Rehabilitation Counselor - Deafblind

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the State of Minnesota's 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.

Working Title:  Rehabilitation Counselor - Deafblind
Job Class:  Rehabilitation Counselor Senior or Career
Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Job ID : 94484
• Location : St. Paul
• 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 06/09/2026.
• Date Posted : 06/03/2026
• Closing Date : 06/17/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Employment and Economic Development / MAPE
• Division/Unit : State Services for the Blind
• 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: $30.23 - $44.48 / hourly; $63,120 - $92,874 / annually
  Rehabilitation Counselor Career Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
• Job Class Option: Signing Skills
• Classified Status : Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees / MAPE
• FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
• 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.

Job Summary

State Services for the Blind’s (SSB) mission is to facilitate the achievement of vocational and personal independence by Minnesotans who are blind, low vision, or DeafBlind. We offer a dynamic team-oriented environment where everyone's contribution is key to achieving this mission.  

State Services for the Blind (SSB) is seeking a Rehabilitation Counselor to provide individualized Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services to primarily DeafBlind individuals, including youth and adults, ages fourteen (14) and older. This position carries a caseload composed of customers who identify as Deafblind or experience combined vision and hearing loss, with Blind and low-vision customers when indicated. The counselor partners closely with customers to identify vocational goals, coordinate assessments, develop and implement Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs), and support successful competitive integrated employment outcomes.

This role requires advanced knowledge of DeafBlindness, including communication modalities such as American Sign Language (ASL), tactile communication, and ProTactile, as well as familiarity with the unique vocational challenges and adaptations needed for individuals with dual sensory loss and/or Deafblindness. The counselor will work collaboratively with employers, service providers, schools, VR team members, and community partners to support customer success. 

This position is based out of the St. Paul 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, that 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, Blind Rehabilitation Teaching, Social Work, Psychology, Education, Special Education, School Counseling, or other closely related field as determined by the agency.

Rehabilitation Counselor Career:

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

AND

Three (3) years of related work experience providing employment counseling for individuals with Deafblindness/combined hearing and vision loss, Blindness and Vision Loss which demonstrates knowledge of one-to-one counseling, caseload management, development of rehabilitation plans, job placement services, and employment supports that lead to success in finding, keeping, retaining, or advancing in employment.

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

• Signing skills sufficient to communicate effectively with individuals who are DeafBlind, Low Vision or Blind.
• Experience working with individuals who are DeafBlind, Low Vision or Blind.
• Caseload management experience in a rehabilitation, education, or human services setting.
• Incumbent must maintain a 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

• One (1) year of experience working with the Deafblind population (youth and/or adults aged 14 and older) who identify as Deafblind and/or have combined hearing/vision loss.
• Experience working with DeafBlind communities, including DeafBlind communication and learning styles.
• Knowledge of DeafBlind-related assistive technology, mobility solutions, and adaptive equipment.
• Experience with Blind or low-vision populations.
• Experience coordinating services across multiple agencies or providers.
• 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.

This position requires an Adjustment to Blindness (ATB) immersion training program. The immersion experience helps new employees understand what’s possible for people who are blind, DeafBlind or visually impaired by allowing them to experience it for themselves. The training takes place at an Adjustment to Blindness training center and can run up to 6-7 weeks.

Application Details

How to Apply

Veterans  

To be considered with Veteran's Status , you MUST indicate this on your application and submit a copy of your DD-214 form and other required documentation to View email address on minnesotajobs.com 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. 

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 View phone number on minnesotajobs.com or email View email address on minnesotajobs.com 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 View email address on minnesotajobs.com . Please indicate what assistance is needed.

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