Working Title: Investigative Researcher
Job Class: Human Services Program Representative 1
Agency: Human Services Dept
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Job ID: 77934
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Location: St. Paul
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Telework Eligible: Yes
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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: 06/27/2024
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Closing Date: 07/03/2024
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Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
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Division/Unit: Office of Inspector General / Background Studies
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Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am - 4:30pm
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Days of Work: Monday - Friday
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Travel Required: No
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Salary Range: $27.58 - $40.49 / hourly; $57,587 - $84,543 / annually
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Classified Status: Classified
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Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
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FLSA Status: Nonexempt
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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.
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.
This position is responsible for conducting background studies in accordance with the Human Services Background Studies Act (245C). Background studies are conducted on individuals who will have contact with vulnerable (child or adult) populations; and in compliance with requirements of licensed, and/or non-licensed human service and health programs.
The Investigative Researcher accesses a range of study subject records and information that are obtained from specific sources such as online databases, registries, and repositories; including sources maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
This position is accountable for processing a high volume of background studies; study elements, and performs complex functions and must meet statutory timeframes for completing and closing out each study.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
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Conduct and process background studies for study subjects who are required by law to have a completed study for the purposes of employment; and/or for licensed, and/or non-licensed programs (e.g. adult/child foster care, adoption, guardian studies; or for training/education programs facilitated through post-secondary educational institutions)
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Perform investigative research; requests, retrieves, and reviews individual study subject records and other relevant source material accessed and/or received from specific database search sources, online repositories, and registries
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“Determine fitness” of study subjects in accordance with the Background Studies Act - MN Statues 245C. Prepare result notifications and/or results summaries to be distributed to individual study subjects, and/or to other government agencies
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Provide customer service and communicate with internal and external stakeholders
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Complete administrative and technical tasks associated with ongoing investigatory research and processing of background studies; the work of the division, the Office of Inspector General; and/or the agency administration
Two (2) years of professional experience conducting research, analyzing records and making determinations in a criminal justice or social services setting.
Experience must demonstrate the following:
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Experience in accessing and utilizing a variety of web-based systems, online repositories, and/or databases to initiate, locate and obtain information and records.
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Perform detail-oriented, objective, and ethical research.
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Knowledge of statutes, laws, regulations, rules and policies such as:
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Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 245C (Human Services Background Studies Act)
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Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13 (Minnesota Government Data Practices Act)
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Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 245A (Human Services Licensing Act)
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Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 (Federal Law)
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Minnesota Statutes, sections 626.556 (Maltreatment of Minors Act
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Minnesota Statutes, section 626.557 (Vulnerable Adult Act)
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Applicable Minnesota Statutes pertaining to the Minnesota Department of Health Applicable federal laws and rules pertaining to:
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Criminal History Records Information (CHRI)
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Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS)
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Public Law 92—544
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Knowledge of Data Privacy and Security.
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Experience in reviewing criminal history records.
- Respond to inquiries from all stakeholders in a professional manner; maintain confidentiality related to sensitive and private study subject records and data.
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Provide excellent customer service.
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Proficient in using technology and equipment (computers) Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite applications.
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Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
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Exceptional attention to detail and to accuracy
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Analytical and organizational skills, and able to work with minimal supervision and direction
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Ability to set priorities, manage time, multi-task, and meet established deadlines
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 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 this position, contact Elizabeth Turner at Elizabeth.A.Turner@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.
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.
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
- 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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Tuition reimbursement
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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 job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.