Working Title: Rehabilitation Counselor - Deafblind
Job Class: Rehabilitation Counselor Senior or Career
Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development
Job ID : 94484
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes, may be eligible for some telework
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 06/09/2026.
Date Posted : 06/03/2026
Closing Date : 06/17/2026
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
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, up to 50% of the time
Rehabilitation Counselor Senior Salary Range: $30.23 - $44.48 / hourly; $63,120 - $92,874 / annually
Rehabilitation Counselor Career Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
Job Class Option : Signing Skills
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees
FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
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.
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.
State Services for the Blind (SSB) is seeking a Rehabilitation Counselor to provide individualized Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services to primarily DeafBlind individuals, including youth and adults, ages fourteen (14) and older. This position carries a caseload composed of customers who identify as Deadblind or experience combined vision and hearing loss, with Blind and low-vision customers when indicated. The counselor partners closely with customers to identify vocational goals, coordinate assessments, develop and implement Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs), and support successful competitive integrated employment outcomes.
This role requires advanced knowledge of DeafBlindness, including communication modalities such as American Sign Language (ASL), tactile communication, and ProTactile, as well as familiarity with the unique vocational challenges and adaptations needed for individuals with dual sensory loss and/or Deafblindness. The counselor will work collaboratively with employers, service providers, schools, VR team members, and community partners to support customer success.
This position is based out of the St. Paul office and requires weekly local travel depending on business needs. The counselor meets with participants in the community, local businesses, schools, and partner organizations. Monthly travel is also required for meetings or trainings at other locations
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, that the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.
This vacancy is posted at two (2) different levels. Only one (1) position will be filled, dependent on the qualifications of the successful candidate.
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.
Rehabilitation Counselor Senior:
Masters Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Blind Rehabilitation Teaching, Social Work, Psychology, Education, Special Education, School Counseling, or other closely related field as determined by the agency.
Rehabilitation Counselor Career:
Masters Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Blind Rehabilitation Teaching, Social Work, Psychology, Education, Special Education, School Counseling, or other closely related field as determined by the agency.
AND
Three (3) years of related work experience providing employment counseling for individuals with Deafblindness/combined hearing and vision loss, Blindness and Vision Loss which demonstrates knowledge of one-to-one counseling, caseload management, development of rehabilitation plans, job placement services, and employment supports that lead to success in finding, keeping, retaining, or advancing in employment.
Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following for all levels:
Signing skills sufficient to communicate effectively with individuals who are DeafBlind, Low Vision or Blind.
Experience working with individuals who are DeafBlind, Low Vision or Blind.
Caseload management experience in a rehabilitation, education, 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
One (1) year of experience working with the Deafblind population (youth and/or adults aged 14 and older) who identify as Deafblind and/or have combined hearing/vision loss.
Experience working with DeafBlind communities, including DeafBlind communication and learning styles.
Knowledge of DeafBlind-related assistive technology, mobility solutions, and adaptive equipment.
Experience with Blind or low-vision populations.
Experience coordinating services across multiple agencies or providers.
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 (ATB) 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.
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.
