SMRT Disability Unit Supervisor - Human Services Supervisor 2

Minnesota Department of Human Services; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework Eligible

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Human Services is seeking a SMRT Disability Unit Supervisor in St. Paul.

You will lead statewide disability determinations and TEFRA assessments, ensuring staff have guidance, resources, and support for accurate and timely decisions. The role requires directing a multidisciplinary team, monitoring workload and quality, and mentoring staff while aligning with federal/state laws and agency policies.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership experience (must be clearly identified on your resume).
• Experience as a supervisor, lead worker, team lead, or project lead.
• Completion of a State of Minnesota leadership program (e.g. ELI, L4).
• Leading a program or chairing a committee (e.g. ERG) with 1+ year of issues/goal/strategy work and 100+ hours/year.
• Three years of experience evaluating disability severity per SSA rules and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Direct SMRT disability determination and level of care assessments, including case processing and appeals.
• Monitor workload, timeliness, productivity, and quality; address barriers and ensure accurate work.
• Supervise staff with recruitment, onboarding, performance coaching, and professional development.
• Provide guidance on complex cases, evaluation requirements, and program policies.
• Lead policy implementation, training, and quality standards; drive process improvement and UAT efforts.
• Collaborate with internal/external partners to resolve issues and support effective service delivery.
• Participate in SMRT Leadership Team and contribute to strategic planning and program development.

Skills

Leadership experience

Supervisory experience

Staff development

Strategic action

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher (related field)

Master’s degree may substitute for experience

Job description

• Telework Eligible: Yes

Working Title: SMRT Disability Unit Supervisor

Job Class: Human Services Supervisor 2

Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID: 97954
• 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: 10/23/2026
• Closing Date: 11/05/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / DHS Central Office MMA
• Division/Unit: Health Care Administration / Eligibility and Access
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $34.71 - $50.25 / hourly; $72,474 - $104,922 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 - Middle Management Association/MMA
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• 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 posting may be used to fill multiple openings***

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.

The State Medical Review Team (SMRT) Disability Unit Supervisor provides leadership and oversight for statewide disability determinations and TEFRA level of care assessments. This position supervises a multidisciplinary team responsible for disability determination, case development, appeals coordination, and related program operations.

The supervisor ensures staff have the guidance, resources, and support needed to complete accurate, timely, and consistent determinations in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, medical criteria, and agency policies and procedures.

The incumbent manages daily operations, including workload distribution, performance management, quality assurance, staff development, policy implementation, and continuous process improvement. The position monitors operational performance, addresses barriers to effective service delivery, and supports consistent application of program requirements while helping staff navigate complex cases and changing operational needs.

The Disability Unit Supervisor directs unit resources to support Health Care Eligibility and Access (HCEA) Division goals and the Department's mission. As a member of the SMRT Leadership Team, the supervisor collaborates with internal and external partners, supports strategic planning and system improvements, and contributes to initiatives that improve service delivery, operational efficiency, and program outcomes.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing and directing SMRT disability determination and level of care assessment activities, including case processing, medical record collection and analysis, vocational assessment, quality assurance reviews, and appeals.
• Monitoring workload, timeliness, productivity, and quality to identify trends, address barriers, and ensure work is completed accurately and consistently in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Supervising staff through recruitment, onboarding, performance management, coaching, technical guidance, and professional development.
• Providing guidance on complex cases, disability evaluation requirements, and program policies and procedures to promote consistent and well-supported determinations and assessments.
• Implementing and refining policies, procedures, training, and quality standards in response to program needs, regulatory changes, quality findings, and operational trends.
• Leading or coordinating process improvement efforts, including identifying workflow inefficiencies, evaluating business needs, participating in User Acceptance Testing (UAT), and supporting implementation of system and process changes.
• Collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders to resolve operational issues, communicate program requirements, and support effective service delivery.
• Participating on the SMRT Leadership Team to guide day-to-day operations, support organizational change, lead improvement initiatives, and contribute to strategic planning and program development.

All DHS Leaders are expected to demonstrate and develop the six (6) competency themes from the Enterprise-wide Leader Competency Model:

• Leading Self
• Leading Others
• Leading the Organization
• Leading Outside the Organization
• Getting Work Done

Minimum Qualifications

Demonstrated leadership experience* (must be clearly identified on your resume)

• Leadership experience can include (this is not an all-inclusive list):
• Experience as a supervisor, lead worker, team lead, project lead.
• Completion of a State of Minnesota leadership program (e.g. ELI, L4).
• Leading a program or chairing a committee (e.g. ERG) - experience must include:
  • 1+ year of experience Identifying issues, goals, and strategic actions
  • 100+ hours per year time commitment
  • Can be paid or unpaid

AND

Three (3) years of experience evaluating disability severity according to Social Security rules and regulations.

Experience must demonstrate advanced knowledge sufficient to provide technical guidance, training, and mentoring in the following areas:

• Applying and interpreting federal and state disability laws, regulations, and policies, including SSA regulations, the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), the Program Operations Manual System (POMS), and applicable state program guidance.
• Applying SSA medical listings, evaluating medical and clinical evidence, and understanding the requirements for adult and childhood impairments.
• Evaluating disability under the Minnesota programs for which SMRT conducts determinations, including Medical Assistance ABD, MA-EPD, TEFRA, Managed Care Exclusion, Family Support Grant, Special Needs BasicCare (SNBC), and applicable Home and Community-Based Services waiver programs (BI, CAC, CADI, and DD).
• SMRT business processes and the systems used to support disability determinations, medical evidence development, eligibility, and level of care assessments
• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Public Administration or other related field may substitute for 1 year of professional experience; OR Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Public Administration or other related field may substitute for 2 years of professional experience***

Preferred Qualifications

• Eligible for Direct Payment Non-Attorneys (EDPNAs) or Social Security Disability Law Attorney highly preferred.
• Experience in the following systems highly preferred: ISDS, MAXIS, MMIS, METS, SMI, MnCHOICES Assessment Tools, SSAS, and Electronic Health Records (i.e. Epic).
• Understanding of DHS policies, procedures, processes, laws, and rules and related Minnesota State statutes that govern the work of the State Medical Review Team.
• Experience supervising professional staff performing complex, regulated work.
• Experience monitoring workload, productivity, timeliness, or quality metrics to support operational decisions.
• Experience implementing policy or process changes and supporting staff through organizational change.
• Experience with business process improvement, system implementation, requirements development, or UAT.
• Experience providing technical guidance, coaching, or mentoring to staff performing disability determinations or similar evidence-based eligibility work.
• Experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, including county and tribal partners, legal representatives, providers, advocacy organizations, and agency leadership.

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. Cover letters are encouraged.

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS

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

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Nicole 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

• 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.