What are the responsibilities and job description for the Employment Counselor Specialist position at Minnesota Department of Human Services?
Job Class: Employment Counselor Specialist
Agency: Human Services Dept
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.
This posting will be used to fill a permanent, part-time (30 hours a week/ 60 hours per pay period), position within DHS Community Based Services site in Southeast Minnesota area.
The Employment Counselor Specialist works across divisions of CBS providing employment consultation, using their professional expertise to offer collaboration of vocational services across multiple programs of Community Based Services. Offer guidance to internal staff (SDS, EC, WTA, and WTT’s) in ACRE certified Customized Employment, a nationally recognized curriculum. Provide quality reviews to multiple vocational programs to promote person centered services that meet 245D licensing requirements, CARF standards, and VRS contract guidelines. Offers collaboration between programs in direct hire employment and community integration opportunities for individuals attending CBS Vocational programs. Develops and maintains knowledge of community resources for all programs. Serve as a lead worker over professional staff; serve in a specialty capacity as a subject matter expert in various areas such as, but not limited to, benefits coach, assistive technology, Customized Employment, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and MEDICAID waiver services. Serves as a consultant of employment services for other divisions of CBS, including but not limited to Vocational Services, Minnesota Life Bridge, Crisis homes, and Community Support Services.
Minimum Qualifications
Must meet these qualifications:
Trained and certified in ACRE Customized Employment
Work experience as a vendor for VRS
Previous experience training staff in providing vocational services
D/C experience
Extensive Experience Finding Community Employment For Individuals With Disabilities
Experience supporting people with complex barriers to community employment
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of the following:
To facilitate proper crediting, 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.
REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS - The Department of Human Services will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.
How To Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk 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 Lindsay Alexander at lindsay.l.alexander@state.mn.us.
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 Sandra Perna at sandra.perna@state.mn.us.
CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a noncompetitive basis if they: 1) meet service requirements and have a verified service-connected disability rating of at least 30%; 2) provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability; and 3) meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting. To be considered under this legislation you must submit all documentation before the closing date.
About Human Services Dept
DHS operates a highly specialized behavioral health care system that serves people with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. This includes psychiatric hospitals and other inpatient mental health treatment facilities; inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities; dental clinics, group homes, vocational sites, and sex offender treatment facilities.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
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:
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 Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
Agency: Human Services Dept
- Job ID: 86563
- Location: Southeast Minnesota
- Telework Eligible: Yes - Telework Mobile
- Full/Part Time: Part-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 06/10/2025
- Closing Date: 06/16/2025
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / DHS MAPE State Operated Svcs
- Division/Unit: MSOCS Admin / Regional Rehabilitation Sup
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
- Days of Work: Varies
- Travel Required: Yes - Travel in region required
- Salary Range: $25.29 - $36.71 / hourly
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/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.
This posting will be used to fill a permanent, part-time (30 hours a week/ 60 hours per pay period), position within DHS Community Based Services site in Southeast Minnesota area.
The Employment Counselor Specialist works across divisions of CBS providing employment consultation, using their professional expertise to offer collaboration of vocational services across multiple programs of Community Based Services. Offer guidance to internal staff (SDS, EC, WTA, and WTT’s) in ACRE certified Customized Employment, a nationally recognized curriculum. Provide quality reviews to multiple vocational programs to promote person centered services that meet 245D licensing requirements, CARF standards, and VRS contract guidelines. Offers collaboration between programs in direct hire employment and community integration opportunities for individuals attending CBS Vocational programs. Develops and maintains knowledge of community resources for all programs. Serve as a lead worker over professional staff; serve in a specialty capacity as a subject matter expert in various areas such as, but not limited to, benefits coach, assistive technology, Customized Employment, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and MEDICAID waiver services. Serves as a consultant of employment services for other divisions of CBS, including but not limited to Vocational Services, Minnesota Life Bridge, Crisis homes, and Community Support Services.
Minimum Qualifications
Must meet these qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a field related to human services, and one year of full-time work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons age 65 and older; OR
- Associate’s degree in a field related to human services, and two years of full-time work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons age 65 and older; OR
- A diploma in a field related to human services from an accredited postsecondary institution and three years of full-time work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons age 65 and older; OR
- A minimum of 50 hours of education and training related to human services and disabilities; and four years of full-time work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons age 65 or older under the supervision of a staff person who meets the qualifications in one of the categories above.
- Must have a valid Driver’s License
- 2 years lead work as an employment service provider working with people with disabilities
- Must be able to travel between multiple sites
Trained and certified in ACRE Customized Employment
Work experience as a vendor for VRS
Previous experience training staff in providing vocational services
D/C experience
Extensive Experience Finding Community Employment For Individuals With Disabilities
Experience supporting people with complex barriers to community employment
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of the following:
To facilitate proper crediting, 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.
REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS - The Department of Human Services will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.
How To Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk 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 Lindsay Alexander at lindsay.l.alexander@state.mn.us.
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 Sandra Perna at sandra.perna@state.mn.us.
CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a noncompetitive basis if they: 1) meet service requirements and have a verified service-connected disability rating of at least 30%; 2) provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability; and 3) meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting. To be considered under this legislation you must submit all documentation before the closing date.
About Human Services Dept
DHS operates a highly specialized behavioral health care system that serves people with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. This includes psychiatric hospitals and other inpatient mental health treatment facilities; inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities; dental clinics, group homes, vocational sites, and sex offender treatment facilities.
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
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
- Annual pay increases
- 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
- Training, classes, and professional development
- Tuition reimbursement
- 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)
- 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
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 Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
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