Activities Specialist - Vocational
Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/newprint/5333379)
Apply
?
Activities Specialist - Vocational
Salary
$50,960.00 - $76,190.40 Annually
Location
Woodward - 50276 - Boone County, IA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
26-03003
Agency
400 Health & Human Services - State Operated Specialty Care
Opening Date
05/06/2026
Closing Date
5/17/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag
LI-POST
Point of Contact
Jennifer Clausen and Val Kilmer - jennifer.clausen@hhs.iowa.gov, val.kilmer@hhs.iowa.gov
Description
Benefits
Questions
Job Description
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of State-Operated Specialty Care, Bureau of Woodward Resource Center (WRC) is seeking an Activities Specialist to join our team. As an Activities Specialist, you'll play a pivotal role in our Vocational Department. If you're passionate about making a difference and ready to take on a rewarding position, this could be the perfect job for you!
As part of the WRC team, you'll:
Direct, plan, and coordinate specific vocational programs for people in assigned caseload.
Direct, plan, and coordinate general vocational programs at the houses to develop socialization, self-expression, new skills, and abilities.
Monitor on-going participation of WRC clients in their community jobs to ensure positive-growth and skill development.
Teach Individuals daily living, communication, leisure, and vocational skills by following written procedures and modeling pro-social behavior and skills.
Perform all aspects of the individualized active treatment program for assigned individuals.
Act as a liaison between the vocational department and other Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) members for the purpose of ensuring on-going programming and goal development.
Attend department meetings for the purpose of communication, presenting problem areas for discussion, planning, and coordination of activities with other activities specialists.
Coordinate community employers in Vocational/WRC programming.
Maintain supply of leisure activities and materials at houses in assigned caseload. Review requests for appropriateness of activities and individuals to be involved and keep an on-going inventory of all leisure supplies/materials.
Complete necessary preparations for trips, e.g., check admission prices, schedule tours, and contact agencies as necessary to obtain specific information. Determine cost per person per activity and coordinate account balances with the Treatment Program Manager. Request participation funds from the Business Office then obtain and cash checks to make funds available to staff going on trips. Turn all receipts in per guidelines.
Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.
About WRC
WRC prepares and supports individuals to live in the community of their choice. This facility is a great place to develop or continue your healthcare career if you enjoy rewarding yet challenging work, supporting individuals by working as part of their interdisciplinary team, and helping to develop person-centered Individual Support Plans to meet specific support needs, preferences, and goals. The facility provides a range of services that include being an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability (ICF/IID), daily supported community living, consultations/training, behavioral health services, physical nutrition management, and community residential-based guidance in learning prosocial behavior and personal accountability. For more info about WRC: https://hhs.iowa.gov/family-community/specialty-care-facilities/woodward-resource-center
Benefits of Joining WRC
Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.
Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage:Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
Paid Time Off:Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation(96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
Retirement Plans:Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
Flexible Spending Accounts:Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
Insurance Coverage:Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
Employee Assistance Program:Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
Employee Discount Programs:Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.
For additional information on benefits click here (https://das.iowa.gov/media/5266/download?inline) .
Click hereto see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.
Join Us Today
Join us at WRC and be part of a team where your work truly matters. Apply now to start your journey towards a rewarding career with purpose!
Woodward Highlights
Woodward is a city of approximately 1,300 located in central Iowa. The High Trestle Trail begins here and boasts 25 miles of paved surface running through five towns and four counties in the heart of Iowa. The trail includes an iconic, 1/2-mile, 13-story high bridge across the Des Moines River valley, one of the largest trail bridges in the world. The Iowa Arboretum & Gardens is just a quick drive away offering more trails, scenic overlooks and other amazing natural features.
Woodward is about 30 minutes away Ames, home of Iowa State University. Des Moines, Iowa's capitol city, is also about the same distance away and home to Casey's Center (host site of NCAA Basketball and premier concerts) and Lauridsen Skatepark, the nation's largest skatepark. Additionally, Des Moines hosts one of the nation's finest State Fairs and is home to professional sports teams the Iowa Cubs, Iowa Wolves, Iowa Barnstormers and Iowa Wild. Check out these 10 Reasons to Move to Iowa (https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/iowa/10-reasons-move-to-ia/) .
The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer
HHS values those with "lived experience" and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the HHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired - Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).
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 federalRight to Worklaws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visitwww.e-verify.gov.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in art, the behavioral/social sciences, industrial therapy, music, occupational therapy, physical education, recreation, rehabilitation, therapeutic recreation, or other closely related fields;
OR
experience at a level comparable to Activities Assistant or above may be substituted in any equivalent combination for the required education on the basis of one year of experience for each thirty-semester hours of education to a maximum of four years;
OR
employees withcurrentcontinuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to two years of full-time work as an Activities Assistant.
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/ActivitiesSpecialist1-02110-82110.pdf)
Additional Qualification Requirements
Within a period of time after hire, as determined by the appointing authority, employees in this class may be required to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and endorsements.
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!
01
Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.
Yes - I understand and agree.
No
02
Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with major course work in art, the behavioral/social sciences, industrial therapy, music, occupational therapy, physical education, recreation, rehabilitation, therapeutic recreation, or other closely related fields?
Yes
No
03
Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - How many years of experience do you have in the classification of Activities Assistant?
I am not a State of Iowa employee
No experience in the classification of Activities Assistant
Less than two years of experience in the classification of Activities Assistant
Two or more years of experience in the classification of Activities Assistant
04
How many years do you have of combined post high school education with major course work in art, the behavioral/social sciences, industrial therapy, music, occupational therapy, physical education, recreation, rehabilitation, therapeutic recreation, or other closely related fieldsANDfull-time experience at a level comparable to Activities Assistant or above?
No post high school education in the identified areas
No experience comparable to Activities Assistant or above
Less than two years of the combined education and experience in the identified areas
Two years to less than four years of the combined education and experience in the identified areas
Four or more years of the combined education and experience in the identified areas
05
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?
No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
Required Question
Employer
State of Iowa
Agency
400 Health & Human Services - State Operated Specialty Care
Address
Lucas State Office Building
321 E 12th St
Des Moines, Iowa, 50319
Website
https://hhs.iowa.gov/
Apply
Please verify your email addressVerify Email
