Employment Specialist - Work Therapy Assistant

Working Title: Employment Specialist Job Class: Work Therapy Assistant Agency: Direct Care and Treatment Location: Cambridge, MN Telework Eligible: No Full/Part Time: Full-Time FLSA Status: Nonexempt Salary Range: $24.12 - $30.89 hourly About the Role As an Employment Specialist you will support program participants with varied abilities—including cognitive/intellectual disabilities, mental illness, brain injury, and physical disabilities—to obtain employment through Customized Employment. You will act as a liaison between local businesses and program participants, coordinate work assessments, and provide ongoing support to ensure successful placement. Responsibilities 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 providing ongoing support with community jobs. Facilitate problem resolution among individuals, families, case managers, community members, staff, and others to coordinate supports and help participants achieve optimum success. Assist the program in meeting Department of Labor, MN state licensing, and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) standards. 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 convey 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 1 year experience implementing training/employment programs for individuals with cognitive/intellectual disabilities, mental illness, chemical dependency, physical disability, brain injury, and/or displaced workers OR 1 year experience in an employment field plus 1 year working with the disability population. Preferred Qualifications 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 Reference checks will be conducted to verify job‑related credentials, and a criminal background check will be performed prior to appointment. Benefits 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 after retiring (after 3 years of service) Employer‑paid life insurance Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being Training & Development Training, classes, and professional development Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility (some positions may qualify) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Voluntary confidential program offering support for personal challenges that may impact health or job performance Resources to address mental health, relationship challenges, grief, finances, and legal issues Daily Living/Convenience Services: chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care Equal Opportunity Employer The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Minnesota