"Alerted.org

Working Title: Background Study Research Assistant

Job Class: Human Services Program Specialist 1

Agency: Human Services Dept

+ **Job ID** : 87960

+ **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** : 07/31/2025

+ **Closing Date** : 08/13/2025

+ **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit** : Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office

+ **Division/Unit** : Department of Human Services (DHS) / Office of Inspector General (OIG) LS Bkgrnd Studies Grp 8

+ **Work Shift/Work Hours** : Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

+ **Days of Work** : Monday - Friday

+ **Travel Required** : No

+ **Salary Range:** $23.63 - $34.18 / hourly; $49,339 - $71,367 / 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 (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The Department of Human Services (DHS) 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 (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) **_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 is responsible for conducting background studies in accordance with the Human Services Background Studies Act (245C). Background studies are conducted on individuals who will have contact with vulnerable (child or adult) populations; and in compliance with requirements of licensed, and/or non-licensed human service and health programs. This position accesses a range of study subject records and information that are obtained from specific sources such as online databases, registries, and repositories; including sources maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

As a Fee-for-Service enterprise model, the division measures effectiveness, efficiency, and stakeholder satisfaction through regular reviews of business intelligence data by managing and measuring the volume of studies, study complexity, and time to complete studies. The Background Studies Division is situated within the Office of Inspector General (OIG). Background Studies enterprise also administers and performs rap back services; employment and licensure verifications; disqualification reconsiderations, set-asides and variances; preponderance of evidence, statutory comparisons, rescissions, expungements, administrative fair and contested case hearings, and litigation.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

+ Provides direct customer service support and background study reviews.

+ Gathering and reviewing a variety of records to determine if the applicant is disqualified.

+ Responding to phone calls and emails from providers, vendors, and applicants.

+ Makes decisions when the information is clearly defined.

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.**_

Two (2) years advanced administrative support, paraprofessional, or technical experience with background study processes; OR

Associate degree in related field and one (1) year advanced administrative support, paraprofessional, or technical experience with background study processes; AND

Experience must demonstrate the following:

+ Draft letters regarding compliance requirements.

+ Respond orally and in writing to questions, concerns and/or complaints.

+ Analyze results and make decisions independently.

Preferred Qualifications

+ General knowledge and understanding of the following requirements under general supervision to make appropriate referrals and to comply with division protocol:

+ Overall knowledge of the administrative, criminal, and civil laws pertaining to the background study process.

+ High standards for accuracy of work and must be able to work independently, consulting with leads or supervisors as needed.

+ Computer and word-processing skills and have experience using the various databases used in the background study process.

+ Demonstrate an excellent use of grammar and syntax and must be able to convey legal and procedural information clearly and concisely with a minimum of oversight.

+ 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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.