The Arc is the world’s largest nonprofit, community-based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). At The Arc of East Central Iowa, we’re driven by the mission to create a more inclusive world for everyone.

Fulfilling this vision requires passion and a diversity of skills and background. Want to be part of something big? Help us make a difference and join us in the fight for inclusion!

Working at The Arc

See what our colleagues have to say about working with our passionate team at The Arc of East Central Iowa.

What is a Direct Service Provider (DSP)

  • Responsible for direct care and supervision to individuals with disabilities.
  • Responsible for maintaining communication and documentation with clients and service teams.
  • Emphasis on skill-building, socialization, personal care, self-advocacy, recreation, and community inclusion.

Full Time DSP Openings

Project SEARCH Job Coach

  • Location: UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital
  • Hours: Monday – Friday Daytime Hours
  • Hiring Bonus: $1,000
  • Job Summary: We are seeking a qualified individual to provide instruction and guidance to individuals with disabilities through Project SEARCH, a nationally accredited, nine-month job training program. The Arc partners locally with UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital. This total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and three, ten-week internships within the hospital to aide in a successful transition into the workforce.

    Qualified candidates will be responsible for the on-site direction of interns and interfacing with hospital staff to facilitate skills development and intern assessments throughout the duration of the Project SEARCH program. This position will assist the Skills Instructor with development and delivery of the National Project SEARCH curriculum. In the summer months when Project SEARCH is not in session, this position will assist our Day Habilitation and Employment Services programs.

    Duties also include maintaining a safe and healthy work environment, and respectful and courteous interactions with all interns, families, agency professionals, program evaluators and community partners. This is a full time, benefits eligible position, working Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM. Some latitude in hours is required when working outside of Project SEARCH.

    High School diploma or GED required. Must have ability to obtain employment training specialist certificate within one year of hire, effective verbal and written communication skills, and experience with MS Office programs. Some post-secondary education and experience working with individuals with intellectual and related disabilities is preferred.

Apply Online

Day Habilitation DSP

  • Location: The Arc’s Downtown Location
  • Hours: Monday – Friday Daytime Hours
  • Hiring Bonus: $1,000
  • Job Summary: Day Habilitation DSPs are responsible for the coordination and delivery of Arc services to participants in the Day Habilitation Program. Duties include, but are not limited to: coordination of group activities, ongoing communication and documentation with participants and their service team, providing skilled training to participants in numerous areas, including socialization and community involvement. Finally, this position will serve as a role model for participants in a variety of community settings.

    Applicants should possess a High School Diploma and one year experience working with persons with disabilities. AA or BA in Human Services or related field a plus. Candidates should have effective problem solving skills, leadership qualities and strong written/verbal communication skills and the ability to teach program participants daily living skills and competencies.

    This is a full-time, benefit eligible position offering PTO, health, vision, and dental insurance.

Apply Online


Part Time DSP Openings

Job Coaching DSP

  • Location: Businesses in the community
  • Hours: All shifts available
  • Hiring Bonus: $500
  • Job Summary: Takin’ care of business! Help individuals build skills for their dream job, while developing successful work habits, socialization, and communication skills. 

    Join an organization with an important mission that provides meaningful and rewarding work. See on a regular basis the difference you are making in other’s lives by applying today!

Apply Online

Home and Community DSP

  • Location: Individual homes and in the community
  • Hours: All shifts available
  • Hiring Bonus: $500
  • Job Summary: Join our team today! Learn why one of our DSPs stated what she liked most about her job was… to improve individual’s lives, make a difference within your community, and have fun at your job all at the same time.

    You will be assigned shifts with individuals to work one on one to develop skills including socialization, self-help, communication, personal care, recreation, and other areas defined in the individual’s training plan.

    If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to coordinate and deliver Arc services to participants in their home or in the community, apply today!

Apply Online


Part Time Administrative Openings

Maintenance Specialist

  • Location: The Arc’s Downtown Location
  • Hours: 15-20 Hours/Week with Flexibility
  • Hiring Bonus: $500
  • Job Summary: The Arc is hiring a part-time Maintenance Specialist. Under general supervision, this position has initial responsibility for buildings and equipment as assigned, performing skilled tasks in the inspection, maintenance and repair of mechanical systems, agency vehicles and general facility maintenance.

    The ideal candidate will have experience doing similar work and the ability to work independently, communicate effectively and experience with email and navigating the internet. This individual must be organized and able to manage multiple projects.  

    This position is part-time working 15-20 hours/week with flexibility to work after hours as needed. The starting pay for this position is $17.64/hour. 

Apply Online


Equal Opportunity Employer

The Arc of East Central Iowa is an equal opportunity. The Arc considers applicants for employment without regard to age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or pregnancy, and to provide equal opportunities to disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, other veterans, and individuals with a disability, and any other characteristics protected by federal, state and local law. All employees of The Arc of East Central Iowa are considered “at will”.