Working Title: Investigation Specialist
Job Class: Investigation Specialist
Agency: Ombudsperson for Corrections
Job ID : 83713
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Ap/ply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 08/02/2025
Closing Date : 08/18/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Office of the Ombudsperson for Corrections
Division/Unit : Ombudsperson for Corrections / Investigations
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, up to 40%
Salary Range: $31.92 - $47.05 / hourly; $66,648 - $98,240 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees (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 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.
The Office of the Ombuds for Corrections (OBFC) is looking for a dedicated individual to represent and perform the duties of the OBFC in an assigned region. This position will receive, process, investigate, resolve, and report on individual complaints for adult and juvenile facilities operated by or licensed by the Department of Corrections. This position operates independently with minimal supervision to investigate and resolve complex cases and situations. Additionally, this position investigates systemic issues, conducts corrections policy analysis, performs research and reporting, and makes recommendations. This individual will have access to corrections facilities and sensitive data under the delegated statutory authority of the Ombuds. This position exercises discretion in applying the policies, mission, vision, and values of the OBFC to cases within their jurisdiction and in building and maintaining positive relationships with OBFC stakeholders.
Minimum Qualifications
Three years of experience with justice-involved individuals that meets ALL the following requirements:
Researching and reporting on correctional policies and practices to include recommendations.
Experience with complaint/compliance review, investigations, or case management, or other experience related to the work of this position.
Responsibility for conducting interviews, mediation, or counseling; and report writing.
Experience with improving systems, procedures, and policies.
Experience with the criminal justice system and correctional programs and policies sufficient to ensure the legality of investigations and protect individual rights.
Experience with interviewing techniques sufficient to collect evidence from witnesses, complainants, victims, and third-party sources.
Minimum qualifications assessed in the interview:
Human relations skills sufficient to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders; to effectively persuade; to deal effectively with complex and oftentimes competing relationships; and to understand, develop, motivate, collaborate, and lead others.
Oral and written comprehension and communication skills sufficient to communicate effectively and concisely with a broad variety of stakeholders and communicate the results and findings to proper authorities.
Cultural competence and the ability to relate to, communicate with, and work effectively with people from diverse cultural, economic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.
Ability to interpret and translate complex institutional policy and public policy into easily understood terms so that those who interact with the Ombuds Office have a good grasp of its function and purpose
A bachelor's degree in Corrections, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Counseling, Human Resources, Sociology, Social Work, or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience as described. An associate degree may be substituted for 6 months of experience as described.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of Minnesota statutes; federal, criminal, and civil law; and correctional policies and procedures sufficient to determine the nature of the violations and if further investigation action is required.
Knowledge of Minnesota Department of Corrections' policies and procedures and Minnesota Rules governing local facilities.
Experience working directly with people who are or have been incarcerated.
Knowledge of resource challenges with meeting the significant needs of this population and opportunities to better serve incarcerated adults and juveniles.
Experience working on systemic and policy initiatives in adult and juvenile correctional facilities.
Additional Requirements
The selection process may include screening the top candidate(s) on their criminal history, predatory offender registration, offender associations and/or other applicable background information in accordance with Ombuds for Corrections and Department of Corrections' policy.
Employment history/reference checks, including incidents of sexual harassment, will also be conducted on the top candidate(s) in accordance with Ombuds for Corrections and Department of Corrections' policy. This may include a review of job performance and discipline records.
New employees will be fingerprinted within the first 30 days of employment.
Must have and maintain a valid driver's license.
Finalists may be asked to submit a writing sample.
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 careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
