Workforce Development Specialist 2 - PROWD-GWDB Employer Engagement 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-GWDB Employer Engagement Specialist
Job Class: Workforce Development Specialist 2
Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/26/2024
• Closing Date: 05/09/2024
• 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, 50%
• 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
• Telework Eligible: Yes, may be eligible to telework up to three (3) days per week
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you'll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

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 Governor's Workforce Development Board (GWDB) team, MN CHIPS Coalition Workforce Partnership (CHIPS Workforce Partnership) and PROWD teams to coordinate and monitor post-release employment opportunities for federally incarcerated individuals.

Responsibilities:

• 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 .

If you have questions about the 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.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency's mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.