Senior Investigator - Human Services Program Representative 2

Minnesota Department of Human Services; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 69,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework Eligible

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is seeking a Senior Investigator in Saint Paul to lead maltreatment investigations of licensed services, ensuring compliance with state and federal rules. You will analyze complex cases, prepare findings, and coordinate with licensing staff.

This role requires three years of investigative experience, strong writing skills, and the ability to manage multiple databases.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years of working experience using investigative techniques.
• Experience overseeing or monitoring compliance with state and federal rules and laws.
• Investigative methodology and techniques.
• Analyze investigative files and make determinations.
• Professional writing to summarize investigations.
• Typing and multi-database management.

Responsibilities

• Conduct maltreatment investigations per unit protocol and regulations.
• Summarize maltreatment determinations and actions in public documents.
• Defend maltreatment determinations and licensing actions through hearings.
• Promote positive teamwork with internal and external partners.

Skills

Investigative techniques

Professional writing

Typing

Databases

Tools

Databases

Job description

Working Title: Senior Investigator

Job Class: Human Services Program Representative 2

• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Closing Date: 08/25/2026
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am to 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, (Approximately 50% travel with 15% being overnights)
• Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually
• Telework Eligible: 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 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.

Flexible work hours may be permitted with supervisor approval.

This position exists to execute the responsibilities of the Commissioner of Human Services, pursuant to the provisions of the Human Services Licensing Act (HSLA), the Maltreatment of Minors Act (MOMA), and the Vulnerable Adults Act (VAA). Individuals in this position protect the health, safety, and welfare of children and vulnerable adults through the investigation of complex allegations of maltreatment and licensing violations involving individuals receiving a wide range of licensed services. These services are licensed by the Department of Human Services, or in some instances the Department of Corrections, and others including adult foster care; children’s residential facilities; and residential and day treatment services for substance use, mental health, or developmental disabilities. Upon completion of the investigation, additional recommendations, licensing sanctions, or corrective action plans can be ordered to ensure the ongoing safety of the children and vulnerable adults served in these facilities.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct maltreatment investigations in accordance with unit protocol and state and federal regulations.
• Summarize maltreatment determinations and actions taken in public documents that meet unit protocol and statutory requirements.
• Defend maltreatment determinations and licensing actions and sanctions through administrative reconsideration, fair hearings, and administrative hearing processes.
• Promote and maintain a positive team environment and relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders.

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.

Three (3) years of working experience using investigative techniques necessary to conduct investigations of comprehensive licensed social services programs.

Experience must demonstrate the following:

• Oversight of or monitoring compliance with state and federal rules, regulations, and laws governing licensed and regulated programs.
• Investigative methodology and techniques.
• Analyze investigative files and make determinations.
• Professional writing that demonstrates the ability to summarize information gathering and investigations.
• Technical skills, including typing and management of multiple databases.

Preferred Qualifications

• Comply with all applicable statutes, rules, regulatory standards, and policies impacting the Agency’s overall work environment, including but not limited to: Department of Human Services (DHS) Policies and Procedures, Affirmative Action, American with Disabilities Act, Prohibition of Sexual Harassment Policies, DHS Code of Ethics, DHS Code of Conduct, Minnesota IT Services(MNIT) Security Policies and Standards, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) Administrative Procedures, and MMB HR Policies and Procedure.
• Comply with all applicable statutes, rules, regulatory standards, and policies pertaining to this data, including but not limited to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA), the Minnesota Health Records Act, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Write public documents that summarize the information obtained during investigations.
• The ability to manage a high volume of work while meeting established timelines.
• Culturally competent and professional oral communication skills to effectively gather information from diverse individuals.
• Effective relationship management to promote and maintain positive relationships with various internal and external stakeholders. This includes team members in the Licensing Division, DHS licensed providers and their staff, family members and guardians of those receiving DHS services, county partners, and law enforcement.
• Independent critical thinking and professional judgment necessary to respond in the field to various and unique investigation questions and situations.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

You must possess a valid driver’s license.

Candidate for this position is required to successfully pass a background investigation prior to employment. Background investigation components are as follows:

• 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.

If you have questions about this position, contact Tessa Ripka at [e-mail] .

About Human Services Dept

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts on 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.