Background Studies Investigative Researcher / Human Services Program Representative 1

The Background Studies Division operates within the Office of Inspector General under the authority of the Human Services Background Studies Act (245C), and is responsible for conducting background studies required for specific individuals who will have direct contact with vulnerable populations, and/or unsupervised direct contact with vulnerable populations.

The Investigative Researcher 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 accountable 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.

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; requests, retrieves, and reviews 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

Master’s degree or higher in human services, criminal justice or closely related degree.

OR

Two (2) years of professional experience conducting research, and/or analysis in a human services, criminal justice or a related field demonstrating the following:

• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable Background Studies state and federal laws, rules and regulations
• Experience in research using electronic database sources, media sources and internet search engines

A Bachelor's degree in human services, criminal justice or related degree may substitute for one (1) year of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in criminal justice, or related degree
• Excellent communication skills, including email and telephone etiquette
• Analytical, and organizational skills, and able to work with minimal supervision and direction
• Ability to set priorities, manage time, multi-task, and meet established deadlines
• Results focused, strong aptitude for the evaluation of data/metrics
• Report writing skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and to accuracy

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.

Why Work For Us

GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, generous vacation and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays each year.

Our mission as an employer is to actively recruit, welcome and support a workforce, which is diverse and inclusive of people who are underrepresented in the development of state policies, programs and practices, so that we can support the success and growth of all people who call Minnesota home.

How to Apply

Click "Apply" at the bottom of the page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637.

For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about the position, contact Charissa Jones at charissa.jones@state.mn.us.

If you are a Connect 700 applicant, please email your certificate to Joua Aeling at Joua.Aeling@state.mn.us by the position close date.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Human Services’ ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DHS_ADA@state.mn.us for assistance.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Minnesota is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer. We are committed to providing culturally responsive services to all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations 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 you need.