Program Specialist in Placement – Rehabilitation Program Specialist 1

Job Description

**Job Details**
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**Working Title: Program Specialist in Placement**

**Job Class: Rehabilitation Program Specialist 1**

**Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development**

* **Job ID**: 79251
* **Location**: Various; Blaine; Cambridge; Fergus Falls; Monticello; Rochester; Staples; Woodbury
* **Telework Eligible**: Yes, may be eligible for some telework
* **Full/Part Time**: Full-Time
* **Regular/Temporary**: Unlimited
* **Who May Apply**: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 08/15/2024.
* **Date Posted**: 08/09/2024
* **Closing Date**: 08/22/2024
* **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit**: Department of Employment and Economic Development / MAPE
* **Division/Unit**: Vocational Rehabilitation Services
* **Work Shift/Work Hours**: Day Shift, 8:00am to 4:30pm
* **Days of Work**: Monday – Friday
* **Travel Required**: Yes, up to 80% regional daytime travel, up to five (5) days per week
* **Salary Range:** $29.78 – $43.82 / hourly; $62,180 – $91,496 / annually
* **Classified Status**: Classified
* **Bargaining Unit/Union**: 214 – Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
* **FLSA Status**: Nonexempt
* Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

### **The work you’ll do is more than just a job.**

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

**Job Summary**
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This position works in DEED’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) division, which empowers Minnesotans with disabilities to achieve their goals for competitive, integrated employment and career development. You’ll be part of, and contribute to, a lively and energetic team with a positive internal culture that ensures this isn’t just a job – but a career. Together the VRS team makes an impact and creates possibilities that make a real and lasting difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Share your passion for this work and join the VRS team!

The Program Specialist in Placement assists job seekers in reaching their goals for working and living in the community while additionally leading the transition to engaging employers as a key customer.

Responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

* Coordinating the planning and administration of job development and retention procedures, competitive integrated work-based learning experiences, work practices and techniques used in the statewide program delivery system
* Leading or supporting local Business Engagement Networks (BENs) and business engagement consortiums in order to embrace the Business as a Key Customer Model and the value of coordinated engagement efforts such as Single Point of Contact
* Providing job placement and retention services to job seekers, including individuals who need specialized services requiring advanced knowledge and expertise

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions. The Program Specialist in Placement may serve an assigned office from the list below. During the application process, you will be able to indicate your preferred location(s).

* Blaine
* Cambridge
* Fergus Falls/Staples
* Monticello
* Rochester
* Woodbury

**Qualifications**
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### **Minimum Qualifications**

**To receive credit for your education and experience, your resume should clearly describe how you meet each minimum and/or preferred qualification listed, including dates of employment.**

Two (2) years of experience in providing services to individuals with disabilities related to employment and self-sufficiency (e.g., providing career planning, transition services, integrated employment options, independent living resources)

Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:

Experience in:

* Cultivating relationships with external stakeholders or customers (e.g., businesses, community providers, jobseekers, school staff, students, vendors)
* Engaging with, collaborating with, and facilitating Business Engagement Networks (BENs)
* Providing consultations, trainings, and presentations to staff and stakeholders

Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its implications for businesses and workplace accommodations

Incumbent must maintain valid driver’s license and insurance OR have other reliable transportation

### **Preferred Qualifications**

Knowledge of or experience with secondary education and transition programs

Knowledge of the State of Minnesota Connect 700 program

Experience in:

* The collaboration and development of career fairs
* Developing and maintaining relationships with a diverse client set including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and Native American populations

Ability to communicate in a second language (specifically American Sign Language, Somali, Hmong, or Spanish)

Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

### **Additional Requirements**

This position requires successful completion of the following:

Resumes of all applicants to this posting will be evaluated against the Minimum Qualifications stated above. If your skills match the required skills for this position, the department may contact you. Employee reference checks will be conducted on all finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance and education. It includes contact with the applicant’s current and/or former employers.

A Criminal Background Check will be conducted on all finalists for this position. A criminal conviction will not automatically remove you from consideration for employment.

When the position requires travel and the applicant drives a state owned or leased vehicle, a driver’s license record check will be conducted.

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).

**Application Details**
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### **How to Apply**

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

### **Contact**

If you have questions about this position, contact Sarah Beaverson at sarah.beaverson@state.mn.us or 651-259-7293.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Talent Acquisition at talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply for job opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application and search tools, please contact Karen Lilledahl at Karen.Lilledahl@state.mn.us. Please indicate what assistance is needed.

#### **Working together to improve the state we love.**

What do Minnesota’s State employees have in common?

* A sense of purpose in their work
* Connection with their coworkers and communities
* Opportunities for personal and professional growth

#### **Benefits**

As an employee, you’ll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

#### **Your benefits may include:**

* Paid vacation and sick leave
* 12 paid holidays each year
* Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
+ Fertility care, including IVF
+ Diabetes care
+ Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
* 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
* Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
* Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
* Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
* Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
* Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

#### **Support to help you reach your career goals:**

* Training, classes, and professional development
* Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

#### **Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:**

* A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
* Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
* Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

**Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies** based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

**EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS**

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

**APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES**

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.