SMRT Referral Specialist - Human Services Program Specialist 2

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 56,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Minnesota is seeking a SMRT Referral Specialist within the Human Services Dept. This full-time role evaluates and processes referrals for eligibility, coordinating with counties and providers statewide to ensure accurate information and timely determinations.

Primary duties include screening referrals, guiding stakeholders on SMRT policies, and supporting program operations. Telework is eligible for qualifying Minnesota residents with approval, and a comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• 1 year of experience determining eligibility for disability-related public assistance programs that may require a referral to SMRT
• Three years of experience working with disability-related public assistance programs SMRT evaluates and a bachelor's degree may substitute for one year of experience
• Experience reviewing, evaluating, and determining completeness and accuracy of eligibility or referral information

Responsibilities

• Assess referrals for expedited status and prioritize those that meet criteria
• Develop and review SMRT referrals from county and tribal agencies to ensure SMRT determination is needed and forms are requested
• Communicate with agency partners to resolve issues involving missing or incorrect information
• Provide guidance about SMRT policies and procedures to clients, providers, and external partners
• Support internal team operations with special projects, system testing, documentation updates, and workflow enhancements

Skills

Customer service

Referral processing

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

METS

MAXIS

MnCHOICES

Job description

SMRT Referral Specialist - Human Services Program Specialist 2

When all employees are embraced, respected and heard, we will build a collaborative, equitable, inclusive and anti-racist culture where everyone thrives.

Working Title: SMRT Referral Specialist
Job Class: Human Services Program Specialist 2
Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID: 96337
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/14/2026
• Closing Date: 09/01/2026
• 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 / 7:00am - 3:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $26.89 - $39.22 / hourly; $56,146 - $81,891 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

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.

Job Summary

***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.

This position exists to fully evaluate, screen, and develop referrals made to the State Medical Review Team (SMRT) in accordance with program policies and procedures, as part of determining eligibility for Minnesota’s Medical Assistance ABD programs; ME-EPD, MA-TEFRA, Managed Care Exclusion, Family Support Grant (FSG), Special Needs Basic Care (SNBC), and Home and Community-Based Waivers (BI, CAC, CADI, DD). Under general supervision, this role plays a critical part in supporting initial referral intake by reviewing cases for completeness, program alignment, and prioritization.

As a SMRT Referral Specialist, you'll support clients’ access to critical services, collaborate with counties and providers statewide, and contribute to an engaged, mission-driven team.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Assess referrals for expedited status and prioritize those that meet criteria
• Develop and review SMRT referrals from county and tribal agencies to ensure that a SMRT determination is needed, that appropriate and necessary forms are requested, and that cases are directed to the appropriate work queue for further processing
• Communicate with agency partners to resolve issues involving missing or incorrect information
• Provide guidance and clarification about SMRT policies and procedures to clients, providers, and other external partners
• Support internal team operations by assisting with special projects as needed, such as system testing, documentation updates, and workflow enhancements

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.

There are two (2) differentways to qualify for this position, and you must have the required work experiences:

One (1) year of experience determining eligibility for disability-related public assistance programs that may require a referral to the State Medical Review Team (SMRT), including Medical Assistance ABD, MA-EPD, TEFRA, Managed Care Exclusion, Family Support Grant, Special Needs Basic Care (SNBC), or Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers (BI, CAC, CADI, DD);

OR

Three (3) years of experience working with the disability-related public assistance programs for which SMRT evaluates disability, including Medical Assistance ABD, MA-EPD, TEFRA, Managed Care Exclusion, Family Support Grant, Special Needs Basic Care (SNBC), and Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers (BI, CAC, CADI, DD). A bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for one (1) year of the required three (3) years of experience.

AND

• Experience reviewing, evaluating, and determining completeness and accuracy of eligibility or referral information, including identifying missing, inconsistent, or insufficient documentation and taking appropriate follow-up action.
• Experience working in eligibility, case management, or assessment systems such as METS, MAXIS, MnCHOICES, or similar systems.
• Experience providing excellent customer service by responding to inquiries, explaining complex program requirements in an understandable manner, addressing concerns, resolving problems, and building positive working relationships with applicants, lead agencies, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using two (2) or more of the following systems highly preferred: ISDS, MAXIS, MMIS, METS, MnCHOICES Assessment Tool, SSAS, and SMI.
• Experience providing technical assistance, consultation, and coaching regarding disability-related program requirements and SMRT referral processes.
• Experience interpreting, researching, and applying complex program policies, procedures, and regulations using procedural resources, such as ONEsource, the Eligibility Policy Manual (EPM), Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Program Operations Manual System (POMS), or similar resources.
• Experience working with Social Security disability programs or processes, including SSI/SSDI claims, medical documentation review, or disability determination workflows.
• Experience reviewing medical, functional, or other supporting documentation for eligibility or decision-making purposes.
• Experience identifying process inefficiencies, workflow issues, or bottlenecks and contributing to or implementing process improvements
• Experience working effectively with diverse communities, groups, and individuals.

Additional Requirements

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

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

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.