Disability Career Planner

Job Description

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is seeking applicants for the position of Disability Career Planner at our Iowa WORKS office located in Waterloo, IA.

As a Disability Career Planner, in addition to serving all customers, you will serve as a main point of contact assisting job seekers with disabilities. Through this enhanced level of Iowa WORKS services, the Disability Career Planner will assist customers to develop employment plans based upon talents, abilities, and interests, while addressing any accommodation that may be needed to minimize employment barriers and increase employment opportunities.

Some of the services provided will include application assistance, resume development, interview preparation as well as other guidance to help them get off to a great new start!

This position will support the successful inclusion of Iowans with disabilities within the one-stop employment service system and in the business community. The Disability Program Career Planner will welcome each customer in a friendly and professional manner. Provide courtesy, respect, and politeness during all interactions with customers, both internal and external. Work closely with customers to determine what programs and services they are seeking or need assistance with.

Interact effectively and build respectful relationships among coworkers and partners and collaborate with team members within the American Job Center, resulting in a better experience for customers. Provide feedback and potential solutions to team and IWD leadership.

As a Disability Career Planner you will coach, motivate and encourage job seekers on all aspects of the job search by providing intensive career planning services to people with disabilities and ensure that individuals are connected to all Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs and services that they are eligible for. Assist in the facilitation and development of Integrated Resource Teams (IRTs) in the American Job Centers to blend services and funding around an individual customer’s needs.

Possess a strong working knowledge of programs and services regarding needs such as healthcare, Medicare, transportation, housing, education, and training. Assist customers to build their personal and job skills for the primary goal of successful employment and provide customer assistance with preparing and tailoring resumes and cover letters.

In this role you will facilitate mock interviews with customers, identifying ways to improve their interview responses. Refer, direct, and result customers to appropriate workshops and employment events. Facilitate workshops or one‑on‑one appointments in‑person or through virtual conferencing platform for customers/participants of system programs and services, update workshops and presentations as new information is available.

Disability Career Planner’s communicate regularly with the public (business groups, disability groups, other agencies, local government) on employment services, Social Security incentives, job accommodations, and benefits of employment of people with disabilities. Conduct outreach to promote Ticket to Work to customers. Attend all Disability Access Committee meetings and provide resources for the Committee and build connections with partners throughout the local workforce development area to strengthen the local network of support for individuals with disabilities.

Provide individualized career and training services to eligible adults, dislocated workers and youth in accordance with federal, state, and local policies and procedures. Administer appropriate assessments to determine career interests and ensure all services are documented in the Iowa WORKS system in a timely manner. Communicate regularly with participants to ensure they are aware of Work Based Learning and training opportunities in the local area to achieve their individual employment goals.

Some travel is required as needed.

• Conduct assessments to determine customer qualifications for special services and job referrals
• Read, interpret, and apply a variety of technical materials, rules,…