When all employees are embraced, respected and heard, we will build a collaborative, equitable, inclusive and anti-racist culture where everyone thrives.

Working Title: Lead Investigative Researcher
Job Class: Human Services Program Representative 2
Agency: Human Services Dept

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/18/2024
• Closing Date: 04/24/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: Office of Inspector General / Background Studies
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $30.55 - $45.02 / hourly; $63,788 - $94,001 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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.

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

This position serves in a lead capacity and is responsible to provide work instruction, guidance, and direction to a team of researchers responsible for conducting background studies in accordance with the Human Services Background Studies Act (245C). The incumbent in this position also conducts background studies and must meet statutory timeframes for completing and closing out study elements. This position has delegated authority under the Background Studies Act (MN 245C). Under limited supervision, this position reports directly to a Background Studies Division (BGS) Research Unit Supervisor.

As a Fee-for-Service enterprise model, the Background Studies Division (BGS) measures effectiveness, efficiency, and stakeholder satisfaction through regular reviews of business intelligence data by managing and measuring the volume of studies, study complexity, and time to complete studies. BGS is situated within the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and works closely with OIG divisions. The Background Studies enterprise also administers and performs a range of services including MNCIS rap back services; NS2 system - roster maintenance, employment and licensure verifications; disqualification reconsiderations, set-asides and variances; preponderance of evidence, statutory comparisons, recissions, expungements, administrative fair, and contested case hearings, and litigation.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Coordinates, assesses information, and communicates the performance objectives of the research team.
• Accountable for partnering with the Research Unit Supervisor in effectively and efficiently managing the volume, complexity, and timeliness to complete background studies.
• Use expertise and influence to effectively coach researchers on meeting daily performance objectives to achieve team productivity.
• Frequently engages with background studies business intelligence, assesses quantitative and qualitative indicators and outcomes.
• Ensures processes and protocols are followed by researchers.
• Trains and coaches newly hired and existing research staff.
• Intervenes when necessary to aid the team in troubleshooting or resolving issues.

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 and year for each job held.**

Three (3) years professional experience providing guidance, direction and leading the coordination of work activities of a team in a criminal justice or social services setting.

Experience must demonstrate the following:

• Serve as a subject matter expert to coach and train team in efficiently conducting and processing of various types.
• Maintain confidentiality related to sensitive and private records and data.
• Conduct objective and ethical research and make determinations.

Bachelor’s degree or higher in criminal justice, social services or related field may substitute for one (1) year of professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of statutes, laws, regulations, rules and policies such as:
  • Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 245C (Human Services Background Studies Act). Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13 (Minnesota Government Data Practices Act) Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 245A (Human Services Licensing Act)
  • Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 (Federal Law) Minnesota Statutes, sections 626.556 (Maltreatment of Minors Act Minnesota Statutes, section 626.557 (Vulnerable Adult Act)
  • Applicable Minnesota Statutes pertaining to the Minnesota Department of Health Applicable federal laws and rules pertaining to:
    • Criminal History Records Information (CHRI)
    • Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS)
    • Public Law 92—544
• Provide input regarding background studies legislative proposals; assist with implementation of new provisions or legislative changes that impact research processes and protocols.
• Proficient in analyzing information such as: criminal history records, court dispositions, preponderance of evidence, and risks of harm.
• Make independent judgments on background studies resulting in decisions that must be able to stand up in court proceedings; and/or in a judicial review.
• Respond to inquiries from all stakeholders in a professional manner.
• Prioritize work activities to assure deadlines are met.
• Proficient in using technology and equipment (computers).
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite applications.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS - The Department of Human Services will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

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.

If you have questions about the position, contact Chalee Yang at chalee.yang@state.mn.us.

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 Kelly Ellich at kelly.ellich@state.mn.us.

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 DHS_ADA@state.mn.us 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.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.