811 Housing Access Program Specialist - Human Services Program Representative 2

Minnesota Department of Human Services; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Human Services seeks a principal staff specialist for the 811 Housing Access Program to ensure effective statewide planning, implementation, and evaluation. The role collaborates across divisions and state agencies, working with disability services, homelessness response, and housing development partners.

In this leadership position, you will manage program administration, policy implementation, and cross-sector engagement to achieve housing access goals for low-income

Qualifications

• Three (3) years of experience in home-and-community-based waivered services, homelessness, or affordable supportive housing programs.
• Expertise with disability services, homelessness response system, and/or housing development and finance.
• Knowledge of state housing programs, data systems, and related funding mechanisms.
• Education may substitute for work experience per policy descriptions.

Responsibilities

• Lead statewide planning, implementation, and evaluation of the 811 Housing Access Program.
• Coordinate across divisions, administrations, and state agencies and with community partners.
• Oversee development and management of related grants in coordination with Moving Home Minnesota.

Skills

Disability services knowledge

Homelessness response system

Housing development finance

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, human services, social work, public health, or related fields

Master’s degree in psychology, human services, social work, public health, or related fields

Job description

• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Working Title: 811 Housing Access Program Specialist
• Job Class: Human Services Program Representative 2
• Agency: Human Services Dept
• Job ID: 97984
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/27/2026
• Closing Date: 11/09/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: DHS-Central Office / HHSSA Comm Living Suppts Mgr
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, (10% for meetings)
• Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• 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.

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

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 serves as the principal staff specialist for 811 Housing Access, ensuring that the program operates effectively and efficiently. This position is responsible for complex statewide planning, implementation, and evaluation of the 811 Housing Access Program. This work includes legislative analysis, program implementation, report design, and managing all aspects of the 811 Housing Access Program. This position involves direct management and oversight of the statewide program. This position is required to work across divisions, administrations, and state agencies to achieve program efficacy, as well as with external partners in the fields of disability services, homelessness response system, and housing development and financing fields.

Additionally, this program provides support to the administration of the HB101 website and grants relevant to the Homelessness, Housing, and Support Services Administration. The HB101 website provides statewide information that assists individuals and community partners in accessing and sustaining available housing resources and support in their community.

Domain of Responsibility includes, but is not limited to:

• The principal staff specialist responsible for ensuring that the 811 Housing Access Program operates effectively and efficiently through planning, program administration, program development and policy implementation for the 811 Housing Access Program. The 811 Housing Access Program is statewide and requires coordination across multiple divisions, administrations, and state agencies, as well as coordination and collaboration with community partners in disability services, homelessness response system, and housing development field. This position advises on how to adapt to changes by providing analysis and recommendations, based on engagement with community partners. As a technical expert on multiple areas, this position devises new ways to conduct work processes to improve efficiency to better meet the objectives of the 811 Housing Access Program, including the development of work plans, making recommendations, and creating solutions independently.
• Manage development, implementation, and programmatic oversight of other housing-related grants in coordination with Moving Home Minnesota. These grants are multi-faceted and require coordination across divisions, administrations, and state agencies.
• Responsible for supporting the implementation of the HB101 Website

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 of experience working within home-and-community-based waivered services, homelessness, or affordable supportive housing programs.

Experience must clearly demonstrate the following

• Expertise with disability services, homelessness response system, and/or housing development and finance.
• Work with counties, housing developers/providers, healthcare systems, and/or disability services.
• Knowledge/experience with federal/state/local housing programs and systems.
• Knowledge of state income support and healthcare programs and associated data systems.
• Areas of expertise and vision as it relates to the community living supplements and housing needs of low-income Minnesotans.
• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, human services, social work, public health, or another related fields may substitute one (1) year of work experience.¿
• Master’s degree in psychology, human services, social work, public health, or another related fields may substitute for two (2) years of work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
• Demonstrating initiative and adaptability in a fast-changing environment.
• Applying analytical and innovative thinking to improve systems and processes.
• Interpreting and explaining policies, procedures, and federal regulations accurately.
• Presentation skills to explore and solicit discussion from a diverse group to stakeholders for facilitation of goal-oriented outcomes.
• Project management skills.
• Strong human relations and communication skills; communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing; respond openly to requests and concerns.

Additional Requirement

• Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) criminal background check will be conducted 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).

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Tom Balsley at [e-mail].

About Human Services Dept

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts on the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

Working together to improve the state we love.

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

Benefits

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.

Your benefits may include:

• 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

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• 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)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• 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), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• 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 Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.