Working Title: Special Education Program Assistant
Job Class: Special Education Program Assistant
Agency: Direct Care and Treatment
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Job ID: 94371
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Location: St. Peter
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Telework Eligible: No
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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 all qualified job seekers
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Date Posted: 05/20/2026
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Closing Date: 06/03/2026
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Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / DCT St Peter AFSCME
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Division/Unit: St Peter / Forensics Education
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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: $24.12 - $30.89 / hourly; $50,362 - $64,498 / annually
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Classified Status: Classified
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Bargaining Unit/Union: 204 - Health Care Non Professional/AFSCME
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Work Area: Forensic Services
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FLSA Status: Nonexempt
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Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCT does not participate in E-Verify.
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.
Direct Care & Treatment is seeking qualified and enthusiastic individuals to join Forensic Services (FS) within the Direct Care and Treatment (DCT) division of agency.
Forensic Services in St. Peter is comprised of the Forensic Mental Health Program, the Forensic Nursing Home, and Community Integrated Services. Forensic Services provides mental health evaluation and treatment services to individuals diagnosed with a mental illness who present a risk to public safety. This is a safe and secure treatment environment. Community Integrated Services provides oversight to individuals on Provisional Discharge throughout the State of Minnesota.
The team is looking to fill a Special Education Program Assistant position to assist with classes, provide paraprofessional support to the special teachers, administer the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) standardized test, and provide administrative support to the department.
Responsibilities:
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To assist with classes and to provide oversight of homework assignments for patients.
- To perform in the role of a Para-professional in helping teachers in the classroom as assigned. To document according to departmental standard.
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Complete educational assessments, including the administration of the TABE test to determine academic level.
- To attend and participate in Education Services meetings.
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To participate in other delegated responsibilities that improve consistency and organization of Education Services and the facility as assigned.
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To maintain a secure and safe setting for legally committed patients within the forensic system.
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To comply with all FS administrative policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all standards and rules.
The position requires the following specific competencies:
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A current, valid driver’s license.
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Physical ability sufficient to protect the health and safety of patients.
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Working knowledge of Excel, Avatar, Outlook, PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Centurion, Atlas, and SharePoint site.
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Demonstrated competence in all mandated training.
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Working knowledge of Forensic Services policies and procedures.
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Ability to draw conclusions based on data and chart information for education services.
At least two years of college credits (usually 60 credits in Minnesota) through an accredited institution of higher education; or
An associate’s or higher degree; or
A passing score on a valid and reliable formal assessment (ParaPro Assessment) demonstrating the knowledge and ability to assist with instruction in reading/language, writing, mathematics or readiness for each.
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Knowledge of the deaf/hard of hearing and deaf/blind students and their educational practices in an adult setting.
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Fluency in American Sign Language
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Ability to read and write English sufficient to understand written policies, procedures, and education plans and to maintain records and documentation.
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Ability to perform emergency procedures and personal safety techniques.
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Patient care experience within a mental health or behavioral health setting.
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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.
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 - Direct Care & Treatment will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.
EDUCATION VERIFICATION - Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their high school diploma at time of interview OR copies of their college transcript or college degree/diploma at time of interview. Copies of the college degree/diploma are acceptable ONLY if it clearly identifies the field in which it was earned.
Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) healthcare facilities require employees to provide documentation that they are free from tuberculosis (TB) through a blood test prior to employment. DCT does not accept TB skin testing.
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.
If you have questions about this position, contact Kelly Kenedy at [email protected] or call 507-985-2577.
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 Julie Yang at [email protected].
If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact Direct Care & Treatment’s ADA Coordinator at [email protected] or call 651-539-7243.
CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a noncompetitive basis if they: 1) meet service requirements and have a verified service-connected disability rating of at least 30%; 2) provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability; and 3) meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting. To be considered under this legislation you must submit all documentation before the closing date to: [email protected]
DCT operates a highly specialized behavioral health care system that serves people with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. This includes psychiatric hospitals and other inpatient mental health treatment facilities; inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities; dental clinics, group homes, vocational sites, and sex offender treatment facilities.
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
- Annual pay increases
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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.
