Student Worker Para Prof Sr

Job Details

Working Title: Communications or Sustainability Student Worker
Job Class: Student Worker Para Professional Senior
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 79622
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Part-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/27/2024
• Closing Date: 09/17/2024
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
• Division/Unit: Environmental Health/ Environmental Impacts Analysis Unit (EIA)
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day shift; 8:00am-12:00pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $19.56 - $23.26 / hourly
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - American Federation of State, County, & Municipal Employees (AFSCME Technical, Council No. 5)
• Work Area: Freeman Building - St Paul, MN
• End Date: 06/30/2025
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : No

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

Are you passionate about climate change, sustainability, and public health? The Minnesota Department of Health's Environmental Health Division is seeking two (2) Student Worker Paraprofessional Seniors within the Environmental Impacts Analysis (EIA) Unit; there is a need for a Sustainability Student Worker and a Communications Student Worker.

As a Sustainability Student Worker, you will assist with the planning and administration of projects primarily related to sustainability. The student will support agency goals related to sustainability (primary project) and climate change and health equity (secondary project). For the primary project, the Sustainability Student Worker will develop and implement a plan to improve agency waste reduction, sustainable procurement, staff engagement, and other elements of the agency sustainability plan. The student will evaluate current practices and make suggestions to reduce overall waste, improve diversion to recycling and organic waste collection, and implement sustainable procurement guidelines.

As a Communications Student Worker, you will assist the Minnesota Climate & Health Program. The incumbent will work under the direction of the program's communicator and its director. The Minnesota Climate & Health Program focuses on improving our ability to protect public health and prevent further harms from climate change. This student position would work with communicators, planners, and epidemiologists on communications to adapt and respond to climate change and its impacts on public health. The student's role will be to research, write, edit, and coordinate a strategic communications campaign on the human health impacts of climate change, specifically developing a social media campaign on extreme heat and poor air quality.

Both positions may have the option of some teleworking; however, it will be based on the business needs of the unit and is at supervisory discretion. Employees may telework from Minnesota or a neighboring state (Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota) under the normal telework agreement.

This vacancy announcement will be used to fill up to two (2) Student Worker Paraprofessional positions.

This position is part-time and hours will range from 10-20 hours per week, as arranged with the supervisor. The specific hours and days of work are flexible within the normal work week, i.e., Monday through Friday. This position is anticipated to last until the end of June 2025.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Completion of two years of post-secondary education

Student Worker Eligibility: To be eligible for appointment as a Student Worker Paraprofessional Senior you must be enrolled in a post-secondary or graduate program or plan to enroll within three months. Students may be "off" for the summer or for one semester/quarter and remain employed as a student worker, but such absences cannot exceed one semester/quarter in a year. If you are enrolled at a credit-granting institution, you must carry at least six semester/nine quarter credits. If enrolled at a non-credit granting institution or one that only offers one credit per class, you must be taking two or more classes per semester/quarter. Any lesser credit (class) load will be treated as a semester/quarter off. Graduate students must be enrolled in at least two courses or making progress on a dissertation. You will be asked to complete an Educational Verification form prior to appointment.

Additional minimum qualifications that will be assessed during the interview process:

• Active learning skills including asking questions, searching for information, reading relevant literature, applying new concepts, and learning new technologies.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to prepare reports; create technical documents; prepare and deliver presentations; collaborate on projects; and establish and maintain good working relationships with others.
• Time management skills and ability to work independently; ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks and projects.

Preferred Qualifications for Sustainability Student Worker :

• Educational interest in areassuch as environmental science, sustainability, public health, social science, or related field.
• Intermediate skills in problem assessment, summarizing findings, and communicating to different professional audiences, including leadership and decision makers.
• Intermediate understanding of how solid waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, and an interest in solid waste reduction across an organization, sustainable procurement strategies, climate action, and behavior change communications.
• Knowledge of sustainability practices.
• Knowledge of basic research methods to conduct online research.
• Media literacy to identify reliable sources of information.

Preferred Qualifications for Communications Student Worker :

• Educational interest in areassuch as environmental science, sustainability, public health, social science, or related field.
• Advanced skills in strategic communications or journalism and an interest in public health, climate action, and behavior change communications. Elevated sense of design, color, and typography.
• Knowledge of the health impacts of climate change.
• Knowledge of basic research methods to conduct online research.
• Media literacy to identify reliable sources of information.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a reference and background check.

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 job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Alexis Isaacson at alexis.e.isaacson@state.mn.us or 651-539-2266 .

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at health.hr.ada@state.mn.us

About Health Department

Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain, and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction.

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
• 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, 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 job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.