Working Title: Investigation Specialist
Job Class: Investigation Specialist
Agency: Ombudsperson for Corrections
Job ID : 92538
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Limited (six months)
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 02/28/2026
Closing Date : 03/13/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Ombudsperson for Corrections / Ombud Corrections-MAPE
Division/Unit : Ombudsperson for Corrections / Ombuds for Corrections
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes (Up to 60% in state)
Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly
Classified Status : Unclassified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
End Date : 10/30/2026
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : No
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 is a full-time temporary unclassified position anticipated to last six months in duration. The position is eligible for medical/dental benefits. The position is not eligible for Holiday or vacation leave, however, may be allowed to flex their schedule to accommodate leave needs.
The Office of the Ombuds for Corrections (OBFC) is looking for a dedicated individual to represent and perform the duties of the Ombuds for Corrections. This position involves significant and frequent in-state travel. This position will receive, process, investigate, resolve, and report on individual complaints for state and local adult and juvenile facilities operated by or licensed by the Department of Corrections. This position additionally investigates systemic issues and conducts corrections policy analysis, research, reporting, and makes recommendations. This individual will have access to corrections facilities and sensitive data under the delegated statutory authority of the Ombudsperson. This position exercises discretion in applying the policies, mission, vision, and values of the Ombuds for Corrections to cases within their jurisdiction and in building and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders.
Minimum Qualifications
Three (3) years of experience working with justice-involved individuals. Experience must include:
Conducting interviews, mediation, or counseling in complaint/compliance reviews, investigations, case management or a directly related field; and preparing clear written reports of findings and recommendations.
Applying knowledge of the criminal justice system and correctional programs and policies sufficient to ensure the legality of investigations and protect individual rights.
Applying interviewing techniques and analytical skills to gather information, assess evidence, identify patterns, and draw well-supported conclusions.
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 six (6) months of experience as described.
Minimum qualifications assessed in the interview:
Technical writing and oral communication skills to summarize complex information, prepare accurate summary reports, and convey findings effectively to proper authorities and a broad variety of stakeholders.
Human relation skills and culture competence to communicate effectively across diverse backgrounds, navigate complex stakeholder dynamics, and collaborate, persuade, or lead as needed.
Ability to interpret and clearly convey complex institutional and public policies to ensure stakeholders understand the Ombuds Office's role and responsibilities.
Ability to operate independently and exercise initiative to investigate and resolve complex cases, anticipate issues, and recommend improvements to systems, procedures, and policies.
Preferred Qualifications
Bilingual Spanish speaking and writing skill to translate messages from one language to the other, while maintaining accurate content, @context and style.
Experience working directly with people who are or have been incarcerated.
Experience working on systemic and policy initiatives in adult and juvenile correctional facilities.
Knowledge of resource challenges with meeting the significant needs of this population and opportunities to better serve incarcerated adults and juveniles.
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.
Additional Requirements
A written assessment may be required as part of the interview process.
Incumbent must maintain a valid driver's license, and insurance, or have other reliable transportation to meet travel requirements.
The selection process will include screening the top candidate(s) on their criminal history, predatory offender registration, incarcerated person 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.
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.
