Working Title: Blind/Visually Impaired (BVI) State Specialist - Education Consultant 3
Job Class: Education Consultant 3
Agency: Education Department
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Job ID: 95571
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Location: Minneapolis
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Telework Eligible: Yes - up to 50%
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Full/Part Time: Full-Time
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Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
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Who May Apply: Open to bidders and all qualified job seekers. Bidders will be considered through July 24, 2026.
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Date Posted: July/17/2026
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Closing Date: July/31/2026
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Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Education Department / MDE-Central Office-MAPE
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Division/Unit: Education-St Paul / Workforce & Low Incidence
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Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
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Days of Work: Monday - Friday
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Travel Required: No
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Salary Range: $39.22 - $58.35 / hourly; $81,891 - $121,834 / annually
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Classified Status: Classified
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Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
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FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
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Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
CURRENT permanent-classified MDE employees represented by MAPE who are eligible for interest bidding for the position should consult Article 16, Vacancies, Filling of Positions, Section 3, Job Posting and Interest Bidding, of their negotiated agreement. In order to be considered for the position as an interest bidder your application must be received by the "Closed for Bid" date listed above AND you must email [email protected] with your intent to bid.
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.
As the Blind and Visually Impaired State Specialist for the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), you will provide educational support and guidance to Minnesota's broader communities, with a concentration on students with disabilities, including low incidence disabilities and a specific focus on students who are blind and visually impaired, deafblind or with other disabilities associated with vision loss.
Telework:
This position is eligible for hybrid telework. Employees living within 50 miles of the office location listed above will be required to work in the office at least 50% of the time each month. Employees may reside outside the state of Minnesota if they live in a state bordering Minnesota and are within 50 miles of the primary work location. Existing employees who were approved to telework from a bordering state and more than 50 miles from their work location before June 1, 2025, may retain this arrangement unless they move farther away.
Please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicate 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.
Five (5) years of experience as a licensed teacher of the blind and visually impaired
A Doctorate degree may substitute for two (2) years of experience; Master's degree may substitute for 18 months of experience; Bachelor's degree may substitute for one (1) year of experience; and an Associate's degree may substitute for six (6) months of experience.
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Experience designing, delivering, or evaluating educational programs for students who are blind/visually impaired, deafblind, or who have disabilities associated with vision loss.
- Demonstrated leadership in implementing and interpreting special education policy and practice,
including a strong understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section
504 and relevant Minnesota state requirements.
- Experience leading implementation or interpretation of special education policies, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, and Minnesota state regulations.
- Experience collaborating with school districts, interagency teams, families, or advocacy organizations to support the provision of a Free Appropriate
Public Education FAPE.
- Experience representing an organization in public meetings, advisory groups, workgroups, or statewide initiatives, including preparing and delivering presentations aligned with strategic plans or statewide priorities.
A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:
- SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
- Employment Reference Check
- Conflict of Interest Review
- Criminal Background Check
The Minnesota Department of Education will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US
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.
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 us at
[email protected]
To be considered with Veteran's Status, you MUST indicate this on your application and submit a copy of your DD-214 form and other required documentation to [email protected] by the closing date.
Recently Separated Veterans (RSV): Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview.
Certain Disabled Veterans: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a non-competitive basis.
See the above links for criteria and eligibility
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
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Connection with their coworkers and communities
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Opportunities for personal and professional growth
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.
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
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Diabetes care
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Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
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Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
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Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
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Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
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Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
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Training, classes, and professional development
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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)
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A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
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Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
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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, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual 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.
