Rehabilitation Counselor Senior

Job Summary

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 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.

This position requires regional travel up to five (5) days per week, to meet with participants in the community, area businesses, schools, and other partner organizations. Occasional travel is necessary to attend meetings or trainings in other areas of the state.

This position is telework eligible. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.

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.

Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Counseling, Human Services, Sociology, Education, Social Work, Psychology, or other closely related field as determined by the agency

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

• Experience in cultivating relationships with external stakeholders or customers (e.g., school staff, students, businesses, vendors)
• Skill in communication to provide prompt and accurate information to colleagues and customers
• Ability to create and maintain case notes, reports, and records
• Incumbent must maintain valid driver's license and insurance OR have other reliable transportation

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working with transition age students and/or adults with severe disabilities (i.e., mental health, cognitive and physical disabilities)
• Experience 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
• Experience developing and maintaining relationships with diverse populations such as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and Native American populations
• Ability to communicate in a second language (specifically 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
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 Interest 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.