Workforce Development Specialist 2 - PROWD Expansion Grant Workforce Development Specialist, St. Paul, Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the State of Minnesota's principal economic development agency. DEED's mission is simple: to empower the growth of the Minnesota economy, for everyone.

We are driven to find talented and innovative public servants, motivated by the opportunity to serve businesses, people, and the greater good. At DEED you will join a diverse team, inspired by challenging work and united by shared values that guide our work every day. At DEED we live our values by; focusing on the customer, communicating early and often, seeking solutions, creating inclusion, encouraging new ideas, and being gracious.

DEED is a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon agency and committed to proactively supporting servicemembers, veterans, and military families. DEED offers great employment opportunities with a meaningful mission to truly make a difference in the lives of those under our care and for those in communities throughout Minnesota.

Working Title: PROWD Expansion Grant Workforce Development Specialist
Job Class: Workforce Development Specialist 2
Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Job ID: 76326
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, may be eligible to telework up to three (3) days per week
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 05/01/2024
• Closing Date: 05/21/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Employ & Econ Development Dept / Employ & Economic Dev-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Workforce Development / WFD Job Seekers Services X
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00am-4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, 65%
• Salary Range: $28.50 - $41.93 / hourly; $59,508 - $87,549 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• End Date: 04/30/2027 or up to three (3) years
• 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.

Job Summary

DEED is committed to radically increasing economic impacts for individuals and businesses that face systematic barriers to growth. The Employer Engagement Specialist position will be based in the CareerForce System Division within DEED. The Partners for Reentry Opportunities in Workforce Development (PROWD) Expansion Grant is a collaborative project with federal and state partners with the goal to help Justice Involved individuals by providing pre- and post-release individualized career pathways training, employment seeking skills development, employment attainment, and sustainability services to individuals currently residing in the four minimum- or low-security Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) correctional facilities in Minnesota, who at the time of enrollment are residing in the Duluth, Sandstone, Rochester and Waseca facilities and will release to two Residential Reentry Centers, in Minneapolis and Roseville, MN and statewide.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Workforce Development Specialist to work with individuals who are incarcerated in federal correctional facilities. The successful candidate will be responsible for working work with the Transformation & Reentry through Education and Community (TREC) MnState program, Repowered and MN PROWD teams to coordinate and monitor post-release employment opportunities for federally incarcerated individuals.

Responsibilities:

• Provide advanced, comprehensive career and educational planning, goal setting, employment plans, job development and placement services statewide to address the gaps in education, working with offenders as they transition to communities, providing developmental, career planning services leading to the acquisition and/or completion of a college degree or certificate through the Transformation & Reentry through Education and Community (TREC) MnState program and/or subsidized training and employment through Repowered.
• Contact employers statewide to assist their businesses in staying competitive in the current job market through in-depth knowledge of current labor market information. Conduct assessments of participants' employment readiness and identify individual needs and barriers to employment.
• Develop individualized employment plans that take into account participants' skills, education, work experience, and personal goals.
• Provide post release case management services to participants, including monitoring progress towards employment goals, providing coaching and support, and connecting them to additional resources and services as needed.
• Assist with post release job placement and retention activities, including job search assistance, job matching, and providing support to participants in the workplace.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of participant progress and program outcomes, and prepare reports as needed.
• Stay up-to-date with relevant workforce development programs and initiatives and collaborate with community partners to expand employment opportunities for program participants.
• Report to the program manager on the progress and performance of the team.

This position is expected to last up to three (3) years and this posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

To receive credit for your education and experience, your resume should clearly describe how you meet each minimum and/or preferred qualification listed, including dates of employment.

Two (2) years* of work experience building partnerships with various stakeholders to develop and implement new strategies or programs.

*Bachelor's degree in vocational rehabilitation, education, related social service or other closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute one (1) year of experience; master's degree substitutes for eighteen (18) months of experience; PhD substitutes for twenty-four (24) months of experience

Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:

Communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.

Organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a positive attitude and a commitment to achieving program goals.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other computer applications.

Ability to pass a federal background check during probationary period.

Incumbent must maintain valid driver's license, & insurance, OR have other reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in workforce development or related field, with a strong understanding of employment readiness and job placement strategies.

Experience working with incarcerated individuals.

Experience in assisting in developing programs and providing instruction to students from diverse backgrounds in a correctional setting.

Experience advocating for policy changes to promote fair hiring practices, and providing direct services to the incarcerated and those on supervision.

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

This position requires successful completion of the following:

Resumes of all applicants to this posting will be evaluated against the Minimum Qualifications stated above. If your skills match the required skills for this position, the department may contact you. Employee reference checks will be conducted on all finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance and education. It includes contact with the applicant's current and/or former employers.

A Criminal Background Check will be conducted on all finalists for this position. A criminal conviction will not automatically remove you from consideration for employment.

When the position requires travel and the applicant drives a state owned or leased vehicle, a driver's license record check will be conducted.

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).

Application Details

How to Apply

Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Amber Yang at amber.yang@state.mn.us .

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 Amber Yang at talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us .

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 Karen.Lilledahl@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.

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 job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.