Working Title: Bridging Benefits Program Coordinator
Job Class: Human Services Program Representative 2
Agency: Human Services Dept
Job ID : 90109
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 : 11/07/2025
Closing Date : 11/21/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
Division/Unit : DHS-Central Office / HHSSA Community Living
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8:00am to 4:30pm
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, (Up to 10% for meetings)
Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / 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 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.
Flexible work hours may be permitted with supervisor approval.
This is a project with the Department of Corrections with the goal of better coordinating all cash assistance and all healthcare programs for people leaving Minnesota correctional facilities to reduce recidivism. Here are some of the cash assistance programs: Minnesota Family Investment (MFIP), Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), General Assistance, (GA), Housing Support (HS and formerly known as Group Residential Housing or GRH), and Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA).
The incumbent will lead the Bridging Benefits team in working closely with Department of Corrections' case managers, transition coordinators, and release planners and counties/tribes to get all program eligibility completed and the case assigned before someone leaves the correctional facility. The incumbent will also lead work with counties/tribes to resolve county of financial responsibility disputes and will make policy recommendations on this issue.
This position will work closely with the Social Security Administration regarding recipients who are applying or are on Social Security Programs. The person in this position would lead evaluation, including program recommendations for changes in how cash programs and healthcare are administered to people leaving correctional facilities. This position would provide training and policy support for county and tribal staff, vendors, service providers and advocacy groups statewide to ensure accurate program implementation.
The incumbent will work with other staff in the Homelessness, Housing, and Support Services Administration and other state agencies to develop recommendations on supportive housing policy as it relates to persons with disabilities, people leaving correctional facilities and persons at risk of homelessness. Part of the job duties will include making policy recommendations to DHS and MN Department of Corrections staff on program and policy issues that are causing barriers to program recipients.
The incumbent will:
Lead the work of the Bridging Benefits team in identifying eligible persons and programs as defined by the pilot protocol.
Process combined application forms for people pending release from correctional facilities.
Lead the work with facility case managers, program recipients, providers, counties/tribes to complete the application process and all programs started before release.
Coordinate with Department of Corrections staff training for the project, training could be for counties/tribes, state staff, and providers
Collect data and track outcomes and work closely with program evaluators.
Lead the evaluation of standards and determine best practices for pilot program and for future program work.
Settle disputes on county of financial responsibility and any other barriers that may prevent successful release from correction facilities. Make policy recommendations to ensure better cash and healthcare program access.
Lead and direct technical assistance to county staff, reservations, vendors/service providers, and advocacy groups.
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.
Three (3) years of high-level work experience in a housing or human support services program.
Experience must clearly demonstrate:
Working knowledge of current homelessness prevention service strategies and/or best practices.
Working knowledge of MMIS, Maxis, and other state systems.
Strong understanding of county administers public assistance programs.
Working understanding of state and federal programs including Social Security, eligibility criteria and application process for these programs, and how to integrate services.
Program management and research skills sufficient to identify best practices, irregularities, and track and present program results.
*Bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or related fields can substitute for one (1) year of required work experience.
**Master's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or other related fields may substitute for two (2) year of work experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
Passion and experience working with communities most impacted by homelessness.
Data research skills sufficient to identify best practices, irregularities, and track and present program results.
Program and project management skills.
Knowledge of policy development, implementation, and reform.
Strong human relations and communication skills; communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing; respond openly to requests and concerns.
Advanced degree preferred in social work, psychology, or other related fields.
Additional Requirements
MinnesotaDepartmentofHumanServices(DHS)criminalbackgroundcheckwillbeconductedonallfinalists forthis position.Finalistsmustpassthe DHS backgroundcheck.
Employee reference checks will be conducted on all finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance.It alsoincludescontact withtheapplicant'sformer employer(s).
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.
