Background Study Research Assistant​/Human Services Program Specialist

Overview

Working Title: Background Study Research Assistant

Job Class: Human Services Program Specialist 1

Agency: Human Services Dept

• Conduct background studies in accordance with the Human Services Background Studies Act (245C) for individuals who will have contact with vulnerable (child or adult) populations, in compliance with licensed and/or non-licensed human service and health programs.
• Access a range of study subject records and information from sources such as online databases, registries, and repositories, including sources maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
• Operate within a Fee-for-Service enterprise model to measure effectiveness, efficiency, and stakeholder satisfaction by reviewing business intelligence data, including study volume, complexity, and time to complete studies.
• Assist with rap back services, employment and licensure verifications, disqualification reconsiderations, set-asides and variances, and related processes (preponderance of evidence, statutory comparisons, rescisions, expungements, hearings, and related litigation) as part of the Background Studies Division within the Office of Inspector General (OIG).
• Draft letters regarding compliance requirements; analyze results and make decisions independently; respond to inquiries; follow data privacy/records retention policy.

• Two (2) years advanced administrative support, paraprofessional, or technical experience with background study processes; OR
• Associate degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, paralegal or human services and one (1) year advanced administrative support, paraprofessional, or technical experience with background study processes.

Experience must demonstrate the following:

• Draft letters regarding compliance requirements.
• Analyze results and make decisions independently.
• Respond to inquiries.
• Follow data privacy/records retention policy.

• Knowledge of Workplace Ethics;
  Data Privacy & Security;
  Minnesota Statutes (Chapter 13, 245A, 245C, 626.556, 626.557) and related rules.
• Familiarity with the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 and applicable licensure and background study laws.
• Excellent grammar and syntax; ability to convey complex legal and procedural information clearly and concisely with minimal oversight.
• Strong computer and word-processing skills; extensive experience managing databases used in the background study process.
• Ability to make independent judgments that withstand administrative or judicial review; high accuracy standards; ability to work independently; experience working with diverse teams.

• Successful completion of a background investigation prior to employment, including criminal background check, reference check, and fingerprinting (MNJIS/CJIS).
• Complete CJIS Security Awareness training within 3 business days from start of employment and maintain CJIS certification annually.

This position is eligible for telework for applicants residing in Minnesota or a bordering state with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If living in a bordering state, residence must be within 50 miles of the primary work location to be eligible for telework.

The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion and offers benefits to support employees’ well-being and career development. Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.