Employment

Job Description

This role operates in a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Setting, defined as “medical, social, and supportive services for Iowans with functional, cognitive, and other physical or mental health needs” (Iowa Health & Human Services). Rather than institutionalizing individuals who have these physical and mental health needs, HCBS settings provide these individuals with the opportunity to live and receive services in a way honoring to them and their abilities. 

Direct Support Professionals are the heartbeat of what we do at Imagine the Possibilities – empowering people to reach individual achievement across the spectrum of life. If you’re passionate about empowering people to reach their goals and help them strive for more, we want you to join our team. As an integral part of the overall care team, you will collaborate with other Direct Support Professionals, Programmers, Supervisors, individuals-served, and their families to ensure the best possible care for those you serve. You will fulfill an individual’s behavioral care plan by creatively strategizing the best way for each individual to reach and exceed their goals. Your innovative and impactful solutions and strategies will make the difference for those you serve. 

What Winning Looks Like:

While it’s not a competition, we do recognize that each person wants to ‘win’ at life; and you’re a central part of someone else’s wins as well as your own! In this role, you’ll be responsible to: 

• Collaborate with the HCBS Supervisor and HCBS Programmer to develop goals for the individual served.
• Provide services to individuals based on their unique goals and behavioral care plan. This includes:
• Teaching individuals how to accomplish their goal (rather than completing a task for them).
• Using behavioral strategies that support individuals and address any behaviors that do not lead to their success.
• Motivate and encourage individuals to participate in their behavioral care plans and reach their goals.
• Participate in recreational, community, and social activities with those you serve, honoring the choices of the individual. 
• Display and understanding of when it is appropriate to apply rights-restrictions, only as determined by the interdisciplinary team and when indicated in the individual’s behavioral care plan. 
• Provide complete, consistent, and accurate documentation of the individual’s progress. 
• Provide safe environments and instruction to individuals served regarding the practices that will help them reach their goals.
• Provide care to individuals that help them present their best selves to the community. This may include helping with hygienic needs, choosing appropriate clothing, administering medication, and ensuring they have food options suitable for their dietary needs. 
• Be an advocate for individuals receiving services to have as much control over their own lives as possible. All individuals should be treated with respect and should feel empowered to live their life as independently as physically possible. 

Know We’re For You:

We know finding the right opportunity can be tricky – that’s why Imagine is focused on making sure your time is well spent. We take pride in the benefits we offer our employees. As an employee, you’ll have access to a variety of benefits that are sure to sweeten the deal. Depending on your full-time or part-time status, you’ll have access to: 

• Competitive Wages: The base pay is $17/hour. With education and experience, you could start out making more than that.
• Flexible Scheduling: We’re a 24/7 service provider, so we have all sorts of opportunities that will fit your schedule. 
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): We all deserve a break now and then – don’t feel bad about taking time for you. 
• 401k Retirement Plan: Secure your future with a cushioned fund that will allow you to live your best life. 
• Comprehensive Insurance Plans: Whether its medical, dental, vision, or life insurance – we’ve got you covered. 
• Pre-Paid Legal Services: Be prepared for the things you just can’t be prepared for on your own.
• Discounted Costco or Sam’s Club Memberships: What can we say? We know a great deal when we see one. 
• Advancement Opportunities: We believe in your future, which is why we have a specifically designed leadership development opportunity purposed to launch your career. 
• Employee Assistance Program: We’re there for you through all life’s ups and downs. 

Requirements

Functional Experiences, Skills, & Requirements:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and professional experiences:

• Mission-oriented: We’re on a mission to empower people to reach individual achievement across the spectrum of life. We know you are, too.
• An Attitude of Leaning: The truth is, the field of caregiving is always changing and requires adaptability. We need people on our team who are always ready to learn new ways of doing things, helping people, and changing lives. 
• Ability to Communicate Well: We’re looking for people with strong communication abilities so we can rely on you to communicate effectively to the rest of the team and the people we serve. 
• Confidence: We’re looking for people who know how to balance being bold and being humble. We’re looking for team members who are self-aware enough to know when to stand up as an advocate for others and when it’s time to follow the leader.
• Age Requirement: Depending on the setting, we may have additional age requirements. For Supported Community Living settings (SCL), you must be at least 16 years of age. For Habilitation settings (HAB), you must be at least 18 years of age. If you’re not sure which category this job posting falls into, we encourage you to apply – we’ll work with you on what we have available! 
• Driver’s License: You’ll be responsible for transportation at times, so we need to trust your ability to be safe behind the wheel.
• Educational Requirement: While no higher education is necessary, we do look for candidates who have obtained their diploma or the equivalent representing their high school education. 

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by

an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Must remain awake during working hours.
• May assist in the transfer of individuals to/from wheelchair, chair, bed, toilet, vehicle, etc.
• May require lifting at times, up to 35 pounds. Lifting more than 35# requires the use of a two-person lift, mechanical lift, or assistive equipment.
• May attend and participate in activities of consumer’s choice (e.g., church services, swimming, bowling, etc.).
• May require prolonged walking and standing for up to eight hours.
• May require frequent bending, stooping, and stretching.
• May require driving for up to eight hours.
• May experience various climatic conditions.
• May require working with difficult emotional and physical behaviors (e.g., seizures, physical aggression, etc.).
• Must have ability to see objects/persons at a distance.
• Must have ability to see close work such as typed or handwritten material.
• Must have ability to hear conversations in a quiet and a noisy environment.
• Must have ability to determine where a sound is coming from.
• Must have ability to hear differences among bells, buzzers, beeps, horns, etc.
• Must have ability to communicate through speech.
• Must have ability to drive and transport for service provision as needed.
• Must remain awake during working hours, if applicable.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain an all-inclusive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Further, this job description does not imply a contract between employees and Imagine the Possibilities, Inc.

Imagine the Possibilities is an equal opportunity employer. All candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, or any other protected status. 

Job Description

Objective

The Office Manager/ Program Assistant is the first point of contact with those that we serve.  The position ensures that the accounting, clerical and administrative portions of the County Office are accomplished effectively and efficiently. The position requires customer relation skills; the willingness to work with the public and the ability to maintain a positive attitude. This role requires an individual who demonstrates strong initiative, punctuality, efficiency, and confidentiality. The ideal candidate will be adaptable to change, able to handle a varying workload, and committed to continuous self-improvement.

Responsibilities

• Greets walk-in customers and answers phone, handling requests in a pleasant, courteous, and professional manner.
• Communicates effectively within a team environment.
• Assists visitors and answers e-mail and voicemail requests in a timely manner
• Maintains internal organizational files; office supply cupboards, publications, etc… The ability to use online and server storage systems as well as in office filing system.
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, 4-H database, internet, and operation of office equipment and procedures
• Maintains online client data bases as needed (MyData)
• Daily picks up and delivers mail including sorting and routing mail and packages and preparing individual and bulk mailings
• Completes general office duties and organization
• Prepare monthly Extension Council meeting packets that follow Iowa Open Meetings Laws.
• Oversees building maintenance/facility rental/ and property management with Council Facilities committee.  Includes acquiring bids for capital purchases and major building improvements,
• Manages Mahaska County website in partnership with other staff – updates, programs, newsletters and calendar.
• Attends scheduled office and regional staff meetings, trainings, webcasts and professional development while also maintaining meeting room calendar.
• In partnership with other staff, completes calendar of events and news releases and sends out to area media.
• Responsible for creating an inviting office environment that helps everyone understand ISU Extension better.
• Take cash, checks and make receipts.
• Reconcile cash drawer on a bi-weekly basis schedule.
• Comply with Fiscal Policy for the Mahaska County Agricultural Extension District

Program Assistant Responsibilities

• Communicates with Council, staff, and volunteers in a way that creates a team environment, including maintaining positive working relationships within the community.
• Plans, coordinates, and implements educational programming within a team structure.
• Complete volunteer background screenings
• Help to promote and assist county staff and state program specialists by:
  • Managing local data collection in line with program area requirements
  • Manage project budgets within the program area
• In partnership with other staff, secure and manage outside funding including grants and private sources.
• Remains familiar with resources, network, contacts, materials and products for offerings in:
  • Agriculture & Natural Resources
  • Human Science and Outreach
  • Youth and 4-H
  • Communities & Economic Development
• Assists Mahaska County dedicated ISU field specialists and county coordinators with programing needs as requested with program preparation, arranging registration, space rental, refreshments or meals, printing of supplement materials, hosting events, timely communication with participants in event of cancellation or postponement, entering program information in the data reporting system promptly following programs
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Friendly, team player, service-oriented personality
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Great customer service and interpersonal skills
• Tactful when communicating with others
• Keen attention to detail
• Professional attitude and appearance
• Ability to be resourceful and proactive when issues arise
• Proficiency with common word processing and computer layout and design software (including In-Design and Word).
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment
• Teaching or facilitation experience is beneficial.
• Valid drivers’ license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to lift at least 40 lbs.
• Employment contingent on successful background screening

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates Degree or equivalent work experience
• Preferred: Bachelor's degree

Additional Information

• Supervisor: Regional Director
• Job Type: Full Time
• Hours: 40 hours per week
• Wages (type): Hourly
• Wages: Salary Range: $21 - $24 based on experience
• Submit: Cover Letter and Resume' and application to Tanya Michener: michener@iastate.edu

• Job Description

   

• Job Application

Job Type

Full Time

Hours

40

Wages (type)

Hourly

Wages (status)

non-exempt

Wages

$21-24 based on experience

Benefits

Health

Single, basic health benefits are provided by the Mahaska County Agricultural Extension District. All regular, full-time, district-based employees are eligible to receive health benefits. Benefit plan and provider is determined by the Mahaska County Agricultural Extension District.

IPERS

Application Deadline

02/07/2025

Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status and will not be discriminated against.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/diversity/ext.

Job Description

This role is a hybrid position, with a combination of telework and on-site in our Central and Eastern Iowa areas. 

Imagine the Possibilities is seeking a compassionate, intuitive, and knowledgeable nurse to join the direct care team as a Care Coordinator. This role requires team members to collaborate, create, and implement person-centered care plans for individuals with disabilities and/or behavioral health diagnosis in the least-restrictive manner possible in accordance with the latest regulatory guidance for the setting. Within this position, you will play a vital role in providing professional, psychiatric nursing guidance and care. 

If you’re a passionate Registered Nurse with psychiatric experience who enjoys empowering people to reach their goals and help them strive for more, we want you to join our team. As an integral part of the overall care team, you will collaborate with other Direct Support Professionals, Programmers, Supervisors, individuals-served, and their families to ensure the best possible support is provided. This position will provide support to individuals served with intellectual disabilities and/or a behavioral health diagnosis. Your innovative and impactful solutions and strategies will make the difference for those you serve. 
 

What Winning Looks Like:

While it’s not a competition, we do recognize that each person wants to ‘win’ at life; and you’re a central part of someone else’s wins – as well as your own! In this role, you’ll be responsible to: 

• Serve on Imagines' Quality Team as a medical/behavioral representative on the Responsive Services Committee for identified regions. 
• Provide oversight and support (in-person and virtual) to individuals with complex medical and/or behavioral challenges.
• Serve as a liaison with the care team for individuals-served, including psychiatry, therapists, pharmacy, and support staff. This includes:

o Providing resources and support to individuals in crisis.

o Showing empathy and compassion in interactions with individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

o Participating and providing support within the implementation of an individual’s care plan, including their interventions and additional supports.

o Connecting individuals and/or staff with resources/education necessary as it relates to mental health, chemical dependency, or inappropriate sexual behaviors.

• Assist in the development, training, implementation, and monitoring of individuals-served complex medical and/or behavioral support plans. This role requires you to have extensive knowledge in mental health/psychiatric nursing. This means you will also assist with individual-served crisis intervention and risk management planning through supporting the development and review of appropriate, time-limited rights restrictions, behavioral supports, and intervention plans.
• Assist with medication administration, as needed. This could include assisting with the development and review of curriculum and remedial training for our direct care teams.
• Be an advocate for individuals receiving services to have as much control over their own lives as possible. All individuals should be treated with respect and should feel empowered to live their life as independently as physically possible. 

Know We’re For You:

We know finding the right opportunity can be tricky – that’s why Imagine is focused on making sure your time is well spent. We take pride in the benefits we offer our employees. As an employee, you’ll have access to a variety of benefits that are sure to sweeten the deal. Depending on your full-time or part-time status, you’ll have access to: 

• Competitive Wages: The hourly wage is based on experience and education. If you have questions about compensation, we encourage you to apply and discuss these questions with our team during the interview process. 
• Flexible Scheduling: We’re a 24/7 service provider, so we have all sorts of opportunities that will fit your schedule. 
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): We all deserve a break now and then – don’t feel bad about taking time for you. 
• 401k Retirement Plan: Secure your future with a cushioned fund that will allow you to live your best life. 
• Comprehensive Insurance Plans: Whether its medical, dental, vision, or life insurance – we’ve got you covered. 
• Pre-Paid Legal Services: Be prepared for the things you just can’t be prepared for on your own.
• Discounted Costco or Sam’s Club Memberships: What can we say? We know a great deal when we see one. 
• Advancement Opportunities: We believe in your future, which is why we have a specifically designed leadership development opportunity purposed to launch your career. 
• Employee Assistance Program: We’re there for you through all life’s ups and downs. 

Requirements

Functional Experiences, Skills, & Requirements:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and professional experiences:

• Mission-oriented: We’re on a mission to empower people to reach individual achievement across the spectrum of life. We know you are, too.
• An Attitude of Leaning: The truth is, the field of caregiving is always changing and requires adaptability. We need people on our team who are always ready to learn new ways of doing things, helping people, and changing lives. 
• Ability to Communicate Well: We’re looking for people with strong communication abilities so we can rely on you to communicate effectively to the rest of the team and the people we serve. 
• Confidence: We’re looking for people who know how to balance being bold and being humble. We’re looking for team members who are self-aware enough to know when to stand up as an advocate for others and when it’s time to follow the leader.
• Experience: This position requires psychiatric experience. Your knowledge of and experience with psychiatric and physical health disorders, psychotropic medications, DSM-IV diagnoses, and co-occurring disorders will make you stand out among the rest.
• Education: It is required that you have obtained your RN, LISW, LCSW through an accredited program.
• Licensure(s): Valid licensure in the state of Iowa as a Registered Nurse, LISW, LCSW.
• Driver’s License: This position will require travel at times as you’ll be responsible for transportation at times, so we need to trust your ability to be safe behind the wheel.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• May require lifting at times, up to 35 pounds. Lifting more than 35 pounds requires the use of a two-person lift, mechanical lift, or assistive equipment.
• May require prolonged sitting and working at a computer for up to eight hours.
• May require frequent bending, stooping, and stretching.
• May require prolonged standing for up to eight hours.
• Must wear hearing and eye protection in required areas.
• Must have ability to see objects/persons at a distance.
• Must have ability to see close work such as typed or handwritten material.
• Must have ability to hear conversations in a quiet and a noisy environment.
• Must have ability to determine where a sound is coming from.
• Must have ability to hear differences among bells, buzzers, beeps, horns, etc.
• Must have ability to communicate through speech.
• Must have ability to drive and transport for service provision as needed.
• Must remain awake during working hours, if applicable.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain an all-inclusive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Further, this job description does not imply a contract between employees and Imagine the Possibilities, Inc.

Imagine the Possibilities is an equal opportunity employer. All candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, or any other protected status.