Working Title: Background Study Research Assistant
Job Class: Human Services Program Specialist 1
Agency: Human Services Dept
Job ID : 92144
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 : 02/11/2026
Closing Date : 02/20/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
Division/Unit : Department of Human Services (DHS) / Office of Inspector General (OIG)-BGS ESO Research Unit 4
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $23.98 - $34.69 / hourly; $50,070 - $72,432 / 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, recissions, expungements, administrative fair and contested case hearings, and litigation.
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 advance administrative support, paraprofessional, or technical experience with background study processes; OR
Associate degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, paralegal or human services and one (1) year advanced administrative support, paraprofessional, or technical experience with background study processes.
Experience must demonstrate the following:
Draft letters regarding compliance requirements.
Analyze results and make decisions independently.
Respond to inquiries.
Follow data privacy/records retention policy.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of
Workplace Ethics.
Data Privacy & Security.
Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13 (the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act).
Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 245A (the Human Services Licensing Act).
Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 (Federal Law).
Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 245C (the Human Services Background Studies Act).
Minnesota Statutes, sections 626.556 (the Maltreatment of Minors Act), and Minnesota Statutes, section 626.557 (the Vulnerable Adult Act).
All applicable Minnesota Rules pertaining to licensure by the Department of Human Services.
Applicable federal laws and rules pertaining to conduct background studies related to prospective child foster care and adoptive placement.
Administrative, criminal, and civil laws pertaining to the background study process.
Demonstrate an excellent use of grammar and syntax and must be able to convey complicated legal and procedural information clearly and concisely with a minimum of oversight.
Excellent computer and word-processing skills and must have extensive experience managing the various databases used in the background study process.
Make independent judgments resulting in decisions that must stand up to administrative and/or judicial review.
Possess high standards for accuracy of work and must be able to work independently.
Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of the following:
It is the policy of the Department of Human Services that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, including the following components:
Criminal background check
Reference check
Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)
Complete the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Security Awareness training within 3-business days from the start of employment; and successfully obtain/retain CJIS certification annually.
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.
