Senior Manager - Employment Services

Lifeworks Services • Richield, MN

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Employment Services leads the strategy, operations, and growth of Employment Services programs, including Competitive Integrated Employment, Contracted Employment, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Extended Employment, and Pre-Employment Transition Services. This role drives innovation by developing responsive service models, leading successful change initiatives, and expanding programs to meet emerging community needs. Responsible for revenue growth, the Senior Manager leverages diverse funding streams and expands services into new markets. Through collaborative leadership and strong community partnerships, this position advances Lifeworks’ commitment to Minnesota’s Employment First Policy and Olmstead Plan while enhancing the organization's reputation as a leader in employment services innovation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Rehabilitation, Business Administration, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 to 7 years of progressive leadership experience in employment services, vocational rehabilitation, or a closely related human services field.
• Qualified to serve as a Minnesota Statute 245D Designated Manager.
• Demonstrated success in growing program caseloads, revenue, contracts, or service outcomes, with measurable results.
• Direct supervisory experience leading multi-level teams and developing high-performing staff.
• Experience interpreting and implementing Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) licensing requirements and regulatory standards; experience with 245D-licensed services, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Extended Employment, and CARF accreditation preferred.
• Experience with grant writing, contract negotiation, and/or funder relationship management strongly preferred.
• Experience leading programs through leadership transitions, organizational change, or performance improvement initiatives preferred.
• Fluent in English, both written and verbal.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite applications.
• Capable of performing the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Strong ability to understand and communicate written and verbal directions.
• Demonstrate regular attendance, reliability, and punctuality to meet the needs of the business.
• Well organized with excellent attention to detail.
• Aptitude to work independently with excellent time management skills.
• Experience working effectively with others to reach common goals and objectives.
• Skilled at establishing and cultivating strong internal and external relationships.
• Demonstrate change management skills and the ability to lead a team and program through significant operational or cultural change.
• Use data-driven decision-making and metrics to diagnose problems and measure progress.
• Demonstrate business development skills and the ability to build and grow referral, funder, and partner relationships.
• Excel at staff development as a coach and performance manager, able to have direct conversations and build a high-performing team.
• Demonstrate process improvement expertise with a track record of redesigning workflows for efficiency and compliance.
• Exercise independent judgment and act decisively and appropriately without close oversight while maintaining strong communication upward.
• Possess the relationship-building and political acumen needed to navigate organizational dynamics effectively and manage up when needed.
• Can pass a background study with the Department of Human Services and a drug test, maintain a clean driving record, and have reliable transportation for work-related travel.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience with 245D-licensed services, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Extended Employment, and CARF accreditation preferred.
• Experience with grant writing, contract negotiation, and/or funder relationship management strongly preferred.
• Experience leading programs through leadership transitions, organizational change, or performance improvement initiatives preferred.

Responsibilities

• Developing annual Employment Services budgets and overseeing revenue and expenses against budget to meet or exceed quarterly and annual targets, including reporting on variances and supporting teams to achieve utilization, caseload, and service delivery goals.
• Assisting with the development of operational plans that support the strategic plan and developing and reporting on key metrics.
• Navigating changes to Medicaid-funded programs, Home and Community-Based Services licensing requirements, and CARF accreditation standards to support Lifeworks as the provider of choice.
• Guiding the evolution of Lifeworks services by leveraging performance tools and metrics, including X-Matrix, "5 Whys" root cause analysis, and cost-per-unit and FTE measures, while adapting service delivery methods to meet evolving requirements.
• Hiring, managing, and developing operational leaders and setting measurable development and performance goals that support high-performing teams.
• Leveraging employee engagement and career development strategies to achieve high levels of staff and customer satisfaction.
• Identifying and leading continuous improvement initiatives, including optimizing funding sources, streamlining processes, ensuring compliance, maximizing customer-facing time, and pursuing new partnership opportunities.
• Developing external relationships with businesses, government agencies, families, and community partners to stay ahead of changing job markets and service system requirements.
• Positioning Lifeworks as a leader in service innovation and inclusive community partnerships, particularly within BIPOC communities and Greater Minnesota.
• Following safety procedures and identifying safety needs for yourself, teams, and services.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 18 days of PTO accrued in the first year of employment
• 11 paid holidays (New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and a Personal Holiday)
• Medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D insurance, short & long-term disability coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Savings Account (FSA), and prescription drug coverage
• Up to $3,000 annually in tuition reimbursement and student loan forgiveness when eligibility requirements are met
• 403(b) retirement plan – Lifeworks contributes 3% of your salary and matches up to 4% of employee contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager