Working Title: Foster Youth Outreach & Engagement Specialist
Job Class: Community Services Program Specialist 2
Agency: Foster Youth Ombudsperson
Job ID : 96353
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 : 08/18/2026
Closing Date : 09/09/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Foster Youth Ombudsperson / Fostr Youth Ombd - MAPE
Division/Unit : OOFY
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, 30%
Salary Range: $26.89 - $39.22 / hourly; $56,146 - $81,891 / 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 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 of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson (OOFY) is an independent agency opened in 2024. The purpose of OOFY is to investigate decisions, acts, and other matters related to the health, safety, and welfare of youth in foster care, to promote the highest attainable standards of competence, efficiency, and justice for youth who are in the care of the state. This position exists to lead and coordinate foster youth engagement and outreach activities for OOFY, provide intake and investigatory support, and support OOFY leadership with legislative policy monitoring and coordination, under limited supervision. The incumbent will conduct individual meetings and group outreach (both virtually and in-person) in facilities and other settings around the state. This includes supporting OOFY's investigatory activities, conducting intake interviews as-needed and following up with foster youth who have submitted concerns or complaints. Their role will involve building collaborative relationships with facility and program staff and others who support foster youth. The position will collect and analyze data on systemic issues and conduct foster care policy analysis and research.
The position exercises discretion in applying the policies, mission, vision, and values of OOFY in their work, and in building and maintaining positive relationships with OOFY stakeholders. The incumbent will have access to various residential settings of foster youth, including family foster care homes, group homes, and institutional settings, and access to sensitive data under the delegated statutory authority of the Ombuds. The incumbent may spend up to 30% of their time travelling throughout their assigned jurisdiction to fulfill the responsibilities outlined herein.
This position is eligible for up to a 50% hybrid telework arrangement. With a telework arrangement, additional onsite attendance may be required for team meetings or as requested by management to meet business needs. Completion of a telework agreement will be required. Please review the Telework Policy (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) for details.
Minimum Qualifications
Two years of full-time equivalent outreach, education, training, or case management experience.
Experience engaging with children, youth, and/or young adults, foster youth or historically impacted populations in particular, in a professional setting.
Ability to use customer service and trauma-informed interviewing skills sufficient to provide prompt, courteous and accurate information and effectively communicate and elicit information with tact and diplomacy.
Experience developing materials, and presentation skills sufficient to effectively present to youth learners.
Computer skills demonstrating proficiency with word processing, database, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
Experience working with confidential and sensitive data appropriately and in accordance with the Minnesota Data Practices Act.
Oral and written comprehension and communication skills sufficient to communicate effectively and concisely with a broad variety of partners.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of Minnesota's child welfare system, including child protection, foster care, extended foster care, kinship care and adoption, and policies, governmental organizations, and public policy structures.
Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations related to foster care/child welfare, and/or knowledge of best-practices or policies.
Experience sharing complex, evolving information about benefits, programs, or rights.
Experience monitoring legislative hearings and reviewing legislative proposals.
Ability to respect cultural differences and work with people from diverse backgrounds and religions.
Human relations skills sufficient to work effectively with a variety of partners; to effectively persuade; to deal effectively with complex and oftentimes competing relationships; and to understand, develop, motivate, collaborate, and lead others.
Experience working with Quickbase or similar case management system.
Additional Requirements
Successful applicants must pass a criminal background check through American DataBank and employment reference checks prior to employment. 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.
