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SMRT Policy, Legislative, and Communications Lead - Human Services Program Representative 2

Minnesota Department of Human Services

Saint Paul (MN)

On-site

USD 66,000 - 99,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is seeking a SMRT Policy, Legislative, and Communications Lead to enhance their policy analysis and legislative initiatives. This role is essential in ensuring effective communication and stakeholder engagement related to eligibility policies and services in Minnesota Health Care Programs.

Benefits

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays each year

Low-cost medical, dental, and vision plans

Employee Assistance Program

Tuition reimbursement

Qualifications

3 years’ experience in disability determination or healthcare eligibility.
Experience with policy development and legislative tracking.
Advanced knowledge of communication standards, equity, and accessibility.

Responsibilities

Lead the analysis and implementation of SMRT eligibility policies.
Translate complex guidance into user-friendly communications.
Manage outreach efforts including presentations and stakeholder engagement.

Skills

Policy analysis

Legislative processes

Communication standards

Education

Experience interpreting laws and policies

Tools

SIR

ONEsource

SMRT Policy, Legislative, and Communications Lead - Human Services Program Representative 2

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SMRT Policy, Legislative, and Communications Lead - Human Services Program Representative 2

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Working Title: SMRT Policy, Legislative, and Communications Lead

Job Class: Human Services Program Representative 2

Agency: Human Services Dept

Job ID: 86800
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: 06/11/2025
Closing Date: 06/24/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
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: $31.92 - $47.05 / hourly; $66,648 - $98,240 / 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 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 state. Effective June 1, employees living within 50 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 50 or more miles away, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance are eligible to telework up to 100% of the time.

This position exists to lead the analysis, development, and implementation of State Medical Review Team

(SMRT) eligibility policies and legislative initiatives across Minnesota Health Care Programs, including Medical Assistance ABD, MA-EPD, TEFRA, Managed Care Exclusion, Family Support Grant, Special Needs Basic Care (SNBC), and MA Home and Community-Based Waivered services. The incumbent provides high-level policy leadership, systems integration, and strategic coordination to ensure that SMRT’s disability policy, eligibility pathways, and project priorities remain aligned with legislative intent and operational feasibility.

As a key driver of operational and policy coherence, the incumbent translates complex guidance into user-friendly communications, identifies and removes systemic barriers, and contributes to continuous improvement efforts that enhance accuracy, timeliness, and equity in disability determinations. This position plays a central role in managing SMRT's outreach efforts by coordinating presentation requests, conference attendance, and other public-facing educational activities to ensure clear messaging, proactive stakeholder engagement, and the collaborative advancement of SMRT goals.

Minimum Qualifications

Three (3) years’ experience interpreting and applying federal and state laws, regulations, and policies related to disability determinations or healthcare eligibility programs, including MA-EPD, ABD, TEFRA, HCBS waivers, and Social Security Administration rules.

Experience must demonstrate the following:

Experience with policy analysis and development, including interpreting complex statutes and translating them into clear procedures and communications
Proficiency in legislative processes, including bill tracking, impact analysis, preparation of position summaries and testimony, and summarizing legislation for diverse audiences.
Thorough understanding of disability evaluation frameworks such as SSA medical listings, vocational rules, CFR, POMS, and SSRs.
Understanding of Minnesota's Medical Assistance ABD, MA-EPD, TEFRA, Managed Care Exclusion, Family Support Grant, Special Needs Basic Care (SNBC), and MA Home and Community Based Waivers (HCBS - BI, CAC, CADI, DD).
Experience drafting, editing, and publishing documents to systems like SIR, ONEsource, or other communication platforms.
Advanced knowledge of state standards for communication, accessibility, and equity.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience applying Social Security Disability laws, including understanding of the Code of Federal Regulations (Title 20 Chapter III) and the Program Operating Manual (POMS), sufficient to issue accurate and timely disability determinations in accordance with state and federal laws and agency policies and procedures highly preferred.
Direct experience working with the State Medical Review Team (SMRT) review process, including understanding of DHS policies, procedures, processes, laws, and rules and related Minnesota State statutes that govern the work of SMRT.
Proficiency in the following systems: ISDS, MAXIS, MMIS, METS, SSIS, MnCHOICES Assessment Tools, and SMI.
Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders (counties, providers, clients, advocates, etc.)
Strong time management, analytical, problem-solving, and prioritization skills, with ability to work well under pressure
Strong customer service skills, including the ability to communicate professionally and clearly over the phone, in person, and in writing
Demonstrated organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel), SharePoint and Adobe Pro
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team

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 careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Nicole at nicole.warren@state.mn.us

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 kelly.ellich@state.mn.us.

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 DHS_ADA@state.mn.us 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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.

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