Employment Specialist - Therapy Assistant

Working Title:

Employment Specialist

Job Class:
Work Therapy Assistant

Agency:
Direct Care and Treatment

• Date Posted: 07/14/2026
• Closing Date: 07/20/2026
• Location:
  
  Cloquet, MN
• Work Shift/
  
  Hours:
  
  Rotating Shift (hours may vary depending on program needs)
• Travel Required:
  
  Yes (transport and accompany individuals as needed)
• Salary: $24.54 - $31.43 per hour
• Leave Policy:
  Nonexempt
• Union: 204 - Health Care Non Professional/AFSCME

• 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 on‑going support with community jobs.
• Facilitate problem resolution among individuals, families, case managers, community members, staff, and others to coordinate supports and achieve optimum success.
• Assist the program to meet Department of Labor, MN state licensing, and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) standards.

• 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 communicate 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.
• Minimum one‑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

• One year experience in an employment field plus one year working with the disability population.

• 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.

To facilitate proper crediting, 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. Reference and background checks will be conducted prior to appointment.

• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays each year.
• Low‑cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
• Low‑cost fertility care, including IVF.
• Low‑cost diabetes care.
• Low‑cost 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 working at least three years.
• 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, classes, and professional development.
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (eligible positions).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support.
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care.

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 encourage persons of color, Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration 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.

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, contact the Careers Help Desk at  or email careers.us.

Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a noncompetitive basis if they: (1) meet service requirements and have a verified service‑connected disability rating of at least 30%; (2) provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability; and (3) meet all minimum qualifications identified in this posting. Submit all documentation before the closing date.