Employment Specialist - Work Therapy Assistant

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Willmar (MN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring bonus up to $2,500

Connect 700 program eligibility

Job summary

Direct Care and Treatment in Willmar, MN seeks an Employment Specialist to help program participants with varied abilities obtain work through Customized Employment. You will liaise with local employers, set up community work sites, and support participants in securing and maintaining jobs.

The role requires experience in employment programs for individuals with disabilities, strong communication, and the ability to work flexible hours with occasional travel.

Qualifications

• 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.
• One year experience in an employment field plus one year working with the disability population.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Clear communication

Math skills

Computer skills

Read/Write English

Driver's license

Disability employment experience

Experience in employment programs

Job description

Working Title: Employment Specialist

Job Class: Work Therapy Assistant

Agency: Direct Care and Treatment

• Job ID: 96588
• 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.

In This Position You Will

• 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. ,

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge, training/certification/education, and/or implementation of Customized Employment.
• Experience working with Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
• Experience finding resources involving assistive technology to maintain successful employment.

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 and Treatment will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Lynae Petersen at [e-mail]

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to CBS Staffing at [e-mail]

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact: [e-mail] or call 651-539-7243

CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a noncompetitive basis if they: 1) meet service requirements and have a verified service-connected disability rating of at least 30%; 2) provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability; and 3) meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting. To be considered under this legislation you must submit all documentation before the closing date to [e-mail]

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.

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

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.