Post-Secondary Navigator - Rehabilitation Program Specialist 2

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Saint-Paul; On-site; CAD 64,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays

Pension plan

Job summary

The Post-Secondary Navigator at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s State Services for the Blind designs and coordinates transition-to-post-secondary services for blind, low vision, and DeafBlind students aged fourteen through twenty-one, delivering workplace readiness training, self-advocacy instruction, adaptive skills coaching, and college-readiness programming as required by federal and state laws.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years designing, delivering, or coordinating transition-to-post-secondary services for students who are blind, low vision, or DeafBlind.
• Experience collaborating with colleges, universities, or community providers to support student success.
• Experience coordinating services with schools, college disability offices, or other educational support partners.
• Experience assessing student needs and planning individualized goals and training strategies.
• Experience documenting and evaluating program outcomes for youth or disability programs.
• Knowledge of applicable disability laws (IDEA/ADA) in education or rehab contexts.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and coordinate individualized and group services to prepare students for post-secondary success.
• Provide workplace readiness, self-advocacy, adaptive skills coaching, and college-readiness programming.
• Consult with families and schools; develop partnerships with colleges and community providers.
• Deliver in-person instruction and document case progress; coordinate with Pre-ETS initiatives.

Skills

Program design

Training delivery

Coordination work

Colleges partnerships

Collaboration with schools

Job description

Working Title: Post-Secondary Navigator

• Job ID: 98011
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, may be eligible for some telework
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 11/05/2026
• Closing Date: 11/18/2026
• 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; some evenings and Saturdays may be required based on business needs.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 75% of the time
• Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees
• End Date: Up to three (3) years
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

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.

State Services for the Blind’s (SSB) mission is to facilitate the achievement of vocational and personal independence by Minnesotans who are blind, low vision, or DeafBlind. We offer a dynamic team-oriented environment where everyone's contribution is key to achieving this mission.

The Post-Secondary Navigator is responsible for designing, implementing, and coordinating individualized and group services that prepare blind, low vision, and DeafBlind students ages fourteen through twenty-one for successful transition from high school into post-secondary education. The position develops and delivers workplace readiness training, self-advocacy instruction, adaptive skills coaching, and college-readiness programming based on federal and state requirements, including the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The incumbent provides direct services, consults with families and educational teams, develops partnerships with colleges and community providers, and contributes to program evaluation and improvement activities. The role requires substantial independent professional judgment and collaboration with vocational rehabilitation counselors and school personnel, in-person instructional delivery, case documentation, and coordination with Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) initiatives.

This is a temporary unclassified appointment anticipated to last up to three (3) years.

This position requires daily local and weekly statewide travel to meet with customers. There may be some evening and weekend work required to host workshops.

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 position may be used to fill multiple positions.

Minimum Qualifications

Three (3) years of experience designing, delivering, or coordinating transition-to-post-secondary services, workplace readiness training, or individualized educational or rehabilitation services for students who are blind, low vision, or DeafBlind.

• Experience collaborating with colleges, universities, apprenticeship programs, or community rehabilitation providers to support student success.
• Experience coordinating services with schools, Individual Education Program teams, college disability resource offices, or other educational support partners.
• Experience assessing student needs and planning individualized goals, supports, or training strategies that promote independent living or post-secondary success.
• Experience maintaining documentation, tracking progress, or evaluating program or service outcomes for youth or disability-related programs.
• Experience applying federal or state disability-related laws, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, in an educational or rehabilitation context.
• Incumbent must maintain a 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 delivering or coordinating training in assistive technology, adaptive techniques, or alternative formats (such as Braille, screen readers, or mobility-related tools).
• Experience providing individualized or group services in college readiness, including support with applications, financial aid processes (such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid), or campus orientation.
• Experience developing or facilitating peer support groups, workshops, or cohort-based programs for youth or college students. Experience teaching or coaching executive-functioning skills such as time management, organization, memory strategies, or digital organization methods.
• Experience contributing to program evaluation, quality improvement initiatives, or development of training materials, policies, or service procedures.
• 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

• 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.

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.

Working together to improve the state we love.

• 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 [e-mail] 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 [e-mail]. Please indicate what assistance is needed.