Working Title: Talent Acquisition Specialist
Job Class: Human Resources Specialist 1 & 2
Agency: Human Services Dept
Job ID : 96841
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 : 09/04/2026
Closing Date : 09/14/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Human Services Dept / DHS Confidential
Division/Unit : Human Resources / Talent Acquisition Team
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
HR Specialist 1 Salary Range: $26.12 - $37.91 / hourly; $54,538 - $79,156 / annually
HR Specialist 2 Salary Range: $28.75 - $42.16 / hourly; $60,030 - $88,030 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 217 - Confidential/Unrep
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
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.
The Department of Human Services is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment.
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 job announcement covers multiple openings, including one or more positions designated at the HR Specialist 1 level
The Talent Acquisition Specialist provides professional recruitment, sourcing, and advisory support to the Department of Human Services (DHS). As a member of the Talent Acquisition Team, this role coordinates and manages day-to-day recruitment activities, prepares job postings, screens applicants, and supports interview and pre-onboarding processes. Depending on assignment and classification level, the incumbent may independently manage complex recruitments, refine selection processes, and advise hiring managers on best practices for Clerical, Technical, and Professional job classifications.
The position builds strong relationships with hiring managers, HR colleagues, applicants, and community partners to strengthen DHS' ability to attract and retain a diverse, high-quality workforce. The incumbent applies established HR policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and agency practices to ensure consistent, equitable, and compliant hiring. At higher levels, the role operates with increased independence, provides advisory support, and identifies opportunities to improve workflows and recruitment outcomes.
This position will consult with higher-level HR staff on complex recruitment issues, consistent with the scope of the assigned classification.
Minimum Qualifications
Human Resources Specialist 1:
To qualify at this level, applicants must meet one of the following:
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a closely related field
AND
Experience applying HR analytical concepts through internships, short-term roles, or project work involving recruitment within a large organization (1000+ employees).
OR
Two years HR support experience within a large organization (1000+ employees) including recruitment analytics, compensation support, workforce planning, or organizational development
Human Resources Specialist 2:
To qualify at this level, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Two years of HR experience with full cycle recruitment within a large complex organization (1000+ employees).
Experience interpreting and applying HR policies, procedures, and/or guidelines to ensure compliant hiring practices
A bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a closely related field may substitute for one year of Human Resources experience.
All applicants must minimally meet these additional required qualifications:
Experience supporting or managing recruitment activities such as job posting, applicant screening, or pre-onboarding tasks.
Ability to interpret and apply HR policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and agency guidelines to ensure equitable and compliant hiring practices.
Skill in advising or assisting hiring managers on recruitment processes, best practices, and selection methods.
Capacity to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and identify opportunities to improve recruitment workflows and outcomes.
Experience communicating complex human resources concepts clearly and effectively through written, verbal, and presentation formats.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience interpreting current employment laws, regulations, and policies related to classification, recruitment, selection, hiring, promotion, and/or retention of employees
Experience with public sector human resources principles and practices, including compensation, recruitment, selection, workforce planning, and staffing processes
Experience contributing to HR projects, process improvements, or change management initiatives
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures
Additional Requirements
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.
REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS - The Department of Human Services will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.
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.
