Workforce Mobile Unit Driver Career Planner

Workforce Mobile Unit Driver Career Planner

Salary

$50,398.40 - $74,068.80 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50315 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00081

Agency

309 Iowa Workforce Development

Opening Date

07/10/2026

Closing Date

7/20/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

William Berning (william.berning@iwd.iowa.gov)

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Iowa Workforce Development is seeking applicants for the position of IowaWORKS Career Planner/Mobile Unit Driver at our IowaWORKS 200 Army Post Rd., Des Moines IA, office.

Agency Overview

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is a state agency committed to providing employment services for individual job seekers and to connecting employers to available workers through our IowaWORKS partnership.

Job Summary

This position, under the guidance of IowaWORKS senior leadership, is responsible for providing high-quality customer service through in-person and virtual interactions. Key duties include conducting eligibility assessments for specialized services, offering job referrals, and presenting IowaWORKS programs to job seekers and employers. The role also requires interpreting technical materials and engaging effectively with diverse populations. Additionally, as a Career Planner/Mobile Unit Driver, the individual will conduct vehicle safety inspections, maintain travel logs, and ensure the safety of passengers while performing Career Planner duties at various locations across Iowa.

Career Planner Responsibilities

• Greet every customer warmly and professionally as soon as they enter, following the center's greeting standards and script.
• Always treat customers-both the public and coworkers-with courtesy, respect, and kindness.
• Ask helpful questions to understand what services the customer needs.
• Work well with coworkers and partners, building positive and respectful relationships.
• Support your team to create a better overall experience for customers.
• Share feedback and ideas for improvements with your team or leadership.
• Make sure Veterans receive priority service on their first visit.

Mobile Unit Driver Responsibilities

• Driving the mobile unit to various locations and understanding how to use maps for navigation.
• The mobile unit travels to IowaWORKS offices, job fairs, schools, community events, businesses, and other workforce-related locations.
• Setting up and maintaining the mobile unit, including leveling the vehicle, connecting power and generators, and setting up laptops, printers, and Wi-Fi.
• Troubleshooting basic technology issues, especially in areas with limited internet access.
• Ensuring the safety of the public by not allowing passengers during transit and maintaining safety while the unit is open to the public.
• Providing friendly and helpful customer service, as assisting the public is the primary goal of the mobile unit.
• Returning the unit to its storage garage in Des Moines each night after use.
• Cleaning and maintaining the unit after each trip, including checking tires, brakes, oil, and scheduling tune-ups.
• Keeping track of supplies and equipment, locking the garage securely, and recording mileage for every trip.

A positive attitude, strong communication skills, and a commitment to helping others are essential for this role.

Job Seeker Support

• Support and encourage job seekers through all parts of their job search.
• Help customers build the skills they need to get and keep a job.
• Assist with writing and customizing resumes and cover letters.
• Lead mock interviews and give feedback to help customers improve.
• Complete paperwork for programs and services offered by the team and partner organizations. Direct customers to the right workshops, job fairs, or hiring events.
• Lead workshops or one-on-one sessions, either in person or online.
• Keep workshop materials and presentations updated with the latest information.
• Record all services, meetings, and important details accurately in the system.
• Send and receive job-related documents for customers as needed.
• Assist customers by answering questions about available jobs, career options, and training programs.
• Help job seekers understand the steps needed to reach their employment goals.
• Use the IowaWORKS system to match job seekers with job openings that fit their skills and experience.
• Provide referrals to partner agencies and support services when additional help is needed, such as education, housing, or transportation resources.
• Share current labor market trends, such as in-demand jobs, wages, and hiring needs, to help job seekers make informed decisions.
• Support customers in creating or updating their IowaWORKS profiles to improve their job search success.
• Work closely with other staff and partners to ensure customers receive the best services available.

Business Service Representative

• Work directly with businesses to help them find and hire employees.
• Guide employers on how to use the IowaWORKS system to post jobs and search for candidates.
• Identify and reach out to new businesses that could benefit from IowaWORKS services.
• Help plan and carry out recruitment strategies and hiring events tailored to specific business needs.
• Stay in contact with both employers and job seekers to provide ongoing support after job placements.
• Use the case management system to track employer interactions and keep records up to date.
• Review, edit, and enter job postings and referrals into the IowaWORKS system to ensure accuracy.
• Build relationships with employers to learn about their hiring processes, workforce needs, and future job openings.

Unemployment and Re-employment Services

• Help unemployment claimants connect with re-employment services at the American Job Center.
• Assist with filing unemployment claims and answering related questions, following Iowa laws and UI rules.
• Review salary history and verify identity using database systems.
• Investigate and resolve issues on claims according to unemployment insurance laws.
• Provide information on the appeals process and participate in appeal hearings as needed.

Essential Functions

• Assess customers to see if they qualify for specific services or job referrals.
• Check the mobile unit before and after each trip to ensure it's safe and ready to use.
• Keep everyone safe while using the mobile unit.
• Maintain accurate mileage logs and travel records; complete reports as needed.
• Meet with job seekers and employers to share information about IowaWORKS programs and services.
• Communicate well with people from all backgrounds and communities.
• Read and understand rules, policies, and technical information.
• Work effectively as part of a team.
• Use computers to collect, manage, and share information.
• Stay calm and perform well under pressure or during busy times.
• Handle multiple tasks and switch between them without losing focus or quality.
• Answer phone calls and use virtual platforms to assist customers in person or online.
• Deliver excellent customer service in career, business, and support areas.
• Greet visitors at the American Job Center and direct them to the right team or service.
• Monitor activity in customer areas and offer help when needed.
• Understand and apply Iowa laws and administrative rules in daily work.

Preferred applicants will have:

• Possession of a valid driver's license is required. CDL preferred but not required.
• Within a period of time after hire, as determined by the appointing authority, employees may be required to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and endorsements.

Benefits

Joining the IWD team and becoming a State of Iowa employee comes with a range of valuable benefits, including:

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

Click here to learn more about all of the amazing benefits the State of Iowa offers.

If you're looking for a career with a well-respected organization that values its employees and customers, you've come to the right place!

Hours of work: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm with occasional hours/time outside of core hours, including travel.

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 federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

No applicant seeking employment with the Iowa Department of Workforce Development can have a current, ongoing overpayment balance with Iowa Workforce Development without a payment plan in place. Select positions will be subject to a criminal background check.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field.

2) Four years of full-time work experience in career services, teaching or training to improve skills, job coaching, providing human services to individuals in need, sales, customer service, call center operations, or human-resources-related services involving interviewing, reviewing job applications, conducting employment-related assessments, or job placement.

3) A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number two), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience.

4) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes twelve months of full-time work as a Workforce Associate.

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-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. 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.

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 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

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

03

Have you graduated from an accredited four-year college or university?

• Yes
• No

04

How many years of full-time work experience do you have in the following: Career services, teaching or training to improve skills, job coaching, providing human services to individuals in need, sales, customer service, call center operations, or human-resources-related services involving interviewing, reviewing job applications, conducting employment-related assessments, or job placement.?

• Four or more years of the required experience
• Three to less than four years of the required experience
• Two to less than three years of the required experience
• One to less than two years of the required experience
• Less than one year of the required experience
• No experience in the required areas

05

Do you have a total of four years of post-high school education in any field and/or full-time work experience in career services, teaching or training to improve skills, job coaching, providing human services to individuals in need, sales, customer service, call center operations, or human-resources-related services involving interviewing, reviewing job applications, conducting employment-related assessments, or job placement? 30 semester hours of post high school education in any field equals one year of full-time experience.

• Yes
• No

06

If you are a CURRENT employee for the State of Iowa (executive branch) how many months of full-time experience as a Workforce Associate do you have?

• Not applicable
• Six months or less
• Six months to less than 12 months
• 12 months or more

07

Do you have a valid drivers license and a clean driving record?

• Yes
• No

08

Have you worked as a driver before? If so, what kind of vehicles and routes did you drive?

09

Do you have any experience driving a bus or an RV?

• Yes
• No

10

To best answer the following questions, focus on one specific situation/task in as much detail as possible and avoid generic responses. Tell us about a time you juggled multiple tasks or projects at the same time. How were you able to be successful?

11

Briefly walk us through your work history starting with your most recent position including any Diesel Mechanics, Auto Mechanics, Automotive Technology maintenance or equipment operation or additional skills that relate to this job. How would your work experience help you in this position?

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 309 Iowa Workforce Development Address 1000 E Grand Ave

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/