Working Title: Special Education Program Assistant
Job Class: Special Education Program Assistant
Agency: Direct Care and Treatment
Job ID : 94371
Location : St. Peter
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 05/20/2026
Closing Date : 06/03/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Direct Care and Treatment / DCT St Peter AFSCME
Division/Unit : St Peter / Forensics Education
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $24.12 - $30.89 / hourly; $50,362 - $64,498 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 204 - Health Care Non Professional/AFSCME
Work Area : Forensic Services
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCT does not participate in E-Verify.
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.
Direct Care & Treatment is seeking qualified and enthusiastic individuals to join Forensic Services (FS) within the Direct Care and Treatment (DCT) division of agency.
Forensic Services in St. Peter is comprised of the Forensic Mental Health Program, the Forensic Nursing Home, and Community Integrated Services. Forensic Services provides mental health evaluation and treatment services to individuals diagnosed with a mental illness who present a risk to public safety. This is a safe and secure treatment environment. Community Integrated Services provides oversight to individuals on Provisional Discharge throughout the State of Minnesota.
The team is looking to fill a Special Education Program Assistant position to assist with classes, provide paraprofessional support to the special teachers, administer the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) standardized test, and provide administrative support to the department.
Responsibilities:
To assist with classes and to provide oversight of homework assignments for patients.
To perform in the role of a Para-professional in helping teachers in the classroom as assigned. To document according to departmental standard.
Complete educational assessments, including the administration of the TABE test to determine academic level.
To attend and participate in Education Services meetings.
To participate in other delegated responsibilities that improve consistency and organization of Education Services and the facility as assigned.
To maintain a secure and safe setting for legally committed patients within the forensic system.
To comply with all FS administrative policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all standards and rules.
Minimum Qualifications
The position requires the following specific competencies:
A current, valid driver's license.
Physical ability sufficient to protect the health and safety of patients.
Working knowledge of Excel, Avatar, Outlook, PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Centurion, Atlas, and SharePoint site.
Demonstrated competence in all mandated training.
Working knowledge of Forensic Services policies and procedures.
Ability to draw conclusions based on data and chart information for education services.
At least two years of college credits (usually 60 credits in Minnesota) through an accredited institution of higher education; or
An associate's or higher degree; or
A passing score on a valid and reliable formal assessment (ParaPro Assessment) demonstrating the knowledge and ability to assist with instruction in reading/language, writing, mathematics or readiness for each.
Knowledge of the deaf/hard of hearing and deaf/blind students and their educational practices in an adult setting.
Fluency in American Sign Language
Ability to read and write English sufficient to understand written policies, procedures, and education plans and to maintain records and documentation.
Ability to perform emergency procedures and personal safety techniques.
Preferred Qualifications
Patient care experience within a mental health or behavioral health setting.
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
To facilitate proper crediting, 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.
REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS - Direct Care & Treatment will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.
EDUCATION VERIFICATION - Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their high school diploma at time of interview OR copies of their college transcript or college degree/diploma at time of interview. Copies of the college degree/diploma are acceptable ONLY if it clearly identifies the field in which it was earned.
Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) healthcare facilities require employees to provide documentation that they are free from tuberculosis (TB) through a blood test prior to employment. DCT does not accept TB skin testing.
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.
