Dir Care and Treatment Mgr 1 / Rehabilitation Therapies Director

State of Minnesota; Minnesota; Remote; USD 87,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid leave

Training opportunities

Job summary

The Rehabilitation Therapies Director at the State of Minnesota will provide strategic leadership and clinical oversight for a statewide rehabilitation system comprised primarily of occupational therapists and recreation therapists. This role directs the design and implementation of system-wide rehabilitation initiatives across all programs.

With focus on program design, staffing development, and mobile OT services, the director drives high-quality outcomes while aligning policy, fiscal, and

Qualifications

• Licensure in Minnesota as an Occupational Therapist or CTRS.
• Master's degree in OT, Recreation, or related field.
• At least 4 years post-licensure OT/RT experience with policy and leadership exposure.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for statewide rehab system and staff oversight.
• Direct design/implementation of system-wide rehab initiatives across programs.
• Oversee Mobile OT services and ensure high-quality outcomes.

Skills

OT License

Master's in OT/ Recreation

4+ years OT/RT experience

Policy development

Conflict resolution

Education

Master's degree in Occupational Therapy or Recreation

Minnesota OT license

CTRS certification

Job description

Working Title: Rehabilitation Therapies Director

Job Class: Direct Care and Treatment Manager 1

Agency: Direct Care and Treatment

• Job ID: 97633
• Location: Statewide
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/09/2026
• Closing Date: 10/21/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / DCT Manager
• Division/Unit: AMRTC / MHSATS Regional Clinical Mgrs
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, occasional
• Salary Range: $41.58 - $60.10 / hourly; $86,819 - $125,488 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Direct Care & 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.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Services (MHSATS) is one of DCT’s five main service lines. MHSATS provides inpatient services in eight psychiatric hospitals, three locked substance-use-disorder treatment facilities, and three short-term residential mental health treatment facilities. Nearly all patients have been civilly committed as mentally ill, chemically dependent or both.

The Rehabilitation Therapies Director provides strategic leadership and clinical oversight for a comprehensive, state-wide mental health rehabilitation system comprised primarily of occupational therapists and recreation therapists. This indicidual will direct the design and implementation of system-wide rehabilitation initiatives across all programs. In addition to program design and planning for development of rehabilitation staff, this indicidual oversees teh operation of specialized Mobile OT services to ensure operational compliance and high-quality outcomes. This role manages a moderate to large-sized clinical system through lower-level managers and supervisors, establishing and monitoring fiscal, technological, policy, and human resource functions to drive continuous improvement toward becoming a high reliability organization.

Telework options for this position are dependent on where the employee lives. With approval, employees that live within 50 miles from the primary work location may telework up to 50%. Employees that live 50 miles or more from the primary location and live in Minnesota may telework more than 50% with approval.

All DCT leaders are expected to demonstrate and develop the competencies from the Enterprise-Wide Leader Competency Model:

• Leading Self
• Leading Others
• Leading the Organization
• Leading Outside the Organization
• Getting Work Done

Minimum Qualifications

• Licensure in the State of Minnesota as an Occupational Therapist of Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
• AND
• A master's degree in Occupational Therapy, Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, or a highly related field
• AND
• 4 years of professional, post-licensure occupational therapy or recreational therapy experience. Experience must include:
  • Experience communicating with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
  • Ability to hold difficult conversations and resolve conflict.
  • Ability to prioritize projects and initiatives by aligning people and resources to meet the needs and strategies of the organization.
  • Experience in policymaking and practices that eliminate barriers that prevent people from accessing, engaging with, or effectively using services provided by an agency.
  • Experience collaborating and seeking out feedback from subject matter experts and peers when reviewing or planning work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working with individuals with mental illness, behavioral health conditions and/or substance use diagnosis
• Training and use of trauma informed practices
• Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of rehab services provided by other staff, make or recommend changes and provide mentorship.
• Effective interpersonal skills in establishing and maintain working relationships.
• 7+ years of progressive healthcare experience, including at least 2 years of specific management or director-level experience overseeing clinical therapy programs.
• Experience working in a psychiatric, behavioral health, forensic, or residential healthcare settings.
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale clinical program development, quality improvement, or systemic change initiatives

Additional Requirements

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

EDUCATION VERIFICATION - Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their high school diploma at time of interview OR copies of their college transcript or college degree/diploma at time of interview. Copies of the college degree/diploma are acceptable ONLY if it clearly identifies the field in which it was earned.

Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) healthcare facilities require employees to provide documentation that they are free from tuberculosis (TB) through a blood test prior to employment. DCT does not accept TB skin testing.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Kayla Evenson at [e-mail] or 651-539-6920.

Applicants with disabilities, if you have a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Office of Equal Opportunity at [e-mail] or call 651-539-7243.

About Direct Care And Treatment

Direct Care and Treatment is a highly specialized behavioral health system operated by the State of Minnesota. DCT operates treatment programs, residential and vocational services for people with serious mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders and more.

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.

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.