Blindness Skills Specialist - Rehabilitation Program Specialist 2

Working Title: Blindness Skills Specialist

Job Class: Rehabilitation Program Specialist 2

Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Job ID: 98015
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, may be eligible for some telework
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 11/05/2026
• Closing Date: 11/18/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Employment and Economic Development / MAPE
• Division/Unit: State Services for the Blind
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00AM - 4:30PM; some evenings and Saturdays may be required based on business needs.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 75% of the time
• Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees
• End Date: Up to three (3) years
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• 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.

State Services for the Blind’s (SSB) mission is to facilitate the achievement of vocational and personal independence by Minnesotans who are blind, low vision, or DeafBlind. We offer a dynamic team-oriented environment where everyone's contribution is key to achieving this mission.

The Blindness Skills Specialist designs, delivers, and evaluates adaptive skills instruction for blind, low vision, and DeafBlind youth ages fourteen through twenty-one. The position provides hands-on training in independent living, alternative literacy (including Braille), assistive technology, daily living techniques, and foundational workplace readiness skills. The incumbent conducts functional assessments across home, school, community, and vocational environments; develops individualized instructional goals; teaches age-appropriate adjustment-to-blindness skills; and collaborates with families, vocational rehabilitation counselors, school staff, and community partners to support skill development and successful educational and vocational outcomes. The role requires substantial independent judgment, in-person instructional delivery, case documentation, and coordination with Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) initiatives.

This is a temporary unclassified appointment anticipated to last up to three (3) years.

This position requires daily local and weekly statewide travel to meet with customers. There may be some evening and weekend work required to host workshops.

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 may be used to fill multiple positions.

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.

Three (3) years of experience providing adaptive skills instruction, rehabilitation teaching, or hands-on training in blindness-specific techniques (such as independent living skills, Braille, assistive technology, or adjustment-to-blindness skills) to youth who are blind, low vision, or DeafBlind.

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

• Experience conducting functional assessments of individual abilities, needs, barriers, and strengths in home, educational, community, or vocational settings.
• Experience developing individualized training goals, instructional plans, benchmarks, or skill-development strategies that promote increased independence and workplace readiness.
• Experience providing direct, hands-on instruction in adaptive daily living skills, problem-solving, organization, or self-advocacy strategies to adolescents or young adults with disabilities.
• Experience collaborating with rehabilitation professionals, educators (including Teachers of the Blind and Individual Education Program teams), families, or community providers to coordinate services or support student progress.
• Experience maintaining accurate case documentation, tracking progress, and reporting outcomes in a rehabilitation, educational, or human services setting.
• Incumbent must maintain a valid driver's license and insurance OR have other reliable transportation. Travel arrangements can be made with drivers employed by State Services for the Blind upon request and depending on availability.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching or supporting use of Braille, tactile literacy methods, audio formats, or screen-reader technology.
• Experience instructing youth in adaptive technology or alternative techniques for accessing and producing digital materials (such as document navigation, accessible publishing, or use of mobile apps).
• Experience developing or delivering group workshops, classes, or cohort-based training programs focused on blindness skills, independent living, or workplace readiness.
• Experience promoting student self-advocacy, confidence-building, decision-making skills, or education about disability rights and effective accommodations.
• Experience collaborating with Orientation and Mobility Specialists, Assistive Technology Specialists, rehabilitation teachers, or school-based professionals to coordinate adaptive skills instruction.
• Experience contributing to program evaluation efforts, developing training resources, or assisting with service improvement initiatives in a rehabilitation or Pre-ETS program.
• 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:

• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Records Check (current and former State employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Driver’s License and Records 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.

This position requires an Adjustment to Blindness immersion training program. The immersion experience helps new employees understand what’s possible for people who are blind, DeafBlind or visually impaired by allowing them to experience it for themselves. The training takes place at an Adjustment to Blindness training center and can run up to 6-7 weeks.

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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] 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.
  
  

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Allex Roberge at [email protected]

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]. Please indicate what assistance is needed.