Policy Analyst / Human Services Program Consultant

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

Working Title: Policy Analyst
Job Class: Human Services Program Consultant
Agency: Human Services Dept

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 07/20/2023
• Closing Date: 08/02/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: Department of Human Services / LS Background Studies Grp 7
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, no more than 10% travel for legislative activities
• Salary Range: $32.13 - $47.65 / hourly; $67,087 - $99,493 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• Telework Eligible: Yes, this position has a flexible work arrangement that may allow for telework or a mixture of working in our office and telework
• : Yes

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 has a flexible work arrangement that may allow for telework or a mixture of working in our office and telework.*

*No more than 10% travel for legislative activities.*

*This posting is used to fill multiple vacancies.*

As the Policy Analyst for the Background Studies Division (BGS) you will provide leadership and perform lead work regarding analysis, development, and implementation of background study policies. The incumbent will perform bill analysis, develop policy proposals, and create fiscal notes for DHS' statewide background studies system. This position consults with the BGS management team, facilitates meetings with internal and external stakeholders, collaborates with other legislative liaisons, provides technical assistance, performs research, interprets data, translates state and federal laws, and recommends new policies or enhancements that ensures DHS' background study system meets regulatory and compliance laws, rules, policies, and standards. The incumbent contributes to horizontal projects occurring across the Office of Inspector General (OIG), DHS, with other state agencies, counties, and tribal community partners.

Responsibilities include:

• Initiate new policies or policy improvements to enhance regulatory enforcement, monitoring, and ensuring background study compliance requirements are in accordance with state and federal laws.
• Provide leadership and direction for the strategic planning and policy development of background studies conducted by DHS
• Serve as policy expert, consult and coordinate with OIG and DHS directors, managers, and policy liaisons to ensure inter- and intra- department policy impacting licensed, and non-licensed providers is developed in accordance with the mission of the Department to achieve its objectives.
• Work with content matter experts to coordinate, develop, manage, and evaluate the Background Studies Division preparation and submission of legislation and budget pages for the Governor's budget and in tandem with OIG/DHS' legislative agenda
• Coordinate engagement within the division, across the OIG administration and the department; cross-agency, county, tribal and other partners to develop statewide policy related to background studies
• Identify, design, implement and evaluate data, trends, policies and procedures to increase program efficiency and accountability
• Conduct research on policy history, legislative history, case law, evidence-based practice, and other states' practices to inform policy development

The Policy Analyst must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to a variety of audiences, independently manage workload, work on tight timelines, and must possess excellent research and analytical skills.

Human Services Program Representative 2 - Minimum Qualifications

Three (3) years professional experience providing direction with policy development.

Experience must demonstrate the following:

• Evaluate information/data and develop policy or program recommendations
• Research and analysis of legislative proposals
• Interpersonal communication and writing skills while applying diversity concepts
• Prepare, write and evaluate reports

Bachelor's Degree in Human/Social services, Public Administration, Public Policy, Public Health or related field may substitute for 1years of experience OR Master's Degree in Human/Social Sciences, Public Administration, Public Policy, Public Health, or in related field may substitute for 2 years of experience.

Human Services Program Consultant - Minimum Qualifications

Three (3) years specialized professional experience providing direction with policy development.

Experience must demonstrate the following:

• Develop policy proposals and/or draft legislation
• Lead work analyzing legislative proposals
• Lead meetings with stakeholders to provide input and facilitate consensus regarding policy priorities
• Interpersonal communication and writing skills while applying diversity concepts

Bachelor's Degree in Human/Social services, Public Administration, Public Policy, Public Health or related field may substitute for 1years of experience OR Master's Degree in Human/Social Sciences, Public Administration, Public Policy, Public Health, or in related field may substitute for 2 years of experience.

• Technical knowledge of the health care and human services system, administrative law processes, and the legislative process
• Experienced in project management
• Proficient in leading meetings with stakeholders to seek input and facilitate consensus around legislative priorities
• Background in analyzing performance information for the purposes of strategic planning, budgeting, and policy development
• Possess management and organizational skills sufficient to organize resources and have a thorough knowledge of the purposes, policies and programs of the facility, its operations, and applicable laws, rules, regulations and policies of the Department of Human Services
• 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 - The Department of Human Services will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at or email . For additional information about the application process, go to .

If you have questions about the position, contact Mary Sparish at .

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 Carolyn Rice at .

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 or for assistance.

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.

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

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

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 or email and indicate what assistance is needed.