Employment Specialist - Work Therapy Assistant

Working Title: Employment Specialist

Job Class: Work Therapy Assistant

Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID : 81908

• Location : Cloquet

• Telework Eligible : No

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 12/18/2024

• Closing Date : 12/26/2024

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Human Services

• Division/Unit : Direct Care & Treatment Services / Community Based Services / Vocational

• 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 community employment, community outings, and recreational activities.

• Salary Range: $23.76 - $30.43 / hourly

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 204 - Health Care Non Professional/AFSCME

• Work Area : Cloquet, MN

• FLSA Status : Nonexempt

• 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.

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.

Candidates may be eligible for hiring bonus up to $2,500!*

This is a full- time rotating shift position with some weekend and holiday shifts. The hours of work are generally 7:00 am - 11:00 pm., but both days of work and hours may vary depending on facility needs We also offer shift differential for hours between 6pm and 6am!

This position is located in Cloquet, MN

As an Employment Specialist you will work with and help our program participants who are individuals that have varied abilities including, but not limited to, cognitive/intellectual disabilities, mental illness, brain injury and physical disabilities obtain work through Customized Employment. Customized Employment is a process that allows individuals with disabilities and employers the opportunity to negotiate job tasks and/or reassign job duties to improve overall contribution in the workplace.

In this position you will

• Act as a liaison between local businesses (employers) and program participants for community based employment opportunities. Obtain and set up sites in the community for work assessments, job try-outs, internships, and volunteer opportunities.

• Assist program participants in finding, obtaining, teaching, and on-going support with community jobs.

• Facilitate problem resolution among individuals, families, case managers, community members, staff and others so that supports can be coordinated and individuals can achieve their optimum success.

• Assist the program to meet Department of Labor, MN state licensing and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) standards.

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

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age

• Current and valid driver's license

• Basic math skills sufficient to add, subtract, multiply and divide

• Clear communication skills to understand and communicate complex employment services with community members, employers and teams.

• Basic computer skills sufficient to create word documents, receive and respond to email

• Ability to read and write English

• A minimum of one-year experience implementing training/employment programs for individuals who have cognitive/intellectual disabilities, mental illness, chemical dependency, physical disability, brain injury and/or displaced workers,

OR

• One year experience in an employment field plus one year working with the disability population.

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.

• Knowledge, training/certification/education, and/or implementation of Customized Employment.

• Experience working with Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

• Experience finding resources involving assistive technology to maintain successful employment.

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made 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 ~~~ or email ~~~ . Please indicate what assistance is needed.