The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the State of Minnesota's principal economic development agency. DEED's mission is simple: to empower the growth of the Minnesota economy, for everyone. We are driven to find talented and innovative public servants, motivated by the opportunity to serve businesses, people, and the greater good. At DEED you will join a diverse team, inspired by challenging work and united by shared values that guide our work every day. At DEED we live our values by; focusing on the customer, communicating early and often, seeking solutions, creating inclusion, encouraging new ideas, and being gracious. DEED is a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon agency and committed to proactively supporting servicemembers, veterans, and military families. DEED offers great employment opportunities with a meaningful mission to truly make a difference in the lives of those under our care and for those in communities throughout Minnesota. Job Class: Rehabilitation Counselor Senior or Career 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: 12/12/2023 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, 8am to 4:30pm Days of Work: Monday - Friday Travel Required: Yes, up to 60% local day time travel, up to five (5) days per week Rehabilitation Counselor Senior Salary Range: $25.79 - $37.65 / hourly; $53,849 - $78,613 / annually Rehabilitation Counselor Career Salary Range: $28.50 - $41.93 / hourly; $59,508 - $87,549 / annually Classified Status: Classified Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional 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. Job Summary The successful candidate may be eligible for a $5,000.00 hiring incentive 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 Rehabilitation Counselor Senior or Career assists individuals with disabilities to increase their vocational, personal, and financial independence by providing vocational counseling and guidance. This position partners with the individual to develop an employment plan that includes the steps needed to obtain and maintain employment and achieve their career goals. This position will provide and coordinate intensive and necessary services for youth and adults. Frequent travel is required to meet with participants in the community, with area businesses, with schools, and other partner organizations. Occasional travel is necessary to attend meetings or trainings in other areas of the state. Travel up to five (5) days per week. The vacancy is being posted at two (2) different levels. 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 p obationary period and following two (2) years of successful service in the role Qualifications 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. Rehabilitation Counselor Senior: Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Counseling, Human Services, Sociology, Education, Social Work, Psychology, or other closely related field as determined by the agency. Rehabilitation Counselor Career: Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Counseling, Human Services, Sociology, Education, Social Work, Psychology, or other closely related field as determined by the agency. AND Three (3) years of related work experience which demonstrates knowledge of one-to-one counseling, caseload management, development of rehabilitation plans, job placement services, and employment supports that lead to success in finding, keeping, retaining, or advancing in employment. Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following for both levels: 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 in: Working with transition age students and/or adults with severe disabilities (i.e., mental health, cognitive and physical disabilities). Assessing and/or providing career exploration and planning, work-based learning experiences, counseling on opportunities for enrollment in educational programs, workplace readiness training, instruction in self-advocacy, and/or employment related services to youth and/or adults with disabilities. 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). Application Details 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 O