Harm Reduction Policy Lead - Human Services Program Representative 2

Minnesota Department of Human Services; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 69,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Human Services seeks a Harm Reduction Policy Lead to guide policy review, development, and implementation within the SUD reform framework. You will oversee Safe Recovery Sites and provide strategic direction with DHS leadership and partners.

Responsibilities include coordinating with multiple teams, counties, tribes, and advocates, and aligning initiatives with federal/state mandates. Telework eligibility applies; standard day shift in St. Paul, MN.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of federal and state SUD and mental health service systems.
• Understanding of federal regulatory requirements including Medicaid state plan and waiver provisions, 42 CFR Part 2, HIPAA.
• Experience with harm reduction principles and Minnesota’s Harm Reduction Community.
• Skilled in program evaluation methodologies, data analysis, and quality improvement.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher required; advanced degrees may substitute for experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead harm reduction policy review, development and implementation.
• Oversee Safe Recovery Sites' policy direction and strategic alignment.
• Coordinate with SOR/Harm Reduction Team and cross‑agency partners.
• Provide guidance to DHS leadership and liaise with legislators on policy.
• Collaborate with counties, tribes and advocates for coordinated rollout.

Skills

SUD policy knowledge

Policy development

Data analysis

Program evaluation

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Education

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

Master’s degree may substitute for two years of experience

Job description

Working Title: Harm Reduction Policy Lead

Job Class: Human Services Program Representative 2

Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID: 97032
• 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: 09/15/2026
• Closing Date: 09/28/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: DHS-Central Office / BHA SUD Harm Reduction
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am to 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.

Flexible work hours may be permitted with supervisor approval.

The incumbent in this position will provide leadership, direction and coordination of harm reduction principles and methodologies in accordance with state and federal regulations and mandates. The duties and tasks of the incumbent include taking lead responsibility for harm reduction policy review, development and implementation. This position is also responsible for overall oversight, development and strategic policy direction of Minnesota’s Safe Recovery Sites. Including leadership guidance to staff, policy direction, technical expertise and recommendations to Department of Human Services (DHS) leadership. As the state moves towards an integrated structure, and a continuum of care, these sites will be designed to support all areas of recovery. This position is pivotal in supporting implementation of this aspect of substance use disorder (SUD) reform work in Minnesota.

This incumbent will report to the State Opioid Response (SOR)/Harm Reduction Team Supervisor and coordinate closely with the SUD Reform and Redesign Team, Clinical Policy Team, Opioid Response Team and American Indian team, to provide lead direction and consultation for the safe recovery work. This is a highly visible and politically sensitive position, leading complex work assignments in collaboration with key stakeholders such as counties, tribes and advocates. The incumbent will collaborate strategic legislative initiatives with the Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council (OERAC) Lead, the State Opioid Treatment Authority (SOTA) and the 1115 Demonstration Lead as a specialized team serving the same/similar key stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and plan-full rollout of systemic changes.

The incumbent will coordinate the legislative directives of Safe Recovery Site start up and capacity building grants Safe Recovery Site work includes multiple areas that require the incumbent to manage multi-administration and cross-agency activities. The incumbent will work closely with many administrative areas of DHS including all areas of the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), the Health Care Administration (HCA), Operations Division, The Department of Health, Department of Corrections, Office of Addiction and Recovery and the Office of the Inspector General, MN-IT Services, and multi-agency activities of public-and-private provider organizations and counties. The incumbent will work with other policy experts, local leaders, and other staff at all levels to align Safe Recovery Site initiatives with current and future policy initiatives and legislative directives. The incumbent will be responsible for responding to the questions and concerns raised by legislators.

Act as chief liaison between the Behavioral Health Administration, The Department of Health and The Office of Addiction and Recovery, the incumbent directs the agency’s activities in the development and implementation of Safe Recovery Sites to ensure both state and federal compliance with these types of sites.

As a member of the Behavioral Health Administration, the incumbent will integrate and have knowledge of the SUD system in relationship to Harm Reduction principles and best practices. The incumbent will work with staff to utilize fiscal expenditure, program evaluation, and quality indicators to recommend improvements to the overall service delivery system; analyze data for policy direction and recommendations; provide guidance and technical assistance, communication and updates to staff and internal and external stakeholders and partners. The incumbent exercises primary responsibility for communication with DHS Senior Management and Legislature.

The incumbent is knowledgeable about division wide priorities and strategic direction and represents the division on behalf of the director and deputy director as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Working knowledge of federal and state SUD and mental health service systems, including multiple funding mechanisms (Medicaid, Medicare, State Block Grants, State Opioid Response, county funding), regulatory frameworks (42 CFR, state licensing, accreditation standards), and service delivery models across the continuum of care.
• Practical understanding of federal regulatory requirements including Medicaid state plan and waiver provisions, SAMHSA grant requirements, 42 CFR Part 2 (confidentiality), HIPAA, and related regulations affecting behavioral health services
• Experience working with harm reduction principles and philosophies and experience in Minnesota’s Harm Reduction Community.
• Skilled at program evaluation methodologies, data analysis techniques, quality improvement frameworks, and evidence-based practices in behavioral health service delivery.
• 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 people from backgrounds and cultures different than one’s own.
• Strong human relations and communication skills; communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing; respond openly to requests and concerns.
• Knowledge of DHS policies, procedures, processes, laws, and rules; state information technology practices and issues.
• Experience with principles of grant/contract management, public administration, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience with plan, managing, and facilitating meetings; elicit opinions, ideas, and concerns, and identify issues to facilitate consensus within diverse groups.
• Strategic planning and priority setting skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in public health, behavioral health or similar degree.

Additional Requirements

• 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).

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.