Job Class: Workforce Development Specialist 2
Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development
Job ID : 89599
Location : Minneapolis
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 : 11/15/2025
Closing Date : 11/21/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Employment and Economic Development - MAPE
Division/Unit : Workforce Development
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift, 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, up to 50% of the time
Salary Range: $30.23 - $44.48 / hourly; $63,120 - $92,874 / annually
Classified Status : Unclassified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees
End Date : Up to two (2) years
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.
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.
Must be able to obtain clearance and maintain access to correctional facilities, halfway houses, and other justice-involved settings to deliver workforce development services as part of the PROWD grant initiative.
This position is telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) 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 is a temporary unclassified appointment that is anticipate to last up to two (2) years and 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 experience building partnerships with various stakeholders to develop and implement new strategies or programs, including those that support case management or direct service delivery, including in justice-involved settings.
*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:
Experience coordinating services or programming within or in collaboration with correctional facilities, halfway houses, or residential reentry centers.
Experience providing direct, client-centered support through one-on-one interactions and group settings.
Experience managing and prioritizing multiple tasks, coordinating schedules, and meeting deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
Experience using Microsoft Office and other computer applications, including entering and managing participant data in 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 a related field, with knowledge of employment readiness and job placement strategies.
Experience providing direct services to incarcerated individuals or those under supervision.
Experience developing and delivering educational or vocational programs to individuals from diverse backgrounds within correctional or reentry settings.
Experience advocating for policy changes that promote fair hiring practices and reduce barriers to employment for justice-involved individuals.
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 Check (current and former State employees only)
Employment Reference Check
Conflict of Interview 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.
