Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor jobs in Saint Cloud, MN

Job Class: Vocational Rehabilitation Placement Coordinator
Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bid information will be listed below based on location(s).
• Date Posted: 02/28/2024
• Closing Date: 06/03/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Employ & Econ Development Dept / Employ & Economic Dev-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Rehabilitation Services / RS VR Field SVS X
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00am to 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 20% of the time
• Salary Range: $25.79 - $37.65 / hourly; $53,849 - $78,613 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Telework Eligible: Yes, this position may be eligible for some telework
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

*The successful candidate may be eligible for a $5,000.00 hiring incentive*

Hiring in the following location(s):

• Brainerd - Bidders will be considered through 03/05/2024

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 Placement Coordinator position exists to develop competitive, integrated employment opportunities for job seekers with disabilities utilizing a person-centered approach. This requires the incumbent to consider the job seeker's interests, strengths, abilities, and qualifications to connect the job seeker to suitable employment opportunities. This position specializes in business engagement activities such as developing business relationships, seeking opportunities to meet business needs, providing disability education and resources to businesses, and arranging, developing, and coordinating work-based learning opportunities with local businesses for students.

Frequent travel is required to meet with participants and businesses in the community. Occasional travel is necessary to attend departmental meetings or trainings in other areas of the state. Travel up to five (5) days per week.

This position will be open on a continuous basis until posted end date or until all positions are filled.

• Hiring Incentive: The successful incumbent of this position may be eligible for a hiring incentive of $5,000 paid out in two (2) lump sums following the completion of the required probationary period and following two (2) years of successful service in the role.

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.

Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science, Counseling, Vocational Evaluation, Job Placement, Vocational Rehabilitation, Education, Human Services, or closely related field as determined by the agency;

OR

One (1) year of experience where the primary focus was the provision of vocational services for persons with disabilities (e.g., Job Developer, Qualified Rehabilitation Consultant, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Vocational Evaluator, Special Education);

OR

Three (3) years* of para-professional experience where the primary focus was the provision of vocational services for people with disabilities (e.g., Job Coach).

• A Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science, Counseling, Vocational Evaluation, Job Placement, Vocational Rehabilitation, Education, Human Services, or closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute one (1) year of experience

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

Experience developing and maintaining relationships with schools, students, counselors, counties, businesses, etc.

Human relations skills including ability to negotiate, collaborate, build, and maintain positive working relationships with job seekers and employers.

Incumbent must maintain valid driver's license, & insurance, OR have other reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with youth and/or adults with disabilities.

Skill in job development to build partnerships with schools, counselors, counties, and businesses.

Experience developing and maintaining relationships with diverse populations such as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and Native American Individuals.

Ability to communicate in a second language (specifically Deaf and Hard of Hearing-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).

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.

If you have questions about the 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.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.