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!

This position exists to provide leadership and program direction so that VRS programs and policies conform to federal and state regulations and are aligned with the agency’s strategic goals, the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Rule, and related policy priorities and requirements.

Specifically, this position:

• Leads and guides policy analysis, documentation, tracking, and communication processes and VR Rule review
• Provides consultation and technical assistance regarding agency legal requirements and obligations and the rights of recipients of VR services
• Assures casework quality and compliance with federal/state law, regulations, and policies
• Provides technical assistance and tracks staff policy training
• Coordinates VRS program dispute resolution system and processes

This position is telework eligible and is occasionally required to be on-site at the office. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment and may telework from anywhere in Minnesota or a neighboring state. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.

This position will be based at one of the following DEED-VRS offices: Alexandria, Apple Valley, Austin, Bemidji, Blaine, Bloomington, Brainerd, Brooklyn Park, Burnsville, Cambridge, Chaska, Crookston, Duluth, Fairmont, Faribault, Fergus Falls, Hibbing, Mankato, Marshall, Minneapolis North, Minneapolis Northeast, Minneapolis South, Monticello, Moorhead, North St. Paul, Rochester, Roseau, Shakopee, St. Cloud, St. Paul, Staples, Thief River Falls, Willmar, Winona, Woodbury, or Worthington.

Before hire, the location will be determined based on the incumbent’s preference and work location availability.

This position also requires occasional travel for trainings, meetings, and conferences.

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

Minimum Qualifications

Please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

Bachelors degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Counseling, Social Work, or other closely related field as determined by the agency

AND

Three (3) years of experience interpreting, analyzing, and applying federal and state laws, rules, and regulations impacting VRS work with individuals with disabilities which demonstrates knowledge of Vocational Rehabilitation counseling (i.e., caseload management, eligibility and priority for services determinations, assessment of vocational rehabilitation needs, 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:

• Ability to anticipate needs, analyze issues, evaluate alternatives, implement changes, and provide technical assistance with regard to program policies and procedures
• Experience in leading and facilitating group discussions and processes, understanding and analyzing stakeholders’ viewpoints and perspectives, managing complex and/or competing relationships and agendas, and building consensus
• Skill in communicating clearly and professionally with a variety of individuals/groups, in person and in writing, to develop and maintain working relationships
• Skill in writing reports, procedures, and correspondences sufficient to provide guidance and technical assistance on policies and procedures in a clear and concise manner for a variety of internal and external customers
• Incumbent must maintain valid driver's license and insurance OR have other reliable transportation

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.

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