Human Services Judge

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Minnesota seeks a Human Services Judge to conduct administrative fair hearings for DHS and related agencies. You will review evidence, apply federal and state laws, and prepare a recommended order for final decision by agency designees.

Responsibilities include managing a high-volume caseload, conducting evidentiary hearings, and ensuring decisions respect due process. Requires J.D. and Minnesota license; telework options available for eligible Minnesota or bordering-state residents.

Qualifications

• Four years of advanced professional legal experience appearing in or conducting civil, criminal, or administrative hearings.
• Ability to identify legal issues within a complex set of factual circumstances.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent legal research and analysis skills.
• Ability to work respectfully with diverse populations and in crisis situations.
• Ability to be flexible and respond to changing situations.
• Ability to exhibit judicial temperament in hearings.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
• Competent use of computer, case management systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage a high-volume caseload and resolve appeals timely and fairly.
• Conduct evidentiary hearings to develop a complete record.
• Make findings of fact and conclusions of law based on the record and applicable law.
• Prepare an independent recommended order for final decision by a designated official.

Skills

Legal analysis

Written and oral communication

Legal research

Diversity sensitivity

Judicial temperament

Independent work

Time management

Stakeholder collaboration

Computer/case management

Education

Juris Doctorate (J.D.)

Minnesota law license

Job description

Working Title: Human Services Judge

Job Class: Human Services Judge

Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID : 98201
• 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 : 11/04/2026
• Closing Date : 12/03/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit : DHS-Central Office / Human Services Judges-2
• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift, 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days of Work : Monday - Friday
• Travel Required : Yes (~5%)
• Salary Range: $39.22 - $58.35 / hourly; $81,891 - $121,834 / annually
• Classified Status : Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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 (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) 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 posting may be used to fill multiple vacancies

As a Human Services Judge, you will conduct administrative fair hearings for the Minnesota Department of Human Services, MNsure Board, and the Minnesota Departments of Health, Education, and Children, Youth, and Families. After conducting an evidentiary hearing, you will review the evidence and pertinent federal and state law and prepare an independent recommended order to decide the appeal. The recommended order is reviewed by the respective agency’s Commissioner’s designee who issues the final decision.

Responsibilities include but may not be limited to:

• Manage a high-volume caseload while ensuring that appeals assigned to you are resolved timely, efficiently, and in a manner that protects the rights of the parties.
• Conduct evidentiary hearings to develop a complete record.
• Make findings of fact and conclusions of law based on an analysis of the complete record and the laws that apply to the disputed issues.
• Comply with all applicable statutes, rules, regulations, and policies in order to effectively carry out the requirements of this position and the Agency’s mission, values, and goals.

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, day and year for each job held._

Four (4) years of advanced professional legal experience appearing in or conducting civil, criminal, or administrative hearings. Experience must demonstrate the following:

• Ability to identify legal issues within a complex set of factual circumstances;
• Strong written and oral communication skills sufficient to communicate with parties and write clear, concise recommended orders that are easily understood by all parties;
• Excellent legal research and analysis skills;
• Ability to work respectfully with persons of diverse backgrounds, including those with different cultural backgrounds; people in crisis; people in poverty; people with physical disabilities; people with mental illness; and non-English speakers;
• Ability to be flexible and quickly respond to changing situations;
• Ability to exhibit judicial temperament to conduct hearings in adversarial situations.;
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, prioritize work load, allocate time in an efficient manner, and meet deadlines;
• Ability to build and maintain good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
• Ability to competently use computer, case management system, and recording devices;
• Juris Doctorate (J.D.);
• Must be licensed to practice law in Minnesota and be in active status, an inactive resident, retired, on disabled status, or on retired senior status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience conducting evidentiary hearings as an administrative law judge, workers' compensation judge, unemployment insurance judge or equivalent experience in public sector hearings environment.
• Experience making credibility determinations.
• Professional experience representing public assistance recipients or government agencies in legal proceedings.
• Professional experience representing clients in administrative hearings.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

***Candidates will be asked to complete a writing sample in response to a written prompt to demonstrate independent writing and analytical skills within a defined time limit.***

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – DHS will conduct reference checks to verify job‑related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.