03/03/2026
Working Title: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist
Job Class: Human Services Program Representative 1
Agency: Human Services Dept
Job ID: 92531
Location: Rochester, Mankato (Southern MN area)
Telework Eligible: Yes
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 03/02/2026
Closing Date: 03/16/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
Division/Unit: DHS-Central Office / BHDH DHHS Metro
Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
Days of Work: Monday - Friday
Travel Required: Yes, up to 25%
Salary Range: $29.25 - $42.94 / hourly; $61,074 - $89,658 / annually
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
This position is eligible for telework for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework.
The Department of Human Services is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DHS 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.
Job Summary
The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist will ensure that Minnesotans who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing receive the information, support, and coordination needed to access public and private services. Responsibilities include:
Provide direct assistance to help individuals access and navigate complex systems
Educate consumers about their rights to accessible services under federal and state laws
Coordinate services and refer consumers to appropriate providers and organizations
Identify and address communication barriers to ensure equitable access
Provide direct assistance, technical assistance, consultation and information and referral services to agencies and service providers to improve access for people who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing
Identify, develop and deliver training for consumers, families, and service providers to increase understanding of communication access, rights and best practices
Develop partnerships to improve accessibility and service delivery across
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
**To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month, day and year for each job held.**
2 years professional experience serving deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing communities. Experience must include the following:
Advanced American Sign Language skills
Knowledge and experience in understanding various communication needs and accommodations for people who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, late-deafened or who have combined hearing and vision loss
Experience providing direct assistance, coordinating services, and identifying appropriate resources to consumers who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing or who have combined hearing and vision loss
Experience providing professional level training to consumers and service providers
Experience providing consultation and technical assistance to agencies, providers, and partners
Familiarity with assistive technology including assistive listening devices, real-time captioning, and other communication access technologies
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of federal and state accessibility statutes, regulations/rules and policies
Competence in relating effectively to many types of individuals within a variety of contexts: professional and technical staff, legal and medical staff, local community and advocacy groups
Familiarity with diverse populations within the communities of people who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing or who have combined hearing and vision loss, including but not limited to people of color, immigrants and refugees, Native Americans, LGBTQ, and other populations
Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and/or cultures
Excellent communication and written skills
Broad computer literacy skills and experience utilizing customer relationship management data systems such as Agile Apps
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 - The Department of Human Services will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.
Application Details
How to Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about the position, contact Calla Kevan at [email protected].
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID #, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to JaKeya Spencer at [email protected].
If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Human Services’ ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or [email protected] for assistance.
About Human Services Dept
WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
A sense of purpose in their work
Connection with their coworkers and communities
Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:
Paid vacation and sick leave
12 paid holidays each year
Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
Fertility care, including IVF
Diabetes care
Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals:
Training, classes, and professional development
Tuition reimbursement
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:
A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, s*x (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, s*xual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and let us know the support you need.
direct link: https://careers.mn.gov/psc/mnjob/MNCAREERS/HRCR/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1001&JobOpeningId=92531&PostingSeq=1&PortalActualURL=https%3a%2f%2fcareers.mn.gov%2fpsc%2fmnjob%2fMNCAREERS%2fHRCR%2fc%2fHRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL%3fPage%3dHRS_APP_JBPST_FL%26Action%3dU%26FOCUS%3dApplicant%26SiteId%3d1001%26JobOpeningId%3d92531%26PostingSeq%3d1&PortalRegistryName=MNCAREERS&PortalServletURI=https%3a%2f%2fcareers.mn.gov%2fpsp%2fmnjob%2f&PortalURI=https%3a%2f%2fcareers.mn.gov%2fpsc%2fmnjob%2f&PortalHostNode=HRMS&NoCrumbs=yes&PortalKeyStruct=yes&
Overview of career opportunities at the State of Minnesota and portal for searching and applying for positions in state government
