Rehabilitation Counselor Senior or Career

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.

Job Class: Rehabilitation Counselor Senior or Career

Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development Job ID: 94144 Location: Minneapolis 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 05/18/2026. Date Posted: 05/12/2026 Closing Date: 05/26/2026 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Employment and Economic Development / MAPE Division/Unit: Vocational Rehabilitation Services Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift Days of Work: Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM Travel Required: Yes, up to 25% 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 - $99,723 / 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 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

This position works in DEED's Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) division, which empowers Minnesotans with disabilities to achieve their goals for competitive, integrated employment and career development. You'll be part of, and contribute to, a lively and energetic team with a positive internal culture that ensures this isn't just a job - but a career. Together the VRS team makes an impact and creates possibilities that make a real and lasting difference in the lives of people with disabilities.

Share your passion for this work and join the VRS team!

The Rehabilitation Counselor assists individuals with disabilities to increase their vocational, personal, and financial independence by providing vocational counseling and guidance. This position partners with the individual to develop an employment plan that includes the steps needed to obtain and maintain employment and achieve their career goals. This position will provide and coordinate intensive and necessary services for youth and adults.

This position requires travel up to five (5) days per week, during the school year (September through June) with potentially less travel outside of the school year (July - August).

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.

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:

Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Counseling, Human Services, Sociology, Education, Social Work, Psychology, or other closely related field as determined by the agency

Rehabilitation Counselor Career:

Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Counseling, Human Services, Sociology, Education, Social Work, Psychology, or other closely related field as determined by the agency

AND

Three (3) years of related work experience providing employment counseling for individuals with disabilities 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: Experience managing competing priorities and working in a busy work environment. Experience applying judgement to identify supports, accommodations, and assistive technology that reduce vocational barriers and promote employment success. Experience with principle and practice of vocational rehabilitation counseling and case management, including service planning and employment goal development for individuals with disabilities.

Experience collaborating with schools and maintaining relationships during programmatic changes. Experience working in a fast paced environment with continuous changes while maintaining relationships with external stakeholders (schools, county, service providers). Incumbent must maintain a valid driver's license and insurance OR have other reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications Experience working with transition age students and/or adults with severe disabilities (i.e., mental health, cognitive and physical disabilities). Experience assessing and/or providing career exploration and planning, work-based learning experiences, counseling on opportunities for enrollment in educational programs, workplace readiness training, instruction in self-advocacy, and/or employment related services to youth and/or adults with disabilities. Experience developing and maintaining relationships with diverse populations such as People of Color (BIPOC) and Native American populations.

Experience cultivating relationships with external stakeholders or customers (e.g., school staff, students, businesses, vendors). Experience providing vocational rehabilitation services while managing high volume caseloads of 80 - 100 cases at a time. 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 Record Review (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 or email . For additional information about the application process, go to .

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 .

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 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 . click apply for full job details