When all employees are embraced, respected and heard, we will build a collaborative, equitable, inclusive and anti-racist culture where everyone thrives.

Working Title: Employment Counselor
Job Class: Employment Counselor
Agency: Human Services Dept

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 03/22/2024
• Closing Date: 04/04/2024
• Hiring Agency: MN Department of Human Services
• Division/Unit: MSOCS Vocational / WAVES CES Willmar
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Rotating Shift
• Days of Work: Varies
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $22.61 - $32.71 / hourly; $47,210 - $68,298 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl / MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Telework Eligible: No
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The Department of Human Services is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment.

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

Applicants may be eligible for a hiring incentive of up to $2,500!*

This position is located in Willmar, MN

The Employment Counselor refers individuals to support services, provides career and related counseling services to individuals who are referred to the program. Building relationships with external partners; Vocational Rehabilitation Services, School Districts, and referrals through CBS/MSOCS Vocational Services through waiver funding. Providing supports to individuals attending CBS/MSOCS vocational programs who are challenged by cognitive, emotional, and physical barriers. The Employment Counselor will work under general supervision, assessing career goals, skills, natural abilities, developing individual support plans, self-assessments, and potential employment and community engagement opportunities. The Employment Counselor will perform other duties as assigned.

Individuals attending CBS Vocational programs are challenged by various cognitive, emotional and physical disabilities.

• Current State of Minnesota Employees are not eligible for the hiring bonus.

Minimum Qualifications

2 years paraprofessional or technical experience in providing career guidance, vocational counseling, job placement or similar function such as Social Work or Human Services. (An Associate's Degree or higher in Social Service, Social Work or Human Services or a related field will substitute for 1 year of required experience)

Computer and Math Skills

Knowledge of client assessment, case management and placement techniques

Effective Human Relation skills

Excellent communication skills

Certified in Customized Employment currently.

Preferred Qualifications

5 years of experience working with vocational services

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 job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

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.

If you have questions about the position, contact Dustin Schroeder at dustin.j.schroeder@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.

About Human Services Dept

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

Why Work for Us

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.

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations 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 and indicate what assistance is needed.