Civil Rights Coordinator - Affirmative Action Officer 4

Job Details

Working Title: Civil Rights Coordinator
Job Class: Affirmative Action Officer 4
Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID: 83884
• 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: 02/04/2025
• Closing Date: 02/24/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: DHS - Central Office / Equal Opportunity & Access
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - infrequent (less than 10%); statewide
• Salary Range: $34.18 - $50.69 / hourly; $71,367 - $105,840 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• 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. 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.

Job Summary

This position will lead the agency’s civil rights compliance with all federal and state laws, regulations, policies, instructions, and guidance related to nondiscrimination to ensure equal access to human services, programs, or activities administered by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and other sub-recipients of federal financial assistance via DHS.

This position will provide strategic direction, technical advisement, and training assistance to the development and implementation of civil rights plans, policies, and procedures. The position is the lead civil rights contact and subject matter expert for DHS and provides civil rights strategic direction, technical advisement, training assistance, and compliance oversight to all DHS program areas and operations, as well as external partners such as county human services agencies, DHS contractors and grantees, and human services providers receiving funding from or through DHS.

• Lead the Department’s review and investigation of complaints alleging civil rights violations in the area of human services delivery.
• Provide strategic direction and technical and legal expertise to the development and implementation of both departmental and statewide DHS civil rights policy.
• Provide civil rights trainings to DHS, counties and other sub-recipients’ staff.
• Lead the Department’s response to external charges or compliance with investigations by enforcement agencies and collaborate with the State Attorney General’s Office in responding to lawsuits filed by complainants’ attorneys against the Department in violation of civil rights in service delivery.
• Provide indirect supervision to students who serve as externs within EOAD’s civil rights program.

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, day and year for each job held.**

Three (3) years of experience in civil rights or nondiscrimination program development, investigations or compliance, or related field, which provide an understanding of civil rights and/or nondiscrimination laws.

Experience must demonstrate:

• Investigation experience in the area of civil rights and/or nondiscrimination laws.
• Experience working in a diversity, equity and inclusion program and/or civil rights experience.
• Ability to advise, verbally and in writing, DHS and DHS partners on civil rights requirements and best practices to comply with applicable federal and state civil rights and social welfare statutes, regulations, case law, executive orders, rules, policies, instructions and guidelines.
• Experience creating and maintaining written plans, policies and/or procedures.
• Knowledge of federal and state nondiscrimination laws, regulations, policies, instructions, and guidance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of the Department’s mission and values and understanding of public policy social trends and the legislative process sufficient to discern the impact of legislation upon DHS’s programs.
• A law degree relevant to the position.
• Experience in presentations and training concerning civil rights or human services investigations.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

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 Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Andrew Petroski at andrew.petroski@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 Alexander Duren at alexander.duren@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.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.