VRU Director/Workers' Compensation Program Director-Rehab Services

Working Title: VRU Director

Job Class: Director Workers' Compensation Program-Rehab Services

Agency: Labor & Industry Dept

• Job ID: 90505
• Location: St. Paul or St. Cloud
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 12/03/2025
• Closing Date: 12/23/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Labor & Industry Dept / Labor Industry-Managerial
• Division/Unit: Dept of Labor & Industry / Workers Compensation Division
• Work Shift/Work Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $43.38 - $62.41 / hourly; $90,577 - $130,312 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• 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 eligible for hybrid telework. Employees living within 50 miles of the primary work location will be required to work in the office at least 50% of the time each month. Employees may reside outside the state of Minnesota if they live in a state bordering Minnesota and are within 50 miles of the primary work location. For this position the primary work location is: 443 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul, MN OR 3400 First Street N., St. Cloud, MN. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this or if you are not able to comply with this policy.

This position will:

• Manage the Vocational Rehabilitation unit in the provision of vocational rehabilitation services, primarily for injured workers with disputed workers' compensation claims.
• Develop and administer program budgets.
• Develop and maintain operational and technical infrastructure of state-wide office locations.
• Develop and implement procedures for service provision consistent with workers' compensation law, the rehabilitation rules, and the policies of the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI).
• Acquire, allocate and set priorities for fiscal and human resources.
• Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders, community resources, universities, and collateral agencies.
• Participate in developing DLI rules, policy, strategic planning, and programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Four (4) years supervisory or management experience directing the work of assigned staff.
  
  

Supervisory or management experience must demonstrate the following:

• Fiscal and budget management, sufficient to manage and allocate a multi-million-dollar biennial budget.
• Skill to direct program supervisors and staff to effectively administer the workers' compensation system and achieve desired outcomes for injured workers and employers.
• Knowledge of vocational rehabilitation and Minnesota workers’ compensation statutes, procedures, rules and practices sufficient to provide expert technical guidance to staff and advise senior management.
• Leadership skills, including the ability to hire, manage, direct, and motivate staff.
• Human relation and conflict resolution skills to build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, managers, staff, legislators, and stakeholders to support the mission and operations of the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI).
• Skill and experience in effective presentations, group facilitation and public speaking.
• Analytical and judgment skills to make timely, sound decisions based on experience and data.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals with a wide range of backgrounds, who do not share your same culture, ethnicity, language, or other common experiences.
• A Master’s Degree in business, public administration, public policy, business law or related discipline will substitute for 18 months of experience. A Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, public policy, business law or related discipline will substitute for 1 year of experience.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in strategic planning and program development.
• Experience in leading organizational change and process improvement initiatives.
• Language skills other than English (such as Somali, Spanish, Hmong, Karen or ASL).
  
  

Additional Requirements

It is the policy that all final candidates submit to a background investigation prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components: SEMA4 Records Check, Employment Reference Check, Criminal History Check, Driver’s License Check, Social Security and Address Verification, Conflict of Interest Review, Education/License Verification.

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.

For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five Recently Separated Veterans, who apply and meet the qualifications for the vacancy, must be granted an interview. To be considered a Recently Separated Veteran, you must meet all the following criteria:

• Have separated under honorable conditions from any branch of the armed forces of the United States;
• Have served on active duty for 181 consecutive days or more or for the full period ordered to active duty OR have separated by reason of disability incurred while serving on active duty;
• Be a United States citizen or resident alien;
• Have served in active military service at any time on or after September 11, 2001 as shown on your form DD-214.
  
  

To be considered under this legislation, you must meet all of the Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting; meet all of the above RSV criteria; and submit a copy of your DD-214 form by the closing date via mail, e-mail or fax to: Caren Miller 443 Lafayette Road N, St. Paul, MN 55155, or Caren.Miller@state.mn.us.

Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a non-competitive basis if you meet all of the following criteria:

• Meet service requirements and have a verified service-connected disability rating of at least 30%.
• Provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability.
• Meet all of the Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting.
  
  

To be considered under this legislation you must submit all documentation by the closing date via mail, e-mail or fax to: Caren Miller 443 Lafayette Road N, St. Paul, MN 55155, or Caren.Miller@state.mn.us, or fax 651-284-5723.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Caren Miller at caren.miller@state.mn.us or 651-284-5119.

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 Caren Miller at caren.miller@state.mn.us.

About Labor & Industry Dept

The Department of Labor and Industry ensures Minnesota’s work and living environments are equitable, healthy and safe. The agency oversees the state's programs for apprenticeship, construction codes and licensing, dual-training pipeline, occupational safety and health, wage and hour standards, workers' compensation and youth skills training programs.

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.