Working Title: Career Navigator

Job Class: Rehabilitation Program Specialist 1

Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

Job ID: 94949 Location: St. Paul Telework Eligible: Yes, may be eligible for some telework 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 07/07/2026. Date Posted: 07/01/2026 Closing Date: 07/08/2026 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Employment and Economic Development / MAPE Division/Unit: State Services for the Blind Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00AM - 4:30PM Days of Work: Monday - Friday Travel Required: Yes, up to 20% of the time Salary Range: $30.23 - $44.48 / hourly; $63,120 - $92,874 / annually Classified Status: Classified Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees 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 position is funded by the Disability Innovation Fund grant by the Rehabilitation Services Administration through 9/30/2029.

Minnesota State Services for the Blind (SSB) has been serving Minnesotans who are blind, low vision, and DeafBlind since 1923. Through dedicated staff, strong community partnerships, and innovative vocational rehabilitation services, SSB helps individuals prepare for, obtain, maintain, and advance in competitive integrated employment. Join an organization committed to creating meaningful employment opportunities while improving lives across Minnesota.

The Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) Career Navigator plays a central role in the Evolve Employment Model Demonstration by coordinating individualized employment services that support participants in achieving and sustaining family-sustaining careers. This position serves as both a career navigator and service coordinator, working closely with participants to identify employment goals, assess readiness, address barriers, and coordinate wraparound supports that promote long-term employment success.

Career Navigators bring together the appropriate internal and external partners—including vocational rehabilitation staff, benefits planners, assistive technology specialists, employers, workforce partners, and community organizations—to ensure participants receive coordinated, person-centered services tailored to their unique strengths, needs, and goals. The position emphasizes rapid and sustained participant engagement, employment retention, accessibility, career exploration, workplace learning opportunities, and access to training and career pathways.

In addition to working directly with participants, Career Navigators build relationships with employers and community partners to expand workplace opportunities, promote disability inclusion, and strengthen pathways to competitive integrated employment. This position is part of the Coordinated Workplace Engagement (CWE) model, an innovative approach that integrates career navigation, service coordination, business engagement, and employment stabilization to improve long-term employment outcomes for individuals who are blind, low vision, and DeafBlind.

This position requires weekly local travel and occasional statewide travel to deliver services to participants and engage with community partners.

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.

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.

Two (2) years of experience providing case management, service coordination, vocational rehabilitation, workforce development, social services, employment services, participant-centered human services, or other closely related fields as determined by the agency.

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

Experience assessing participant or client needs, identifying service barriers, coordinating solutions across multiple organizations, and helping individuals understand or navigate programs, services, or public benefits that support employment and independence. Experience working collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team to deliver participant-centered or client-focused services. Experience working in environments with changing priorities or limited structure and making informed decisions in complex situations. Experience communicating, facilitating discussions, and building working relationships with participants, employers, community partners, and professionals from diverse backgrounds. Incumbent must maintain valid driver's license and insurance OR have other reliable transportation. Travel arrangements can be made with drivers employed by State Services for the Blind upon request and depending on availability.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with individuals who are blind, low vision, DeafBlind, or have other disabilities. Experience coordinating wraparound services across multiple systems, organizations, or disciplines to support employment, education, healthcare, or community integration. Knowledge of vocational rehabilitation, workforce development, public benefits, employment retention strategies, workplace accommodations, or assistive technology. Experience developing relationships with businesses, employers, workforce partners, or community organizations. Experience working with culturally diverse populations, including New Americans and individuals experiencing long-term unemployment or other barriers to employment. Experience implementing person-centered practices, motivational interviewing, supported employment, customized employment, or other individualized service delivery approaches. 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

This position requires an Adjustment to Blindness immersion training program. The immersion experience helps new employees understand what’s possible for people who are blind, DeafBlind or visually impaired by allowing them to experience it for themselves. The training takes place at an Adjustment to Blindness training center and can run up to 6-7 weeks.

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 Records Check (current and former State employees only) Employment Reference Check Conflict of Interest Review Driver’s License and Records 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.

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.

Connect 700 Program

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 Talent Acquisition at talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us.

Veterans

To be considered with Veteran's Status, you MUST indicate this on your application and submit a copy of your DD-214 form and other required documentation to talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us by the closing date.

Recently Separated Veterans (RSV): Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview.

Certain Disabled Veterans: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a non-competitive basis.

See the above links for criteria and eligibility.

Current State Employees

Please apply via Self Service. If eligible for bidding or expression of interest: This vacancy will be open for bids/expression of interest and all qualified applicants simultaneously. Current employees of DEED who are currently in the same classification, who are eligible, and apply within the seven (7) day period will be considered prior to filling the position by other means.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Allex Roberge at allex.roberge@state.mn.us

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.

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.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply for job opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application and search tools, please contact Karen Lilledahl at Karen.Lilledahl@state.mn.us. Please indicate what assistance is needed.