Working Title: Occupational Communication Specialist

Job Class: Sign Language Interpreter Specialist

Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Who May Apply : This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 05/02/2024.

• Date Posted : 04/26/2024

• Closing Date : 05/16/2024

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Employ & Econ Development Dept / Employ & Economic Dev-MAPE

• Division/Unit : Rehabilitation Services / RS VR Field SVS

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift, 8:00am to 4:30pm

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes, up to 50% of the time

• Salary Range: $24.92 - $36.34 / hourly; $52,032 - $75,877 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

• FLSA Status : Nonexempt

• Telework Eligible : Yes, may be eligible to telework up to five (5) days per week

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

This position works in DEED’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) Division, which empowers Minnesotans with disabilities to achieve their goals for competitive, integrated employment and career development. You’ll be part of, and contribute to, a lively and energetic team with a positive internal culture that ensures this isn’t just a job – but a career. Together the VRS team makes an impact and creates possibilities that make a real and lasting difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Share your passion for this work and join the VRS team!

This role will provide interpreting, job coaching, and other vocational rehabilitation support services, as an American Sign Language Interpreter to the Minneapolis South Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) staff. This position may provide information, referrals, and consultation to Minneapolis VRS staff and participants as necessary.

The highest degree of confidentiality and ethical conduct are foundational to building trust and professionalism in this position.

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

Minimum Qualifications

To receive credit for your education and experience, your resume should clearly describe how you meet each minimum and/or preferred qualification listed, including dates of employment.

Two (2) years of professional experience in sign language interpreting

AND

Completion of an interpreter training program OR possess certification fully recognized by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or by the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).

Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:

Experience must demonstrate the following:

• Fluency in American Sign Language and English.

• Knowledge in the following equipment in order to adequately perform tasks assigned: telephone/video phone, video technology and platforms, assistive listening devices, and be skilled in computer programs such as Microsoft Office, Teams, Outlook, Excel, Webex, Zoom, and other computer software programs.

• Skill in scheduling work and setting priorities.

Incumbent must maintain valid driver's license, & insurance, OR have other reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience interpreting in the following areas: negotiation, crisis, government, public and political events, personnel and administrative topics, and various levels of discourse throughout governmental organizations.

Possess knowledge of Deaf Culture and intercultural dynamics.

Familiarity with ProTactile communication and working with people who have vision and hearing loss.

Working experience with people who are hard of hearing, aging, late deafened, and their families is critical.

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

This position requires successful completion of the following:

Resumes of all applicants to this posting will be evaluated against the Minimum Qualifications stated above. If your skills match the required skills for this position, the department may contact you. Employee reference checks will be conducted on all finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance and education. It includes contact with the applicant's current and/or former employers.

A Criminal Background Check will be conducted on all finalists for this position. A criminal conviction will not automatically remove you from consideration for employment.

When the position requires travel and the applicant drives a state owned or leased vehicle, a driver's license record check will be conducted.

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).

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.