Our Ability Jobs

Working Title: Policy Specialist

Job Class: Rehabilitation Program Specialist 3

Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Job ID : 79957

• Location : Statewide

• Telework Eligible : Yes, may be eligible to telework up to five (5) days per week

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 09/10/2024.

• Date Posted : 09/04/2024

• Closing Date : 09/17/2024

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Employment & Economic Development / MAPE

• Division/Unit : Vocational Rehabilitation Services

• 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: $34.18 - $50.69 / hourly; $71,367 - $105,840 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees / MAPE

• FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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 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 (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Counseling, Social Work, or other closely related field as determined by the agency

• Experience ensuring VR casework quality and compliance requirements comply with federal and state law, regulations, and policies and using data results to advise on plans for policy implementation and continuous improvement

• Experience in developing and leading presentations or trainings for internal staff and/or external stakeholders utilizing principles of adult learning

• Experience in developing accessible supporting technical and policy-oriented materials, manuals, and guidelines that educate and inform staff and program participants

• Experience with technology sufficient to utilize Microsoft Teams, SharePoint sites, Microsoft Forms, Excel Spreadsheets, PowerPoint, and Tableau reports

• Knowledge of VRS program dispute resolution processes (e.g., appeals and exceptions)

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

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Criminal Background Check

• Employment Record Review (current and former State employees only)

• Employment Reference Check

• Conflict of Interview Review

• Driver’s Record Check

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made 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 . Please indicate what assistance is needed.