Career Planner

Career Planner

Salary

$49,400.00 - $72,612.80 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50315 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-03264

Agency

309 Iowa Workforce Development

Opening Date

06/02/2026

Closing Date

6/14/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Amanda Fugate (amanda.fugate@iwd.iowa.gov)

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is seeking a Career Planner to join our team at the IowaWORKS office in Des Moines, Iowa.

Position Details

• Location: 200 Army Post Rd., Des Moines, IA.
• Schedule: Full-time | Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Work Flexibility: Hybrid telework and alternate schedules available after six months of employment

What You'll Do

Provide customer-focused services, assessing needs, and delivering career guidance. Coach job seekers, assisting with resumes and interviews, connecting customers to workshops and employment opportunities, performing job matching, and documenting services in the database system. Support employers with recruitment and job orders while maintaining employer relationships. Assist unemployment claimants with re-employment activities and follows unemployment administration rules and Iowa law when addressing unemployment insurance claims and appeals.

Core Responsibilities

Customer Service and Team Collaboration

• Provide courtesy, respect, and politeness during all interactions with customers, both internal and external.
• Work with and ask customers appropriate questions to determine services they are seeking and/or needing.
• Interact effectively and build respectful relationships among coworkers and partners.
• Collaborate with team members within the American Job Center (AJC), resulting in a better experience for customers.
• Provide feedback as well as potential solutions to team and/or leadership and provide first day service to Veterans.
• Promptly greet customers upon entry into the IowaWORKS Center in a friendly and professional manner.

Career Coaching and Customer Support

• Coach, motivate, and encourage job seekers on all aspects of the job search and assist customers to build their personal and job skills for the primary goal of successful employment.
• Provide customers assistance with preparing and tailoring resumes and cover letters and facilitate mock interviews for customers, identifying ways to improve their interview responses.
• Process paperwork for partner and team programs and services.
• Refer, direct, and result customers to appropriate workshops and employment events.
• Facilitate workshops or one-on-one appointments in-person or through virtual conferencing platform for customers/participants of system programs and services, update workshops and presentations as new information is available.
• Accurately document all services, appointments, or other pertinent information in the database system and send/receive work-related documents for customers.

Employment Services and Labor Market Guidance

• Assist customers by answering questions about employment and training opportunities.
• Perform "job matching" referring career opportunities to candidates in the IowaWORKS System. Provide appropriate partner referrals and relay current labor market information to job candidates.

Business Services and Employer Engagement

• Provide direct services to business for recruitment of employees and provide information and guidance to employers on how to use the IowaWORKS system.
• Identify sources for potential new employer customers for the AJC and participate in development and implementation of customized recruitment strategies and events.
• Provide follow-up contact and services to job seekers and business.
• Utilize case management system for tracking and maintaining employer information.
• Critique and enter job orders and referrals into the IowaWORKS system and network with businesses to determine hiring practices and employer needs.

Unemployment Insurance and Re-employment Support

• Connect unemployment claimants with re-employment activities at the AJC.
• Adhere and refer to unemployment administration rules and Iowa law when working with customers in regard to filing unemployment insurance (UI) claims, answering questions and concerns.
• Use database system to review salary histories, cross reference database systems to ensure personal identification information matches and adjudicate issues within the claim in accordance with all UI laws.
• Provide information to customers for UI appeals when necessary and prepare and participate in all UI appeal hearings relating to issued adjudications decisions.

About 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.

IWD continually strives to improve processes and align the organization to provide effective, demand-driven products and services. IWD staff in Des Moines consists of administrative services, disability determination services, information technology, labor market information, unemployment insurance services, vocational rehabilitation services, and workforce services. The agency also maintains a statewide delivery system for IowaWORKS Offices where both employers and job seekers can receive workforce assistance.

Employer Highlights

IWD is focused on serving Iowans and providing outstanding customer service. Our strength is driven by the skills and talents of our people. IWD offers a rewarding team atmosphere, a flexible working environment, and a great total compensation package for our full-time employees, including:

• Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS)
• Retirement Investors Club (RIC)
• Hybrid telework opportunities for eligible classifications
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Vacation Leave
• Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays (9 days/year)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance

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!

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:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field.
• 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.
• 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.
• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes twelve months of full-time work as a Workforce Associate.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Additional Qualification Requirements

Travel may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.

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

Which best describes your education and experience? (If multiple responses apply for you, please choose the one option that best describes your experience).

• Bachelors Degree (or higher) OR 4+ years of full-time work experience with a major/emphasis in a Human Services related field (e.g., social work, counseling, public administration, human resources, communications, criminal justice, paralegal
• Associates Degree OR 2 to less than 4 years of full-time work experience with a major/emphasis in a Human Services related field (e.g., social work, counseling, public administration, human resources, communications, criminal justice, paralegal)
• Less than 2 years of full-time work experience OR less than 2 years of post-high school education with a major/emphasis in a Human Services related field (e.g., social work, counseling, public administration, human resources, communications, criminal justice, paralegal)
• Not applicable

08

How many years of full-time work experience do you have communicating with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs?

• Five or more years of experience
• Four years to less that five years of experience
• Three years to less that four years of experience
• Two years to less that three years of experience
• One year to less that two years of experience
• Less than one year of experience
• N/A

09

How many years of full-time work experience do you have in public speaking/making presentations to groups or individuals?

• Five or more years of experience
• Four years to less that five years of experience
• Three years to less that four years of experience
• Two years to less that three years of experience
• One year to less that two years of experience
• Less than one year of experience
• N/A

10

How many years of full-time work experience do you have in dealing with the general public?

• Five or more years of experience
• Four years to less that five years of experience
• Three years to less that four years of experience
• Two years to less that three years of experience
• One year to less that two years of experience
• Less than one year of experience
• N/A

11

How many years of full-time work experience do you have utilizing computer systems to document information while simultaneously obtaining working with a customer?

• Five or more years of experience
• Four years to less that five years of experience
• Three years to less that four years of experience
• Two years to less that three years of experience
• One year to less that two years of experience
• Less than one year of experience
• N/A

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/