Investigative Researcher / Human Services Program Representative 1

Minnesota Department of Human Services; Saint Paul (MN); Híbrido; USD 62.000 - 91.000; Tempo integral

Benefícios oferecidos por esta vaga

Telework eligible

Training and development opportunities

Resumo da vaga

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is seeking an Investigative Researcher to join the Background Studies Division in St. Paul.

You will conduct and process background studies for individuals required by law and support the Office of Inspector General in complex investigations. Responsibilities include retrieving records from various sources, preparing compliance letters, and communicating with stakeholders while maintaining confidentiality and timely reporting under state statutes and

Qualificações

• Two (2) years of experience conducting research and/or analysis of criminal history records.
• Access and utilize a variety of web-based systems, online repositories, and databases to initiate, locate, and obtain criminal history information.
• Prepare compliance letters.

Responsabilidades

• Conduct and process background studies for study subjects required by law for employment or licensing.
• Perform investigative research; retrieve and review records from databases, repositories, and registries.
• Determine fitness of study subjects and prepare result notifications/summaries for subjects or agencies.
• Provide customer service and communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Complete administrative tasks associated with ongoing investigatory research and background studies.

Conhecimentos

Background research

Criminal history data

Customer service

Formação

Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice or related field

Descrição da vaga

Working Title: Investigative Researcher

Job Class: Human Services Program Representative 1

• Job ID: 98362
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 11/10/2026
• Closing Date: 11/16/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: Department of Human Services (DHS) / Office of Inspector General (OIG)-BGS ESO Research Unit 1
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $29.76 - $43.69 / hourly; $62,138 - $91,224 / 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

Working Title: Investigative Researcher

Job Class: Human Services Program Representative 1

Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID: 98362
• 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: 11/10/2026
• Closing Date: 11/16/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: Department of Human Services (DHS) / Office of Inspector General (OIG)-BGS ESO Research Unit 1
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $29.76 - $43.69 / hourly; $62,138 - $91,224 / 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 (DHS) 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.

Background Studies Division (BGS) operates within the Office of Inspector General (OIG) under the authority of the Human Services Background Studies Act (245C). Background studies are conducted on individuals who will have contact with vulnerable (child or adult) populations; and in compliance with requirements of licensed, and/or non licensed human service and health programs.

This position accesses a range of study subject records and information that are obtained from specific sources such as online databases, registries, and repositories; including sources maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

This position is also responsible for processing a high volume of background studies; study elements and performs complex functions and must meet statutory timeframes for completing and closing out each study.

Under limited supervision, this position reports to a BGS Research Unit Supervisor.

As a Fee-for-Service enterprise model, the division measures effectiveness, efficiency, and stakeholder satisfaction through regular reviews of business intelligence data by managing and measuring the volume of studies, study complexity, and time to complete studies.

Background Studies also administers and performs rap back services; employment and licensure verifications, disqualification reconsiderations, set asides and variances; preponderance of evidence, statutory comparisons, recissions, expungements, administrative fair and contested case hearings, and litigation.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conduct and process background studies for study subjects who are required by law to have a completed study for the purposes of employment; and/or for licensed, and/or non-licensed programs (e.g. adult/child foster care, adoption, guardian studies; or for training/education programs facilitated through post- secondary educational institutions).
• Perform investigative research; request, retrieve, and review individual study subject records and other relevant source material accessed and/or received from specific database search sources, online repositories, and registries.
• “Determine fitness” of study subjects in accordance with the Background Studies Act - MN Statues 245C. Prepare result notifications and/or results summaries to be distributed to individual study subjects, and/or to other government agencies.
• Provide customer service and communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Complete administrative and technical tasks associated with ongoing investigatory research and processing of background studies; the work of the division, the Office of Inspector General; and/or the agency administration.

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.**

Two (2) years of experience conducting research and/or analysis of criminal history records.

AND

• Conduct and process background studies.
• Access and utilize a variety of web-based systems, online repositories, and databases to initiate, locate, and obtain criminal history information and records.
• Prepare compliance letters.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in criminal justice or related degree.
• Reference and retain knowledge of state and federal laws related to background studies/screening.
• Practical application of Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and ensure all applicable federal data privacy compliance standards are utilized when responding to, or in communicating with individuals.
• Make independent judgments which result in decisions that must be able to stand up in court proceedings; and/or in a judicial review.
• Ability to set priorities, manage time, multi-task, and meet established deadlines
• Perform detail-oriented, objective, and ethical research.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite applications.
• Perform data entry using multiple database systems and collaborative platforms in the processing of background studies.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Respond to inquiries from all stakeholders in a professional manner; maintain confidentiality related to sensitive and private study subject records and data.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

It is the policy of the Department of Human Services that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, including the following components:

• Criminal background check
• Reference check
• Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)

Complete the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Security Awareness training within 3-business days from the start of employment; and successfully obtain/retain CJIS certification annually.

Contact

If you have questions about the position, contact Elizabeth Turner 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.