Working Title: Regional Ombudsman
Job Class: Client Advocate
Agency: Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities
Job ID : 90651
Location :The incumbent in this position must currently or within 6 months of hire reside within one of the following MN counties: Wright, McLeod, Carver, Scott, Le Sueur, or Rice.
Telework Eligible : No, this is a 100% remote position; please see the description of the remote position below.
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 12/06/2025
Closing Date : 12/29/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (OMHDD)
Division/Unit : Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities / Ombudsman Client Services
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, up to 40%
Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76/ hourly; $67,651- $99,723 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Professional Employees (MAPE)
FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
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 Ombudsman for Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities is looking for their next Client Advocate. This position provides advocacy services for persons with developmental disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorder; verifies and reviews reports or complaints of violations of clients' rights, services provided, and dignity/respect issues; reviews serious injuries reported to the OMHDD and ensures that appropriate corrective action plans are implemented. This position will have the opportunity to analyze program policies, procedures, and legislation. For more info about the OMHDD, visit https://mn.gov/omhdd/ .
This is a remote worker position which requires an incumbent, as a condition of their appointment, to have their home or alternative location as the assigned work location, working permanently from that location.
This position will serve the following group of Minnesota state counties: Wright, McLeod, Carver, Scott, Le Sueur, and Rice.
The position holder must reside within one of the listed counties within 6 months of hire.
Minimum Qualifications
EDUCATION
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or higher in Social Work, Psychology, Special Education, Nursing, Legal Studies/Law, Human Services, Hospital Administration, Public Health, Public Administration, Public Policy or closely related field.
EXPERIENCE
Three (3) years of experience that meets ALL of the following requirements. (NOTE: Paralegal and entry-level professional experience does not qualify.)
Be in a residential facility or long-term care, acute care or community setting, social services or MN Departments of Health, Human Services or Education; AND
Involve providing services or oversight of services to persons with developmental disabilities, mental illnesses and/or substance use disorder issues; AND
Emphasize ONE or more of these primary roles:
Investigating the quality of services provided to individuals with disabilities, OR
Developing and proposing effective and practical solutions for obtaining appropriate disability-related services in the least restrictive setting, providing case management or other disability-related services, engaging in effective discharge planning, OR
Being a mediator or advocate for individuals with disabilities, which may include (1) identifying and investigating violations of clients' rights; (2) representing clients at social service appeals hearings or review boards; and (3) monitoring the actions taken to correct violations of clients' rights.; OR
Overseeing the evaluation of program delivery or a major component of program delivery in a supervisory, regulatory, or other higher-level capacity.
ABILITY TO
Manage time effectively.
Problem-solve complicated issues.
Communicate clearly orally and in writing.
Work independently, with limited hands-on supervision.
Preferred Qualifications
Job related education related to the rights of these client groups.
Advocacy experience to include identifying violations of clients' rights; representing clients at legal proceedings, appeals hearings, or review boards; and monitoring actions taken to correct violations.
Licensure in Social Work, Psychology, Special Education, Nursing or Law; or relevant advocacy experience.
Experience providing training on clients' rights issues.
Experience providing liaison services and consultation to representatives of law enforcement, social services, agencies, and the courts.
Working with diverse (e.g. economic, racial, cultural, rural/urban location) populations to facilitate access to disability related supports and services.
A successful candidate must have a strong belief in the rights of individuals receiving services/treatment for the disabilities the office assists.
Physical Requirements
Requires the ability to be in a stationary position for prolonged periods of time, and the ability to conduct work in a variety of community settings which may require varying levels of comfort or access.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check. This position requires an incumbent must maintain valid driver's license, and insurance, OR have other reliable transportation. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant, and each case will be reviewed individually in alignment with fair hiring practices.
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.
