Working Title: Senior Investigator
Job Class: Investigation Specialist
Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept
Job ID : 91193
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers. This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 01/09/26. Please note that to be considered a bidder, you must be a permanent, non-probationary DCYF employee in the same job classification as the position posted.
Date Posted : 01/03/2026
Closing Date : 01/16/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : DCYF / DCYF Central Office MAPE
Division/Unit : DCY - Central Office / OIG
Work Shift: Day Shift
Work Hours : 8 AM - 4:30 PM
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, up to 50%
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 Children, Youth, and Families is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCYF 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.
* Telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available.
*Statewide travel is possible 50% of the time with approximately 10% overnights.
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families seek a highly skilled professional to lead complex investigations and oversight of licensed and certified childcare centers, child placement agencies, and related facilities. This position is responsible for enforcing provisions of the Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors Act (MOMA), the Children, Youth, and Families Licensing Act (142B), and the Certified License-Exempt Child Care Centers Act (142C).
The incumbent will:
Conduct and manage investigations into allegations of child maltreatment.
Assess and triage incoming reports, ensuring appropriate referrals and emergency responses to protect children's safety.
Develop corrective action plans, provide expert consultation, and deliver training to investigators and licensing staff.
Prepare public summaries of findings while safeguarding data privacy and testify in hearings to defend agency decisions.
Advise leadership on investigation outcomes, recommend policy changes, and implement improvements with statewide impact.
This role requires extensive independent judgment, technical expertise in childcare regulations, and the ability to navigate high-visibility cases with significant policy and political implications. Candidates must possess a broad understanding of Minnesota's child care delivery system and deep knowledge of governing statutes and administrative rules.
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 *experience in one or more of the following areas:
Providing or managing childcare services
Monitoring compliance of licensed programs (as a provider or regulator)
Conducting investigations
Experience must demonstrate the following:
Proficiency with computers and use of multiple electronic databases such as Microsoft products
*A bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, education, criminal justice, paralegal studies, or other related field may substitute for one year of experience. A master's degree in any of these fields may substitute for 18 months of experience.
AND
Must possess a valid driver's license
Applicants who meet the above experience requirements will be further evaluated based on the following during the interview process:
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Experience investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect
Experience applying investigative methodologies and techniques
Knowledge of current childcare service delivery practices
Bilingual in Spanish
Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures
Additional Requirements
It is the policy of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, that may include the following components:
Reference check
Criminal Background check
Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)
Driver's License Check
Personnel File Review: all current and former public sector employees
Additional assessment may be required during the interview process
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.
