Working Title: Assistant Contracts Specialist
Job Class: Rehabilitation Program Specialist 1
Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development
Job ID : 94137
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 06/16/2026.
Date Posted : 06/10/2026
Closing Date : 06/22/2026
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 5% of the time
Salary Range: $30.23 - $44.48 / hourly; $63,120 - $92,874 / 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.
The State Services for the Blind (SSB) Assistant Contracts Specialist supports the effective administration of all formal agreements with SSB's community partners. Serving as the primary point of contact for contract-related inquiries, this position ensures consistent communication, accurate documentation, and smooth contract operations across the agency.
The role is responsible for tracking contract lifecycles, coordinating amendments and annual background checks, maintaining contract documentation in SharePoint, and supporting procurement activities. The incumbent also leads the contract monitoring process, ensuring reviews are completed, findings are documented, and results are communicated to leadership and contractors.
This position maintains the Community Partner webpage and handbook, manages GovDelivery communications, and coordinates quarterly community partner forums to support engagement and information-sharing.
This position requires monthly travel throughout greater Minnesota to provide on-site servicing for providers.
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 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 experience performing administrative, program, or contract support work that includes responsibility for tracking, documentation, compliance, or coordination.
Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:
Experience in a vocational rehabilitation, disability employment, or related human-services program, including case coordination or service delivery.
Experience writing reports, case notes, or formal correspondence and presenting information to diverse stakeholders, such as clients, providers, leadership, or community partners.
Experience supporting procurement or contracting activities, such as vendor onboarding, contract monitoring, purchase requests, or compliance documentation.
Experience working with community partners, vendors, or contractors in human services, rehabilitation, or blindness/low-vision service settings.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience conducting or supporting monitoring, compliance reviews, audits, or evaluations of contracted service providers.
Experience coordinating meetings, forums, or trainings, including preparing agendas, taking minutes, and managing participant communication.
Experience maintaining webpages or using communication platforms such as GovDelivery, intranets, or public-facing content tools
Knowledge of methods, tools, and techniques used to provide services for blind, low-vision, or DeafBlind individuals.
Experience using SharePoint or similar document-management systems, including organizing, updating, and maintaining program materials.
Experience assisting with Request for Proposal (RFP) evaluations, contract performance reviews, or similar structured evaluation processes.
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 low vision 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.
