Job Description
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 Rehabilitation Counselor Career Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development - Job ID : 91031
- Location : Brainerd
- 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 01/05/2026.
- Date Posted : 12/30/2025
- Closing Date : 01/12/2026
- 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 75% 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
- 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 State Services for the Blind's (SSB) mission is to facilitate the achievement of vocational and personal independence by Minnesotans who are blind, visually impaired, or DeafBlind. We offer a dynamic team-oriented environment where everyone's contribution is key to achieving this mission.
The Rehabilitation Counselor plans, authorizes, and coordinates service delivery of individualized Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services in partnership with the blind, visually impaired, and/or deaf blind customers, both youth and adult. This position works to enable customers who possess substantial impediments to employment and to achieve successful employment outcomes. This position will also contribute to building a positive internal culture that makes SSB an extraordinary place to work.
This position is based out of the Brainerd SSB office and serves the following counties in the North Central Region: Aitkin, Becker, Carlton, Cass, Clay, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Otter Tail, Todd, Wadena, and Wilkin.
The role requires frequent travel, up to five (5) days per week depending on business needs. The counselor meets with participants in the community, local businesses, schools, and partner organizations. Occasional travel is also required for meetings or trainings at the Brainerd office or other locations across the state.
This position is responsible for a large geographic region, they are expected to meet customers where it is most practical and timely. This may include visiting individuals in their homes, meeting in public locations such as libraries, or meeting at the office when phone or virtual appointments are not possible.
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 Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Vision Rehabilitation Therapy/Teaching, Social Work, Psychology, Disability Studies, Human Resources, Education, Special Education, School Counseling, or other closely related field as determined by the agency.
Rehabilitation Counselor Career:
Master's Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Vision Rehabilitation Therapy/Teaching, Social Work, Psychology, Disability Studies, Human Resources, 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 Blindness, Vision Loss and Deafblind 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 in managing competing priorities and working in a busy environment.
- Experience applying professional 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 skills, including service planning and employment goal development for individuals with disabilities.
- Human relations skills sufficient to negotiate, collaborate, build, and maintain positive working relationships with job seekers and employers.
- 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 - Experience working with individuals who are Blind, visually impaired, or DeafBlind.
- Experience working with transition age students and/or adults with additional severe disabilities, i.e. mental health, cognitive and physical disabilities.
- Experience interpreting and explaining in plain language complex information such as guidelines, regulations, policies, medical and psychiatric reports.
- Ability to analyze assessment information sufficient to identify and address the customer's vocational rehabilitation needs.
- Experience applying counseling techniques sufficient to conduct an effective diagnostic interview, to assist the client in completing the rehabilitation plan, and address any issues that emerge during the customer's rehabilitation process.
- Experience cultivating relationships with external stake holders or customers i.e. school staff, students, businesses, vendors.
- Skill in a secondary language.
- 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 This position requires an Adjustment to Blindness 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.
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 .
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 Veteran's 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 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 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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Job Tags
Hourly pay, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Work experience placement, Work at office, Local area, Remote work, Visa sponsorship, Work visa, Monday to Friday, Shift work, Day shift,