Perinatal Program and Community Engagement Consultant - Human Services Program Consultant

Minnesota Department of Human Services; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is seeking a Perinatal Program and Community Engagement Consultant to lead initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes for mothers and infants. This role involves developing evidence-based policies and engaging with community stakeholders. The position offers full-time hours with telework eligibility for residents in Minnesota or bordering counties.

Benefits

Paid vacation and sick leave

Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans

Pension plan

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Three years of maternal and/or child health professional experience required.
• Experience in health policy or related settings is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead initiatives to improve birth outcomes for mothers and infants.
• Develop policies based on data analysis and community engagement.

Skills

Expertise in healthcare delivery systems

Knowledge of industry standards

Statistical methods

Research methodology

Excellent written and oral communication

Job description

Working Title: Perinatal Program and Community Engagement Consultant

Job Class: Human Services Program Consultant

Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID: 85877
• 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: 04/29/2025
• Closing Date: 05/19/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: Health Care Administration / Health Care Improvement Benefit and Design
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am - 5:00pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $35.43 - $52.53 / hourly; $73,977 - $109,682 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• 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 to applicants who reside in Minnesota or a bordering county along the Minnesota state line. Effective June 1, employees living within 75 miles of the office location listed above will be required to work in the office at least 50% of the time each month. For those who live 75 or more miles away, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance are eligible to telework up to 100% of the time.

This senior professional position is responsible for conceptualizing, designing and leading the implementation of evidence-based health care policies that improve the health and wellbeing of mothers, infants and families from prior to conception through pregnancy and into the first post-partum year. It is also responsible for leading, collaborating on and consulting on community engagement activities within Healthcare Improvement and Benefit Design (HIBD).

Responsibilities include:

1. Lead the Integrated Care for High-Risk Pregnancies Program (ICHRP) grant initiative that focuses particularly on women, families, and communities identifying as African American and American Indian. Develop and implement innovative initiatives and policies to improve birth outcomes for infants and health outcomes for mothers.
2. Use data to create an in-depth understanding of the factors affecting birth outcomes and impact of DHS and other policies on these outcomes.
3. Working in collaboration with the Health Improvement and Benefit Design division leadership and staff, develop appropriate payment levers to drive, support and implement the policies outlined above. These may include changes in authorization, changes in managed care contracting, legislative changes to payment policy to support quality improvement (e.g., inclusion of managed care quality measures in managed care contracting). These levers may include payment rates, contract provisions for program success, public reporting of results.
4. Lead PHI team’s community engagement activities, including those in which PHI is collaborating on with colleagues in HIBD, HCA and other DHS partners.

Minimum Qualifications

Three (3) years of maternal and/or child health professional experience in a health care, health policy or related setting.

Experience must demonstrate:

• Expertise in the healthcare delivery systems with a focus on implementation of policies, programs and measures that will create change in provider behavior.
• Knowledge of industry standards for health care such as research, protocols, guidelines, quality assurance, etc.
• Experience using statistical methods and research methodology, particularly clinical, health services and epidemiological research, including data collection and program planning and evaluation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal, tribal, state and county government, laws, rules, regulations and guidelines regarding Medical Assistance and Minnesota Care programs.
• Knowledge of state and agency requirements and procedures sufficient to draft and manage contracts.
• Ability to lead and coordinate complex projects where the input and collaboration of multiple sectors of the health care industry is required.
• Expertise in multiple facilitation techniques including but not limited to World Café, Open Space Technology and structured facilitation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills sufficient to create necessary documentation of policy while also articulating rationale for complex changes.
• Expertise in the concept of fee-for-service purchasing, cost containment and performance measurement.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

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.

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS - The Department of Human Services will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

How To Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Diogo at [e-mail]

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Kelly Ellich 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 [e-mail] for assistance.

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.