Designated Coordinator - Skills Development Specialist

State of Minnesota; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid leave

Retirement plan

Job summary

The Designated Coordinator (DC) - Skills Development Specialist (SDS) role at the State of Minnesota functions under MN Statute 245D and collaborates with an interdisciplinary team to develop individualized plans for individuals with cognitive or mental health diagnoses.

The DC ensures DSPs are trained to implement plans and manages data collection and plan reviews, engaging families and guardians as needed.

Qualifications

• 4 years of full-time work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons 65 years and older
• A minimum of 50 hours of education and training related to human services and disabilities
• Diploma/Associate/Bachelor’s degree in human services per options listed (see Minimum Qualifications)
• Must have a valid Driver’s License
• Must be at least 18 years of age

Responsibilities

• Develop person-centered support plans using Positive Support principles
• Communicate effectively with team members to align goals and methods
• Develop a schedule of activities to use resources effectively
• Apply consistent principles to assess behavior and progress toward goals
• Work rotating or irregular hours as needed
• Provide direct care as needed

Job description

Designated Coordinator - Skills Development Specialist

Working Title: Designated Coordinator
Job Class: Skills Development Specialist
Agency: Direct Care and Treatment

• Job ID: 96548
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/24/2026
• Closing Date: 09/08/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment
• Division/Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / Community Based Services / MSOCS Virginia Community Res
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Rotating Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday (ex: 7:00a.m. - 5p.m. - 1:00 p.m to 11 pm ; hours may vary depending on the needs of the program)
• Travel Required: Yes (Transport and accompany individuals to medical appointments, community outings, recreational activities, and spiritual events)
• Salary Range: $24.40 - $35.30 / hourly; $50,947 - $73,706 / annually
• Job Class Option: Designated Coordinator
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

Direct Care and Treatment (DCT) 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.

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

The Designated Coordinator (DC) - Skills Development Specialist (SDS) role is to function as the Designated Coordinator (DC) per MN Statute 245D, under the guidance of the Designated Manager (DM). The DC is responsible for developing Individualized Plans for individuals with cognitive/intellectual diagnosis, brain injuries, mental health diagnosis and other co-occurring issues, in conjunction with the interdisciplinary team and ensures Direct Support Professionals (DSP’s) are trained to, and implement plans, as written. The DC is responsible for data collection and review of plans in accordance with review frequency as determined by the Individual’s team and/or annually at a minimum. The DC collaborates with individuals, family members, guardians, case managers and community providers to ensure culturally sensitive, and person-centered (PC) supports, as well as utilizing motivational interviewing, positive behavioral supports, and informed trauma care, as applicable. The DC will stay informed on regulations and best practices using these tools to advocate for rights and needs, and foster inclusivity and self-determination; empowering individuals to maximize their potential and enhance quality of life.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

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.

·4 years of full-time work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons 65 years and older;

AND

·A minimum of 50 hours of education and training related to human services and disabilities;

OR

·A diploma in a field related to *human services from an accredited post-secondary institution and 3 years full-time work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons 65 years and older;

OR

·An associate degree in a field related to *human services and 2 years full-time work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons 65 years and older;

OR

· A bachelor’s degree in a field related to *human services and 1 year full-time work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons 65 years and older.

*Human Services related Degrees may include but not limited to the following:

• Family Social Sciences
• Health Care Management
• Special Education
• Public Health
• Recreational Therapy
• Social Work
• Alcohol and Drug Counseling
• Social Science
• Health Science

Candidates must also minimally meet these required qualifications:

• Must have a valid Driver’s License
• Must be at least 18 years of age

Ability to:

• Develop person-centered support plans that use Positive Support principles and practices, including Person-Centered Thinking and Planning, Positive Behavior Support, and recovery-oriented mental health supports.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, to promote among team members a shared understanding of support goals and implementation of methods.
• Develop a schedule of activities to ensure that resources are used effectively in implementing programs according to plans.
• Apply consistent principles in assessing individuals’ interfering behavior, skill development needs, and progress toward achieving individual goals.
• Work rotating or irregular hours as needed, or directed.
• Provide direct care as needed.

Knowledge of:

• Coaching principles sufficient to motivate and guide employees.
• Support principles and techniques sufficient to plan, design, and implement individual program strategies for assigned individuals.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.
• Lead work experience in a direct care setting.
• Experience writing, modifying, or evaluating program plans.
• Experience with financial management of home or individual accounts.

Additional Requirements

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS - Direct Care and Treatment will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

Reference checks help us to ensure that the people we hire are a good fit for the position and that the position we are chairing for has the right level of skill and experience.

Reference checks are typically performed within 10 business days of appointment. Any requests to install a venue is done with the directorially authorized set of third parties, after the applicant's consent to the process has been established. The questionnaire is geared toward eliciting the applicant's work attributes and professional experience, and includes the instructions to identify relevant performance results and interpersonal skills.

About Direct Care and Treatment

DCT operates a highly specialized behavioral health care system that serves people with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. This includes psychiatric hospitals and other inpatient mental health treatment facilities; inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities; dental clinics, group homes, vocational sites, and sex offender treatment facilities.

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

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.