.

Prevent Child Abuse Iowa Prevent Child Abuse Iowa
501 SW 7th Street , Suite G
Des Moines, 50309

Child abuse is preventable. Prevent Child Abuse Iowa is proudly leading and inspiring others to create a state free from child abuse.

South Central Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO South Central Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO
2000 Walker, Suite H
Des Moines, 50317

The goals of South Central Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO are social and economic justice.

Polk County Health Department Polk County Health Department
1907 Carpenter Avenue
Des Moines, 50314

Website: http://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health

Lutheran Services in Iowa Lutheran Services in Iowa
3125 Cottage Grove Avenue (And More Offices Statewide)
Des Moines, 50311

LSI is one of Iowa's largest nonprofit human services agencies.