Employment Specialist - Therapy Assistant

Working Title:

Employment Specialist

Job Class:
Work Therapy Assistant

Agency:
Direct Care and Treatment

• Job
• Location:
  
  Willmar
• Telework Eligible:
  No
• Full/Part Time:
  Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary:
  Unlimited
• Who May Apply:
  Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/25/2026
• Closing Date: 09/08/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit:
  Direct Care and Treatment / DCT EMSOCS AFSCME
• Division/Unit: MSOCS DT&H Waves
• Work Shift/
  
  Work Hours:
  
  Rotating Shift (hours may vary depending on the needs of program (ex: 7 am - 3:30pm; 3 pm - 11 pm
• Days of Work:
  Varies; may include, weekdays, weekends, and/or holidays
• Travel Required:
  
  Yes (50%,Transport and accompany individuals as needed)
• Salary Range: $24.54 - $31.43 / hourly
• Classified Status:
  Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 204 - Health Care Non Professional/AFSCME
• Work Area:
  Willmar, MN
• 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.

Direct Care and Treatment is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCT does not participate in E-Verify.

Candidates may be eligible for hiring bonus up to $2,500!*

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions. Currently we are hiring for a full-time position at our site located in Willmar, MN!

As an Employment Specialist you will work with and help our program participants who are individuals that have varied abilities including, but not limited to, cognitive/intellectual disabilities, mental illness, brain injury and physical disabilities obtain work through Customized Employment. Customized Employment is a process that allows individuals with disabilities and employers the opportunity to negotiate job tasks and/or reassign job duties to improve overall contribution in the workplace.

• 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 so that supports can be coordinated and individuals can achieve their optimum success.
• Assist the program to meet Department of Labor, MN state licensing and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) standards.
• Current State of Minnesota Employees are not eligible for the hiring bonus. ,

To be qualified for and considered for this position, applicants must meet all of the minimum qualifications listed below. Ensure that your resume contains descriptions of your work experiences sufficient for comparison against the requirements stated below and indicate the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

• 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
• A minimum of one-year experience implementing training/employment programs for individuals who have 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…