Legal Operations Specialist / Human Services Program Specialist 1

Minnesota Department of Human Services; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 51,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Human Services is seeking a Legal Operations Specialist to support the Office of Inspector General’s Legal Counsel’s Office. The role focuses on background investigations, licensing, and financial fraud and abuse work.

Responsibilities include processing legal documents, coordinating with various legal units, and assisting with case file sharing and data requests. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for daily operations.

Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience providing support in a legal or criminal justice-related setting, including reviewing and researching legal documents.
• Associate degree in legal studies, criminal justice, or related field AND one (1) year of experience providing support in a legal or criminal justice-related setting, including reviewing and researching legal documents.
• Bachelor’s degree in legal or paralegal studies, criminal justice, public administration, or related field.
• Experience must demonstrate ability to review and process a high volume of documents to ensure compliance with court-imposed deadlines and/or mandatory timeframes.
• Experience using computer systems, databases, and office software to enter, track, retrieve, and maintain information.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining a broad knowledge related to all legal units housed within the Office of Inspector General to properly distribute mail and email communications.
• Ensuring detailed initial review of incoming legal documentation, including expungement orders, requests for reconsideration and appeals.
• Maintain up to date inventory of equipment and supplies used by OIG legal, provide technical support, place orders as needed, and review invoices.
• Providing back-up support to unit specific Legal Process Coordinators.
• Assisting with case file sharing and distribution, data request completion and other tasks as required.

Skills

Legal document review

Policy interpretation

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree in legal studies or related field

Bachelor’s degree in legal or paralegal studies or related field

Job description

• Telework Eligible: No

Working Title: Legal Operations Specialist

Job Class: Human Services Program Specialist 1

Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID: 97420
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/01/2026
• Closing Date: 10/14/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: Department of Human Services (DHS) / Office of Inspector General (OIG)-OLC Legal Process Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $24.40 - $35.30 / hourly; $50,947 - $73,706 / 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 exists to support Office of Inspector General (OIG) Legal Counsel’s Office in timely completion of operational and programmatic work related to background investigations, licensing, and financial fraud and abuse.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining a broad knowledge related to all legal units housed within the Office of Inspector General to properly distribute mail and email communications
• Ensuring detailed initial review of incoming legal documentation, including expungement orders, requests for reconsideration and appeals.
• Maintain up to date inventory of equipment and supplies used by OIG legal, provide technical support, place orders as needed, and review invoices
• Providing back-up support to unit specific Legal Process Coordinators
• Assisting with case file sharing and distribution, data request completion and other tasks as required.

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 providing support in a legal or criminal justice-related setting, including reviewing and researching legal documents; OR

Associate degree in legal studies, criminal justice, or related field AND one (1) year of experience providing support in a legal or criminal justice-related setting, including reviewing and researching legal documents; OR

Bachelor’s degree in legal or paralegal studies, criminal justice, public administration, or related field.

Experience must demonstrate the following:

• Ability to review and process a high volume of documents to ensure compliance with court-imposed deadlines and/or mandatory timeframes.
• Experience applying established policies, procedures, rules, or regulations to evaluate information and determine next steps.
• Experience reviewing legal or regulatory documents such as appeals, orders, requests, notices, case files, or similar records.
• Experience using computer systems, databases, and office software to enter, track, retrieve, and maintain information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Minnesota laws, rules, or government processes involving licensing, background studies, data practices, records, or legal proceedings.
• Experience working with confidential, private, or legally protected information and applying applicable privacy or records-retention requirements.
• Experience exercising independent judgment within established procedures and recognizing when issues require additional review or escalation.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex legal or procedural information clearly, concisely, and accurately, both verbally and in writing.
• Experience working effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including individuals with differing perspectives, needs, or levels of familiarity with legal or government processes.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

• 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 Zach Chase at [e-mail].

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Human Services’ ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN [e-mail] for assistance.

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.

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