Designated Coordinator - Skills Development Specialist

Working Title: Designated Coordinator - Skills Development Specialist

Job Class: Skills Development Specialist

Agency: Direct Care and Treatment

Part-time: 30 hours/Week; 60 hours/Pay Period & Part-Time: 36 hours/Week; 72 hours/Pay Period

• Job ID: 86290
• Location: Austin
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Part-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 07/31/2025
• Closing Date: 11/04/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment
• Division/Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / Community Based Services / Child and Adolescent Services / CAS Cedar River - Austin
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Rotating Shift (ex: 7:00a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.; hours may vary depending on the needs of the program)
• Days of Work: Varies; may include weekends and holidays
• Travel Required: Yes (Transport and accompany individuals to medical appointments, community outings, recreational activities, and spiritual events)
• Salary Range: $23.63 - $34.18 / hourly
• Job Class Option: Designated Coordinator
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
  
  

Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCT does not participate in E-Verify.

• This announcement may be utilized to fill multiple vacancies located in the Austin, MN area.
• Please note: This job posting was previously posted 07/12/2025 - 7/25/2025. Previous applicants need not reapply unless they wish to provide new or additional information.
  
  

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 announcement may be utilized to fill multiple vacancies located in the Austin, MN area.
  
  

The Designated Coordinator - Skills Development Specialist is the lead worker at the program and plays a key role in overseeing programs, activities, and scheduling, under the direction of the supervisor. In this role, the Designated Coordinator will split their time between direct care responsibilities and program responsibilities. Program responsibilities include designing, implementing and evaluating behavioral support strategies for individuals at the site. Hours will vary, candidates must be available to work evenings and weekends as needed. This is a great position for a candidate who has experience with individuals who have high behavioral needs.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

• Participating in the development, refinement and implementation of individualized program plans that will help individuals safely achieve their goals.
• Providing work direction, guidance, training and feedback to staff to ensure the highest standards of service delivery are provided to the individuals.
• Providing direct care to individuals such as bathing, toileting, hygiene, medication/treatment administration, providing escorts and mobile supports and behavior interventions.
• Contributing to the safety and security of the site, individuals served and co-workers.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Must meet the qualifications to be a Designated Coordinator:

• 4 years of full-time work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons 65 years and older;
  
  

AND

• A minimum of 50 hours of education and training related to human services and disabilities;
  
  

OR

• A diploma in a field related to *human services from an accredited post-secondary institution and 3 years full-time work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons 65 years and older;
  
  

OR

• An associate degree in a field related to *human services and 2 years full-time work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons 65 years and older;
  
  

OR

• A bachelor’s degree in a field related to *human services and 1 year full-time work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons 65 years and older.
• Human Services related Degrees may include but not limited to the following:
• Family Social Sciences
• Health Care Management
• Special Education
• Public Health
• Recreational Therapy
• Social Work
• Alcohol and Drug Counseling
• Social Science
• Health Science
• Psychology
  
  

Candidates must also minimally meet these required qualifications:

• Must have a valid Driver’s License
• Must be at least 21 years of age
  
  

Ability to:

• Develop person-centered support plans that use Positive Support principles and practices, including Person-Centered Thinking and Planning, Positive Behavior Support, and recovery-oriented mental health supports.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, to promote among team members a shared understanding of support goals and implementation of methods.
• Develop a schedule of activities to ensure that resources are used effectively in implementing programs according to plans.
• Apply consistent principles in assessing individuals’ interfering behavior, skill development needs, and progress toward achieving individual goals.
• Work rotating or irregular hours as needed, or directed.
• Provide direct care as needed.
  
  

Knowledge of:

• Coaching principles sufficient to motivate and guide employees.
• Support principles and techniques sufficient to plan, design, and implement individual program strategies for assigned individuals.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.
• Lead work experience in a direct care setting.
• Experience writing, modifying, or evaluating program plans.
• Experience with financial management of home or individual accounts.
  
  

Additional Requirements

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 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.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Brad Riha at brad.e.riha@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 Jacqueline Jensen at jacqueline.jensen@state.mn.us.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact Direct Care & Treatment’s ADA Coordinator, John Ulrich at john.ulrich@state.mn.us for assistance.

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 to: Jacqueline.jensen@state.mn.us.

About Direct Care And Treatment

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.

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
• Annual pay increases
• 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.