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 service-members, 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.
Job Class: Workforce Development Specialist 2 Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development Job ID: 85628Location: MinneapolisTelework Eligible: Yes, may be eligible for some teleworkFull/Part Time: Full-TimeRegular/Temporary: LimitedWho May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekersDate Posted: 04/16/2025Closing Date: 04/22/2025Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Employment and Economic Development - MAPEDivision/Unit: Workforce DevelopmentWork Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:30am - 4:30pmDays of Work: Monday - FridayTravel Required: Yes, up to 50% of the timeSalary Range: $29.78 - $43.82 / hourly; $62,180 - $91,496 / annuallyClassified Status: UnclassifiedBargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional EmployeesEnd Date: Up to two (2) yearsFLSA Status: Nonexempt Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : No 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
This position will be based out of South Minneapolis.
The Workforce Development Specialist 2 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, comprehensive case management, 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. This role will also work closely with stakeholders and community partners to connect individuals to essential resources and support networks throughout their reentry process.
This position is telework eligible. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.
This position requires daily local and weekly statewide travel.
This position is expected to last two (2) years and may be used to fill multiple positions.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
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. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.
Two (2) years* of experience building partnerships with various stakeholders to develop and implement new strategies or programs, including those that support case management or direct service delivery.
*Bachelor's degree in vocational rehabilitation, education, related social service or other closely related fields as determined by the agency may substitute one (1) year of experience; master's degree substitutes for eighteen (18) months of experience; Ph.D. substitutes for twenty-four (24) months of experience
Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following: Skill in providing direct, client-centered support through one-on-one interactions and group settings sufficiently communicating to all stakeholdersAbility to manage and prioritize multiple tasks, coordinate schedules, and adhere to deadlines while maintaining attention to detailProficiency in Microsoft Office and other computer applications, with experience in entering and managing participant data using databases and case management systems Ability to pass a Federal background check during the probationary period. Incumbent must maintain valid driver's license and insurance OR have other reliable transportation Preferred Qualifications Experience working in workforce development or related field, with an 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
A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components: Federal Background Check State Criminal Background Check Employment Record Review (current and former State employees only) Employment Reference Check Conflict of Interview Review Driver's Record Check The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
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 Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .
Veterans
To be considered with Veteran's Status , you MUST indicate this on your application and submit a copy of your DD-214 form and other required documentation to by the closing date.
Recently Separated Veterans (RSV) : Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview.
Certain Disabled Veterans : Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a non-competitive basis.
See the above links for criteria and eligibility.
Current State Employees Please apply via Self Service. Bidding or expression of interest: This vacancy is open for bids/expression of interest and all qualified applicants simultaneously. Current employees of DEED who are currently in the same classification, who are eligible, and apply within the seven (7) day period will be considered prior to filling the position by other means. Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Allex Roberge at
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? A sense of purpose in their workConnection with their coworkers and communitiesOpportunities 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 IVFDiabetes careDental and orthodontic care for adults and children 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted childrenPension 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 deathShort-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injuryTax-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 developmentFederal 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 performanceCommon sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issuesDaily 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 and let us know the support you need.
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 . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
