Rehabilitation Assistant - Waterloo

State of Iowa • Waterloo - 50701 - Black Hawk County, IA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) is seeking a Rehabilitation Assistant to join our team at the Iowa WORKS office in Waterloo, Iowa. This role is an opportunity to partner with individuals with disabilities as they build meaningful, sustainable employment and greater independence. The role involves empowering individuals to achieve meaningful employment and greater independence through personalized vocational rehabilitation services. By guiding job candidates from initial referral through job placement and retention, this role supports skill development, builds confidence, and fosters strong partnerships with employers and community stakeholders. This position is ideal for someone motivated by purpose-driven work, collaboration, and helping others reach their full potential.

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal & communication skills
• Passion for helping others succeed
• Organizational & time management skills
• Problem-solving & conflict resolution skills
• Attention to detail & accuracy
• Customer service mindset
• Adaptability & initiative
• Communicate with clients to gather information, manage cases, and build rapport.
• Explain services, program guidelines, and next steps clearly.
• Review information for accuracy, determine eligibility, and request additional documentation as needed.
• Prepare and maintain case records, reports, and correspondence using computer systems.
• Enter, track, and manage data using Microsoft Office and internal databases.
• Provide clerical and case management support to staff.
• Organize and maintain digital files and tracking systems.
• Support daily office operations through email, documents, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check conducted by the Iowa Department of Public Safety.
• Two years of full-time work experience in a human services field which involved: customer service, contact with the public to either compile or provide information regarding services, the organization/management of confidential information, or the scheduling of appointments.
• Two years of full-time work experience as a legal assistant/paralegal, medical office assistant, or job coach.
• A combination of a total of two years of education and full-time experience (as described in either number one or two), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work equals one year of full-time experience.
• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work in direct client/customer service in a clerical or administrative support capacity.

Nice To Haves

• No prior experience needed for completing referrals and applications.

Responsibilities

• Welcome and guide new job seekers by sharing helpful information about our programs and services.
• Support applicants step-by-step with completing referrals and applications.
• Schedule and coordinate intake appointments to help candidates get started smoothly.
• Lead friendly, easy-to-follow orientations for new participants.
• Help job seekers build confidence by facilitating Job Seeking Skills Training (JSST).
• Run interactive Job Club sessions that make learning fun and practical.
• Conduct mock interviews to prepare candidates for real-world job opportunities.
• Work one-on-one and in small groups to provide personalized support and encouragement.
• Conduct intake interviews and complete required documentation.
• Explain program services, rights, responsibilities, and expectations.
• Build supportive relationships and coach workplace behaviors.
• Provide individualized guidance, reinforce appropriate behaviors, and redirect disruptions.
• Maintain ongoing contact to monitor progress and support employment goals.
• Deliver job search training and assist with securing employment.
• Communicate with employers regarding hiring needs, concerns, and workplace issues.
• Accompany candidates to interviews and provide limited on-the-job coaching.
• Observe performance, identify skill gaps, and support job retention.
• Collaborate with counseling staff and employers on progress reviews and job maintenance.
• Maintain accurate case records (open, transfer, close files).
• Process documentation (releases, verifications, correspondence, case notes).
• Track services using case management systems.
• Ensure accuracy, professionalism, and adherence to regulatory deadlines.
• Serve as first point of contact: greet visitors, answer calls, and direct inquiries.
• Manage scheduling, cancellations, and updates to records.
• Communicate changes and respond to inquiries promptly.
• Participate in team meetings and provide backup support to maintain office operations.

Benefits

• Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off, including nine paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with no cap on the sick leave accrual.
• IPERS retirement package.
• Additional optional deferred compensation retirement plan.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
• Free Life and Long-term Disability Insurance with the option to purchase additional coverage.
• Employee Assistance Programs and Discount Programs for support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree