OJP Victim Specialist - Community Svcs Program Spec 3

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Minnesota's Office of Justice Programs seeks a Victim Specialist to coordinate access to resources for victims of violent crime and to develop outreach strategies. This temporary role collaborates with multiple units and supports mass victimization responses.

The position offers hybrid eligibility with telework up to 50% and requires engagement with diverse communities to ensure equitable access to services.

Qualifications

• Two (2) years of working with those impacted by gun violence and knowledge of state, county and city resources.
• Experience developing, coordinating and conducting training for diverse audiences.
• Experience working with gunshot survivors and related services.
• Ability to work cooperatively with people from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with all OJP units to institutionalize victim resource access.
• Create and update targeted strategies to communicate OJP resources to diverse audiences.
• Assist with procedures for mass victimization cases and community response.
• Liaise with community during critical times to ensure outreach and support.

Skills

Gun violence resources

Training & education

Community engagement

Diversity & inclusion

Job description

OJP Victim Specialist - Community Svcs Program Spec 3

Working Title: Victim Specialist
Job Class: Community Services Program Specialist 3
Agency: Public Safety Dept

• Job ID: 97041
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers and DPS employees eligible to bid.
• Date Posted: 09/16/2026
• Closing Date: 09/29/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Public Safety Dept / Public Safety-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Office of Justice Programs / Office of Justice Programs
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 50% of the time
• Salary Range: $28.75 - $42.16 / hourly; $60,030 - $88,030 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

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.

Job Summary

This temporary position has an anticipated duration of up to two years.

Hybrid Eligible:** Employees may telework up to 50% or more, depending on the position and the needs of the division.

The Victim Specialist is responsible for coordinating with all units within the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) to institutionalize practices of ensuring victims/survivors of violent crime have access to the resources available within OJP, and an understanding of external resources available. This role will be instrumental to ensuring victims/survivors of violent crime have resourcing, this role will help with creating and implementing procedures in cases of Mass Victimization. This role will be creating and updating targeted strategies for communicating OJP resources, crime victim assistance, and opportunities to diverse and varying audiences based on community input, metrics, and changing needs and resources. This includes responding and being a liaison in community during critical times.

The OJP Victim Specialist will be responsible for working with all units within the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) to institutionalize community involvement in OJP processes, creating and updating targeted strategies for communicating OJP resources, assistance, and opportunities to diverse and varying audiences based on community input, metrics, and changing needs and resources.

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify

Qualifications

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 working with those impacted by gun violence and the complexity of navigating resources and barriers. Experience should include understanding state, county, and city resources and support.
• Experience developing, coordinating and conducting training and education for a variety of audiences
• Experience working with community organizations working with gunshot survivors, as well as direct experience working with gunshot victim/survivors.
• Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.

Applicants that meet the above minimum qualifications will be further evaluated on the following:

• Experience working with community organizations and OJP stakeholders
• Analysis, decision making and problem solving sufficient to evaluate current policies, procedures and processes, recommend and implement appropriate solutions that result in equitable outcomes, particularly for those communities most impacted by crime or have not traditionally received services or information from OJP.
• Ability to adapt to continuous organizational and program changes sufficient to work constructively under pressure and cope with ambiguity and setbacks.
• Ability to strengthen existing relationships with OJP stakeholders, community organizations, and interested entities, as well as establishing relationships with entities, organizations, and interested parties that would either benefit from OJP services, strengthen OJPs work, or to develop new partnerships.
• Written communication skills including the ability to write reports, procedures, policies, and correspondence sufficient to describe, promote, and justify current and future program initiatives and outcomes.
• Knowledge of crime victim concerns and needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of OJP services and programs.
• Experience working with those impacted by mass victimization
• Experience creating and implementing policy and procedures surrounding victim/survivor experience

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally moving and transporting such articles as file folders and small tools. May need to maintain stationary position for long periods of time while carrying out job duties.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment, includes the following components:

1) criminal history

2) reference check

4) SEMA4 records, personnel file and employment records (current and former state employees only)

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify

About Public Safety Dept

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a diverse, complex agency dedicated to serving communities across the state. DPS has 10 public facing and four support divisions with about 2,400 dedicated employees operating programs statewide that all have one goal: Building a safer Minnesota.

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

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

• 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.

For accommodations or questions about accessibility specifically relating to this job announcement, please email the Affimative Action Division at [e-mail] or call 651-539-1875 (voice) or using your preferred telecommunications relay provider.