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 will lead and implement VRS's new training curriculum for MN businesses. This will include outreach, marketing, and facilitation of the training. The training is focused on assisting businesses learn about hiring people with disabilities, creating inclusive workplaces, providing accommodations and universal design best practices assists people with disabilities in reaching their goals for working and living in the community by directly engaging with businesses and implementing systems change. Main responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Planning, directing, and implementing a coordinated business engagement effort to market the new training curriculum that reflects the local and regional needs of business in relationship to the employment goals of job seekers.
• Providing leadership for implementing this new curriculum that will include reaching out to potential businesses, conduct presentations, consultations, and methods for delivering the training.
• Refine, update, and manage the curriculum, track employer engagement, and develop stories based on successes of businesses.

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.

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.

Two (2) years of experience in providing direct job placement services to individuals with disabilities and conducting business engagement activities.

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

• Knowledge of state laws, rules, regulations, trends, and best practices regarding recruiting, hiring, training, and reasonable accommodations for job seekers and employees in public and private employment.
• Knowledge of disability employment services.
• Experience working and engaging with external business stakeholders.
• Experience presenting and workshopping informal and formal presentations.
• Incumbent must maintain valid driver's license, & 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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