Residential Specialist

Company Description Iowa School for the Deaf, established in 1855, is a statewide language immersion program offering both day and boarding options for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Funded primarily by the state, the school provides tuition-free education, room, board, and transportation for families. It offers individualized education programs for preschool, K–12, and transition-age students up to 21 years old. Guided by its mission, the school prepares learners to become literate citizens who contribute to society. Its vision is to serve as a statewide resource delivering optimal education and outreach services to support students’ preparation for adult life.

Role Description The Residential Specialist is a full-time, on-site role located in Council Bluffs, IA, supporting students in the school’s boarding program. This role provides daily supervision and guidance in residential settings, promoting a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. Responsibilities include assisting students with routines, overseeing activities, reinforcing life skills, and supporting communication needs in coordination with educational and support staff. The Residential Specialist helps monitor student well-being, addresses concerns promptly, and maintains accurate documentation of incidents and progress. Additional duties include collaborating with families and colleagues, following school policies, and participating in training to support best practices in working with deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Qualifications

• Experience or familiarity with residential environments, including Residential Real Estate or housing-related operations, and the ability to support residents in a structured setting.
• Strong Communication skills, including clear written and verbal communication and the ability to adapt communication methods to meet diverse needs.
• Background in Customer Service and Customer Satisfaction, with a focus on responsiveness, empathy, and building positive relationships with students and families.
• Exposure to Sales or persuasive communication, helpful for promoting program engagement and effectively presenting residential policies and expectations.
• Commitment to working with deaf and hard-of-hearing students; willingness to learn or use sign language or other visual communication methods.
• Ability to maintain safety, enforce guidelines consistently, and respond calmly to emergencies or behavioral challenges.
• Strong organizational skills, reliability in shift-based work, and ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; postsecondary education in education, social services, or related fields is preferred.