Job Class: Workforce Development Specialist 1
Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development
Job ID : 90096
Location : Mankato
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 11/16/2025.
Date Posted : 11/10/2025
Closing Date : 11/19/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Employment and Economic Development / MAPE
Division/Unit : Business and Community Development
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $28.26 - $41.43 / hourly; $59,006 - $86,505 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.
This position is located in Mankato.
This position acts as a lead worker and/or lead trainer by providing services and support to job seekers, Unemployment Insurance applicants, and Veterans, as well as leading Career Lab and front desk operations and supporting employer engagement and office functions.
Duties include:
Providing Basic Career Services and Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) Meeting / Unemployment Insurance (UI) referral services to assist job seekers in gaining sustainable employment
Scheduling, training and monitoring Career Lab/front desk staff, interns and volunteers
Supporting assessments of job seeker skills and experience, resume development, interview preparation, job search support, labor market information, and referrals to programs and community resources
Acting as lead presenter, coordinator and trainer for delivering local and virtual workshops
Serving as Employer Navigator, working with employers to fill vacant positions, promote hiring events and inform of DEED employer services
Managing Career Lab, front desk and office support functions to ensure consistent daily operations
Serving as site liaison for supply ordering, safety administration and facility oversight
Advising Management to help improve Job Service operations
This posting 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.
Two (2) years* of work experience in facilitating workshops, career placement, vocational counseling, workforce development, employment and training programs, or other human services related programs as determined by the agency.
*Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Counseling, Human Resources, Education, or other closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute for one (1) year of experience; a master's degree substitutes for eighteen (18) months of experience; and a PhD substitutes for twenty-four (24) months of experience.
Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:
Experience in customer service, including professionalism, responsiveness, and the ability to communicate effectively across diverse populations and platforms.
Experience in analytical, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills with capacity to navigate complex situations and work in a fast-paced environment handling confidential information and data.
Skill in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and Teams and the ability to troubleshoot.
Skill in communication to interact daily with internal and external customers, including facilitating workforce training opportunities and delivering impactful presentations to diverse groups.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with federal, regional, state, and local governmental and non-profit organization officials, etc.
Ability to support equity and inclusion and serve underserved communities.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Counseling, Human Resources, Education orother closely related field as determined by the agency AND two (2) years of related experience.
Experience using CareerForceMN.com, Minnesotaworks.net and Microsoft SharePoint.
Experience conducting virtual workshops or trainings using online platforms (Teams, Web Ex).
Experience providing career guidance and coaching.
Skill in communicating in a secondary language.
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.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made 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 . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
