Office of Continuous Improvement Project and Consultation Supervisor - Human Services Supervisor 3
Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Minnesota Department of Human Services seeks a Supervisor for the Office of Continuous Improvement to lead the OCI Projects Team and oversee a multi-year portfolio of improvement initiatives.
You will guide departments in DMAIC and LEAN projects, analyze programs, and present recommendations to executives. The role emphasizes training, stakeholder engagement, and enterprise-wide CI culture development.
Qualifications
- Four (4) years of working experience providing advisory, consultancy, or strategic insight related to continuous improvement and/or project management.
- Advanced knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma and CI methodologies to lead department-wide initiatives.
- Experience using data and performance measures to identify improvement opportunities and communicate results.
Responsibilities
- Provide supervisory oversight to DHS OCI staff on the Improvement Project Leadership team.
- Manage the DHS OCI project portfolio and reporting of results.
- Direct development of new, improved work procedures and lead complex improvement projects.
- Implement OCI long-range service and operational plans and CI functions.
- Serve as liaison with MSD/DHS management and represent DHS OCI externally.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
- Telework Eligible: Yes
- Job ID: 95475
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 07/14/2026
- Closing Date: 10/12/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / DHS Central Office MMA
- Division/Unit: DHS-Central Office / MS OCI Team
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am to 4:30pm
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: No
- Salary Range: $38.83 - $55.93 / hourly; $81,077 - $116,781 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 - Middle Management Association/MMA
- FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
- 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. DHS does not participate in E-Verify.
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 eligible for telework for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework.
This position exists to supervise, lead and support Department of Human Services (DHS’s) efforts in continuous improvement and innovation. This position is responsible for the DHS Office of Continuous Improvement (OCI) project portfolio and supports the internal continuous improvement and innovation training program. This position consults with DHS units and all levels of agency personnel to provide advice, assistance and leadership on continuous improvement efforts. The incumbent also serves as liaison between MSD management and DHS OCI staff and represents DHS OCI in various settings. The incumbent guides the activities of the DHS OCI Projects Team (OCI-P) and monitors performance to ensure the team is meeting deadlines and work is aligned with the guiding principles of DHS OCI. This position conducts novel management analyses on departmental and statewide programs and provides recommendations to DHS leaders and staff about how to streamline operations and redesign business processes to meet customer and operating needs. It will initiate and support specific improvement efforts (e.g., DMAIC, LEAN and rapid improvement projects that will yield departmental benefits in cost savings, efficiencies, and improved designs). The position will also deliver departmental reports and analyses to agency leadership and other state officials. The position will be responsive to division and senior leadership requests and help build staff capacity enterprise-wide, ultimately helping to institutionalize a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in the department. This position responds to customer needs and departmental priorities laid out in DHS’s Strategic Plan.
- Provide supervisory oversight and guidance to DHS OCI staff on the Improvement Project Leadership team. Exercise supervisory authority so that applicable labor agreements and plans are equitably administered and employees effectively perform assigned job duties to achieve the annual objectives of DHS PPIS.
- Manage the DHS OCI project portfolio and reporting of portfolio results; ensure alignment with DHS and MSD strategic goals.
- Direct the development of new, improved work procedures across the department by leading the most complex and/or sensitive improvement and innovation projects as needed.
- Implement OCI long-range service and operational plans and provide leadership for continuous improvement (CI) functions within MSD.
- Serve as DHS OCI liaison with MSD/DHS management and representative of DHS OCI within DHS and in the statewide CI community.
- Leading Self
- Leading Others
- Leading the Organization
- Leading Outside the Organization
- Getting Work Done
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.
- Experience as a supervisor, lead worker, team leader, project lead;
- Completion of a State of Minnesota leadership program (e.g., ELI, L4);
- A paid/unpaid position leading a program or chairing a committee (e.g., ERG) - Experience must include: 1+ year of experience identifying issues, goals and strategic actions.
100+ hours per year commitment.
- Six Sigma Black Belt-level certification in Continuous Improvement practices or equivalent experience to train, coach, and manage staff with advanced continuous improvement expertise.
- Thorough knowledge of state-of-the-art methodologies related to LEAN, Six Sigma and other continuous improvement methodologies to serve as the department expert in continuous improvement methodologies and management analysis.
- Application of Lean, DMAIC, DMADV, PDSA and/or other continuous improvement or innovation methodologies and principles.
- Experience analyzing, designing, documenting, and improving complex business processes or operational workflows, including identifying root causes and developing solutions.
- General knowledge of project management theories and practices with project management skills sufficient to monitor and manage the DHS OCI portfolio of projects for purposes of reporting, evaluating team performance and meeting divisional goals.
- Experience using data and performance measures to identify improvement opportunities, develop recommendations, evaluate outcomes, and communicate findings to leaders and operational stakeholders.
- Advanced knowledge of adult learning theory sufficient to coordinate and oversee DHS OCI training and development initiatives in meeting the needs of adult learners across the agency with varying learning styles and aptitudes.
- Leadership and facilitation skills, including the ability to communicate effectively, engage stakeholders, build alignment, and solve problems across organizational DHS units working with all levels of agency personnel.
- Experience communicating with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
- Demonstrated ability to create a positive work culture.
- Ability to create and communicate a strategic vision for the organization and a roadmap to achieve the vision.
- Demonstrated ability to facilitate conversations and actions to build consensus even at times where stakeholders may have conflicting interests.
- Demonstrated ability using customer-centered approaches to improve procedures, operations or services.
- Experience advancing a public sector continuous improvement, operational excellence, or business process improvement portfolio function, including building organizational capability through coaching, facilitation, and training.
- Advanced training in and/or experience with SharePoint including site ownership-level responsibilities.
- Experience assessing, modifying and presenting CI training to groups of varying sizes.
- Public speaking experience and presentation skills to effectively present complicated information in a simple, understandable way (plain language) while emphasizing the value to the audience.
- Formal training or certification in project management tools or methodology.
- Project experience that includes using project management tools (e.g. Smartsheet, Gantt charts, communication plans, task tracking and project plans, etc.).
- Project portfolio management experience that demonstrates efficient and effective management of a portfolio of complex CI Projects.
- Strong understanding of or experience in data analysis, interpretation, and synthesis to present accurate and useful information.
- Familiarity with DHS and/or state government systems and processes.
- Strategic initiative and/or organizational development experience.
- Bachelors or advanced degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Management, Organizational Development, or related field.
- Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
- The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) will conduct criminal background checks on all finalists for this position. Finalists must pass the DHS background check.
- Employee reference checks will be conducted on all finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance. It also includes contact with the applicant's former employer(s).
If you have questions about this position, contact Lisa Dejoras at lisa.dejoras@state.mn.us. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID# 95475, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Alex Duren at alexander.duren@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 DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES_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
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- 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
- 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
- Training, classes, and professional development
- Tuition reimbursement
- 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)
- 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),
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