Contract Manager, Policy Specialist - Human Services Program Representative 2

Minnesota Department of Human Services; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 94,973,000 - 139,793,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

Competitive benefits

Professional development

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Human Services seeks a Contract Manager, Policy Specialist to develop, monitor, and implement complex contracts across the Health Improvement and Benefit Design division and Health Care Administration.

You will serve as the subject matter expert for programs like Integrated Care for High-Risk Pregnancies and Child & Teen Checkups, guiding timelines, compliance, and program outcomes.

Qualifications

• Ensuring health care program compliance experience with Minnesota Health Care Programs, MA, MNCare or similar.
• Experience in oral presentations and/or writing for projects including contracts, grants, or reports.
• Developing work plans, tracking progress, and overseeing large projects.
• Bachelor’s or higher in health care/public policy/public health/business may substitute for one year of experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop, monitor, and implement contracts across the Health Improvement and Benefit Design division and Health Care Administration.
• Lead contract management for MHCP related programs and ensure timelines, guidelines, and objectives are met.
• Coordinate with DHS administrations, vendors, and MHCP providers to ensure quality, cost-effective care.
• Facilitate collaboration across units to achieve policy objectives and program success.

Skills

Oral presentations

Technical writing

Project management

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in health care/public policy/public health/business

Job description

Working Title: Contract Manager, Policy Specialist

Job Class: Human Services Program Representative 2

Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID: 96309
• 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: 08/13/2026
• Closing Date: 08/26/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: Health Care Administration / Health Improvement Benefit and Design
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• 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 is responsible for developing, monitoring and implementing contracts across the Health Improvement and Benefit Design division and across the Health Care Administration (HCA). This position is the subject matter expert responsible for management of contracts for the State’s Integrated Care for High-Risk Pregnancies grant program, the Child & Teen Checkups program, and other critical initiatives across the Health Care Administration. Work includes responsibility for leading a collaborative work process among the DHS health related Administrations, the contracted vendors, various DHS business units, Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) providers, and the department's IT systems tosee that timelines are met, federal and state guidelines are followed, policy objectives are achieved, and quality, cost-effective care is provided to MHCP clients.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ensuring health care program compliance experience such as Minnesota Health Care Programs, Medical Assistance (MA), MinnesotaCare (MNCare) or similar.
• Experience in oral presentations and/or writing for projects such as; presentations, professional and technical contracts, grants, informational literature, reports, editing the work of other professional staff
• Developing work plans, tracking/reporting progress, developing process and procedures, and overseeing large projects.
• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in a health care field, public policy, public health, business, or related field may substitute for one year of professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to use technology tools of research, analyze data, and communicate and educate.
• Ability to manage projects and facilitate consensus among the variety of agencies, interest groups and constituents represented.
• Ability to facilitate an environment of acceptance for creativity, risk taking and innovative ideas.
• Ability to learn and/or work within a broad range of inter-disciplinary areas.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

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.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Liz at [e-mail]

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.

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.