Working Title: Investigative Researcher
Job Class: Human Services Program Representative 1
Agency: Human Services Dept
Job ID : 98362
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 : 11/10/2026
Closing Date : 11/16/2026
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 1
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $29.76 - $43.69 / hourly; $62,138 - $91,224 / 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.
Background Studies Division (BGS) operates within the Office of Inspector General (OIG) under the authority of 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). This position is also responsible for processing a high volume of background studies; study elements and performs complex functions and must meet statutory timeframes for completing and closing out each study. Under limited supervision, this position reports to a BGS Research Unit Supervisor.
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. Background Studies 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.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Conduct and process background studies for study subjects who are required by law to have a completed study for the purposes of employment; and/or for licensed, and/or non-licensed programs (e.g. adult/child foster care, adoption, guardian studies; or for training/education programs facilitated through post- secondary educational institutions).
Perform investigative research; request, retrieve, and review individual study subject records and other relevant source material accessed and/or received from specific database search sources, online repositories, and registries.
"Determine fitness" of study subjects in accordance with the Background Studies Act - MN Statues 245C. Prepare result notifications and/or results summaries to be distributed to individual study subjects, and/or to other government agencies.
Provide customer service and communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
Complete administrative and technical tasks associated with ongoing investigatory research and processing of background studies; the work of the division, the Office of Inspector General; and/or the agency administration.
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 of experience conducting research and/or analysis of criminal history records.
AND
Experience must demonstrate the following:
Conduct and process background studies.
Access and utilize a variety of web-based systems, online repositories, and databases to initiate, locate, and obtain criminal history information and records.
Prepare compliance letters.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree or higher in criminal justice or related degree.
Reference and retain knowledge of state and federal laws related to background studies/screening.
Practical application of Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and ensure all applicable federal data privacy compliance standards are utilized when responding to, or in communicating with individuals.
Make independent judgments which result in decisions that must be able to stand up in court proceedings; and/or in a judicial review.
Ability to set priorities, manage time, multi-task, and meet established deadlines
Perform detail-oriented, objective, and ethical research.
Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite applications.
Perform data entry using multiple database systems and collaborative platforms in the processing of background studies.
Provide excellent customer service.
Respond to inquiries from all stakeholders in a professional manner; maintain confidentiality related to sensitive and private study subject records and data.
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.
