Legislative Liaison/Human Svcs Prog Consultant, St. Paul, Minnesota

When all employees are embraced, respected and heard, we will build a collaborative, equitable, inclusive and anti-racist culture where everyone thrives.

Working Title: Legislative Liaison, Office of Economic Opportunity
Job Class: Human Services Program Consultant
Agency: Human Services Dept

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/15/2024
• Closing Date: 04/29/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: DHS - Central Office / Children and Family Services / Equal Opportunity & Access Division
• Work Shift: Day Shift
• Work Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $33.90 - $50.27 / hourly; $70,783 - $104,963 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes

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.

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you'll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

In the 2023 legislative session, the Governor's Office, Minnesota legislature, and leaders for children and families worked in partnership to pass legislation establishing the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to create a sustainable, public face for children's issues in state government. This new cabinet-level agency brings together programs centered on children and families, including child care and early learning, child support, child safety and permanency, economic support and food assistance, and youth opportunity. This position will become a part of DCYF.

Job Summary

*** Telework (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available.***

*Travel 25% of the time statewide, with options for national travel

The Legislative Liaison will lead legislative policy work related to all programs in the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) Division, including food and nutrition, housing and shelter, Community Action, and other anti-poverty initiatives. This position manages and develops policy impact statements; serves as lead author of bill analyses and equity analyses, provides leadership and direction to OEO leadership and staff regarding program policy direction and formulation, manages and oversees critical policy issues that results in legislation, leading and planning efforts for a comprehensive strategic legislative agenda and managing legislative activities related to both internal and external proposals to achieve short and long-terms goals.

Responsibilities include:

• Manage and coordinate all legislative activities for the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) and coordinate with related programs that affect children and families.
• Oversee the development and implementation of policy initiatives that impact food, nutrition, housing, shelter, community action and other anti-poverty efforts; mentor and enhance OEO staff capacity on developing related strategic initiatives and policy proposals.
• Initiate the implementation of new programs, funds, and policies affecting families and other OEO programs.
• Provide policy analysis, development, and planning expertise to OEO and other requesting divisions and the department.

The Office of Economic Opportunity was founded in 1965 as part of the Federal War on Poverty and was designed to address both the consequences and causes of poverty. The goal of all OEO programs is broader than meeting basic needs and focuses on eliminating poverty for families, individuals and youth. The office supports a dynamic and collegial culture of staff with shared values of making a difference for people with low incomes in Minnesota. As a team, we value guiding principles of mutual respect, joint problem solving, open communication, a commitment to diversity, and an ethical code of conduct in how we strive work with program partners and each other.

We're proud to come to work every day knowing that what we do has a direct impact on people's lives, with our core values guiding us every step of the way. Join us to invest in yourself, your career, and the community!

Qualifications

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.

Three (3) years of specialized professional legislative policy experience working with anti-poverty programs including the following:

• Experience working within complex state and federal policy and legislative processes.
• Knowledge of anti-poverty state and federal law and regulations.
• Experience writing legislative proposals and provision of technical assistance to others engaged in this work.
• Demonstrated research and policy analysis skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
• Knowledge of the roles and relationships of Tribal, state, and federal agencies sufficient to effectively manage state and/or federal funding streams.
• Understanding of the structure, function and interrelationships and linkages of Minnesota's complex anti-poverty system sufficient to provide solutions to policy and operational questions.

Additional Requirements

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS - DHS will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment.

Application Details

How to Apply

Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .

If you have questions about the position, contact Sarah Aughenbaugh at sarah.aughenbaugh@state.mn.us

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Amy John at amy.john@state.mn.us .

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.

About Human Services Dept

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency's mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. 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 and indicate what assistance is needed.