Career Navigator - Rehabilitation Program Specialist

Overview

Working Title:
Career Navigator

Job Class:
Rehabilitation Program Specialist 1

• Job
• 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 07/07/2026.
• Date Posted: 07/01/2026
• Closing Date: 07/08/2026
• 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 20% of the time
• Salary Range: $30.23 - $44.48 / hourly; $63,120 - $92,874 / annually
• Classified Status:
  Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees
• FLSA Status:
  Nonexempt
• 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.

This position is funded by the Disability Innovation Fund grant by the Rehabilitation Services Administration through 9/30/2029.

Minnesota State Services for the Blind (SSB) has been serving Minnesotans who are blind, low vision, and Deaf Blind since 1923. Through dedicated staff, strong community partnerships, and innovative vocational rehabilitation services, SSB helps individuals prepare for, obtain, maintain, and advance in competitive integrated employment. Join an organization committed to creating meaningful employment opportunities while improving lives across Minnesota.

The Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) Career Navigator plays a central role in the Evolve Employment Model Demonstration by coordinating individualized employment services that support participants in achieving and sustaining family-sustaining careers. This position serves as both a career navigator and service coordinator, working closely with participants to identify employment goals, assess readiness, address barriers, and coordinate wraparound supports that promote long-term employment success.

Career Navigators bring together the appropriate internal and external partners—including vocational rehabilitation staff, benefits planners, assistive technology specialists, employers, workforce partners, and community organizations—to ensure participants receive coordinated, person-centered services tailored to their unique strengths, needs, and goals. The position emphasizes rapid and sustained participant engagement, employment retention, accessibility, career exploration, workplace learning opportunities, and access to training and career pathways.

In addition to working directly with participants, Career Navigators build relationships with employers and community partners to expand workplace opportunities, promote disability inclusion, and strengthen pathways to competitive integrated employment. This position is part of the Coordinated Workplace Engagement (CWE) model, an innovative approach that integrates career navigation, service coordination, business engagement, and employment stabilization to improve long-term employment outcomes for individuals who are blind, low vision, and Deaf Blind.

This position requires weekly local travel and occasional statewide travel to deliver services to participants and engage with community partners.

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 posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

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.

• Two (2) years of experience providing case management, service coordination, vocational rehabilitation, workforce development, social services, employment services, participant-centered human services, or other closely related fields as determined by the agency.

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

• Experience assessing participant or client needs, identifying service barriers, coordinating solutions across multiple organizations, and helping individuals understand or navigate programs, services, or public benefits that support employment and independence.
• Experience working collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team to deliver participant-centered or client-focused…