Special Programming Workforce Program Coordinator

Job Description

The Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Team at Iowa Workforce Development is accepting applications for a full‑time Special Programming Workforce Program Coordinator role in our Iowa WORKS offices. This position currently serves in the role of project manager for the Disability Innovation Fund Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (DIF‑SWTCIE) Grant program; however, it is a permanent position with the Vocational Rehabilitation Division of Iowa Workforce Development and will continue post‑grant focused on coordination of the ongoing services, supports, and best practices that were implemented through the grant initiatives.

Coordinate, manage, and oversee the Disability Innovation Fund Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (DIF‑SWTCIE) Grant program, based on the established DIF Workplan. Communicate with the IWD communication team for branding, marketing, and website for the DIF‑SWTCIE grant. Coordinate Collective and Steering Committee meetings, as well as the associated work groups. Provide oversight of DIF‑SWTCIE pilot projects and ensure progress, dissemination, and evaluation of each project.

Ensure all expenditures, programs, services, and activities are ended at the completion of the grant, in alignment with RSA guidance.

Draft and submit required reporting for the DIF‑SWTCIE grant, including end‑of‑year reports, annual reports, monthly reports, and other requested documents. Ensure successful submission of documents into the appropriate systems. Coordinate with relevant IVRS staff on the review of DIF‑SWTCIE data to inform grant progress and prepare reports and other requests for DIF‑SWTCIE data.

Manage and administer contracts and agreements with vendors related to the DIF‑SWTCIE grant (e.g., GHA, CEA, DB101, CEBH, etc.) and IPS and CE services, in accordance with state contracting requirements and federal regulations. Provide consultation and technical assistance to CRPs and IVRS staff to ensure compliance with DIF‑SWTCIE and WIOA requirements. Provide recommendations to IVRS Executive Team on necessary program improvements.

Identify quality indicators; facilitate, initiate and execute agreements with partners, problem‑solve and negotiate on behalf of IVRS to expand training opportunities and program success. Serve on the Contract Oversight and Review Experts (CORE) committee to provide updates on contracts.

Participate in internal and external initiatives that impact employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities who may participate in IPS, CE and/or DIF services. Develop standards for delivering current or new services, as well as procedures for monitoring current or new services, including necessary approvals. Represent the work of the DIF grant in coordination with the State Rehabilitation Council.

Collaborate with all levels of IVRS staff on the development and recommendation of policies that impact services, including IPS and CE. Coordinate with the Supported Employment Resource Manager to ensure the SES manual is in alignment with guidance provided on CE and IPS. Attend associated meetings (e.g., State Rehabilitation Council, IMPACT, etc.) to represent both the DIFSWTCIE grant and associated services.

Serve as the Intermediary for the Direct Support Professional (DSP) Registered Apprenticeship and any associated pre‑apprenticeships. Ensure necessary agreements are in place with businesses, schools, and other associated parties. Other duties as assigned.

The successful candidate must be able to pass a criminal background check conducted by the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is a state agency dedicated to providing exceptional employment services and connecting employers with skilled workers. With a strong focus on continuous improvement and aligning services with workforce demands, IWD offers comprehensive support to job seekers and employers through a statewide network of Iowa WORKS Centers.

IWD is…