**Working Title: New American Business Engagement Specialist** **Job Class: Rehabilitation Program Specialist 1** **Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development** + **Job ID** : 85219 + **Location** : St. Paul, Rochester + **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 04/07/2025. + **Date Posted** : 04/01/2025 + **Closing Date** : 04/14/2025 + **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit** : Department of Employment & Economic Development / MAPE + **Division/Unit** : State Services for the Blind + **Work Shift/Work Hours** : Day Shift, 8:00am to 4:30pm + **Days of Work** : Monday - Friday + **Travel Required** : Yes, up to 30% of the time + **Salary Range:** $29.78 - $43.82 / hourly; $62,180 - $91,496 / annually + **Classified Status** : Classified + **Bargaining Unit/Union** : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE) + **FLSA Status** : Nonexempt + Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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 funded by the Disability Innovation Fund grant by the Rehabilitation Services Administration through 9/30/2029.** Minnesota State Services for the Blind (SSB) has been serving blind, low-vision, and Deafblind Minnesotans since 1923. It does so with a staff of dedicated personnel, skilled volunteers, an active State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind, and a host of community partners. Each year, SSB assists thousands in leading full, active, and productive lives. Come be part of a great organization in a great state! The Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) New American Business Engagement Specialist is responsible for developing and strengthening relationships with businesses, workforce partners, and customer service and technology (CST) sector employers to create employment opportunities for Blind, Low Vision, and DeafBlind (BLVDB) New Americans. This role focuses on promoting inclusive hiring practices, workplace accommodations, and assistive technology solutions, ensuring that businesses are equipped to support and retain BLVDB employees. This position builds workforce system partnerships, facilitates community outreach, and supports the implementation of the Enhanced Progressive Employment (EPE) Model in Rochester and the Twin Cities by coordinating employer forums, business roundtables, and work-based learning initiatives. This position helps employers address cultural, linguistic, and disability-related barriers to employment and tracks employment trends, monitors business engagement activities, and analyzes workforce data to enhance employment outcomes for New Americans with vision loss. This position will be based at one of the following DEED offices: St. Paul, Rochester. Before hire, the location will be determined based on the incumbent’s preference and work location availability. This position will require travel to and within the assigned region up to a few days per week to meet with businesses and partners. This position is telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework-2025.pdf) 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. **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.** Two (2) years* of experience in career coaching, job development, vocational rehabilitation, or workforce development. *Associate's degree in human services, rehabilitation counseling, education, public administration, finance, or other closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute six (6) months of experience; bachelor’s degree substitutes for one (1) year of experience; master’s degree substitutes for eighteen (18) months of experience. Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following: + Knowledge of workforce system services, including vocational rehabilitation programs, job training, and sector-based employment initiatives. + Experience collaborating with businesses, workforce agencies, and community organizations to create employment opportunities for diverse job seekers. + Experience with case management, data tracking, or similar tools. + Communication skills, with the ability to conduct employer training, business forums, and workforce development events. + Ability to communicate in a second language, specifically Somali, Arabic, or other East African languages. + Incumbent must maintain valid driver's 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** + Demonstrated ability to support employers in implementing assistive technology and accommodations for employees with vision loss. + Experience developing customized job training programs, particularly in areas such as language acquisition, digital literacy, and job readiness for immigrant populations. + Understanding of Enhanced Progressive Employment (EPE) models and best practices for facilitating work-based learning, job shadowing, and mentorship programs. + Ability to analyze workforce trends and use labor market data to develop effective employment strategies for BLVDB job seekers. + Experience collaborating with diverse populations, including New Americans, long-term unemployed job seekers, and individuals with multiple barriers to employment. + 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. 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 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.