Rehabilitation Counselor Senior or Career

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The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the State of Minnesotas principal economic development agency. DEED's mission is simple: to empower the growth of the Minnesota economy, for everyone.

We are driven to find talented and innovative public servants, motivated by the opportunity to serve businesses, people, and the greater good. At DEED you will join a diverse team, inspired by challenging work and united by shared values that guide our work every day. At DEED we live our values by; focusing on the customer, communicating early and often, seeking solutions, creating inclusion, encouraging new ideas, and being gracious.

DEED is a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon agency and committed to proactively supporting service-members, veterans, and military families. DEED offers great employment opportunities with a meaningful mission to truly make a difference in the lives of those under our care and for those in communities throughout Minnesota.

Job Details

Working Title: Rehabilitation Counselor Senior or Career

Job Class: Rehabilitation Counselor Senior

Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Job ID: 97388
• Location: Grand Rapids
• 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 10/07/2026
• Date Posted: 10/01/2026
• Closing Date: 10/07/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Employment and Economic Development / MAPE
• Division/Unit: Vocational Rehabilitation Services
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00AM - 4:30PM
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 50% of the time
• Rehabilitation Counselor Senior Salary Range: $30.76 - $45.26 / hourly; $64,226 - $94,502 / annually
• Rehabilitation Counselor Career Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work youll 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.

Job Summary

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) division is seeking a Rehabilitation Counselor to empower Minnesotans with disabilities in preparing for, securing, retaining, advancing in, or regaining competitive integrated employment. This position provides vocational counseling, eligibility determination, assessment, case management, and employment planning services to adults and transition-aged youth.

The counselor partners closely with individuals, families, schools, community agencies, employers, and multidisciplinary teams to support informed choice, deliver person-centered rehabilitation services, and promote successful outcomes. Responsibilities include conducting diagnostic interviews, developing and implementing Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs), coordinating services with internal and external partners, and ensuring compliance with federal VR regulations. Regular documentation, time management, and adherence to agency standards are essential.

This position is based out of the Grand Rapids office and requires weekly local travel depending on business needs. The counselor meets with participants in the community, local businesses, schools, and partner organizations. Monthly travel is also required for meetings or trainings at other locations

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 vacancy is posted at two (2) different levels. Only one (1) position will be filled, dependent on the qualifications of the successful candidate.

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

Qualifications

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.

Rehabilitation Counselor Senior:

Masters Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Counseling, Social Work, Special Education, Psychology, Education or other closely related field as determined by the agency.

Rehabilitation Counselor Career:

Masters Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Counseling, Social Work, Special Education, Psychology, Education or other closely related field as determined by the agency.

AND

Three (3) years of direct vocational rehabilitation experience providing employment counseling to individuals with disabilities, demonstrating proficiency in one-to-one counseling, caseload management, developing individualized rehabilitation plans, delivering job placement services, and providing employment supports that help individuals obtain, retain, and advance in employment.

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

• Experience providing person-centered vocational guidance and employment counseling.
• Experience conducting assessments, gathering medical/psychological/educational documentation, and analyzing vocational implications.
• Experience collaborating with schools, employers, community agencies, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience supporting transition-aged youth.
• Incumbent must maintain a valid drivers 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 interpreting vocational assessments, testing results, and work-based evaluation data.
• Experience delivering transition services to youth with disabilities.
• Experience coordinating services across schools, social service agencies, medical/psychological providers, and employment partners.
• Knowledge of assistive technology, workplace accommodations, and rehabilitation engineering concepts.
• 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

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.

Application Details

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 Veterans 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 Minnesotas 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, youll 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.

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