JOB SUMMARY

The Office of the Ombudsperson for Families is looking for an Investigator. This position represents and performs investigative and complaint resolution duties of the OBFF under limited supervision. This individual will receive, process, investigate, and report on individual complaints. The position will also investigate broad issue such as systemic racism and disparate outcomes for specific populations, and conduct child protection/child welfare policy analysis, research, reporting, and recommendations. The incumbent will have access to various foster care settings of children experiencing out-of-home placement, including but not limited to family foster care homes, group homes, and institutional settings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

One (1) year of experience performing one or more of the following duties:

• Conducting investigations
• Legal research
• Working on cases involving child welfare.

APPLICANTS WHO MEET THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS WILL BE FURTHER ASSESSED ON THE FOLLOWING:

• Interpersonal and conflict resolution skills sufficient to work effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, and the public.
• Knowledge of Minnesota’s child welfare system, including child protection, foster care, extended foster care, kinship care, and adoption, and policies, governmental organizations, and public policy structures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Ability to relate to, communicate with, and work effectively with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds, including children and families in the child protection/child welfare system.
• Skills in analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to manage concurrent problems, make proper determinations of information provided, or determine the appropriate referral.
• Ability to develop successful strategies to achieve conflict resolution, set priorities, delegate responsibilities, ensure accountability, and allocate resources effectively
  An associate degree in social work, human services, psychology, criminal justice, sociology, or a related degree may substitute for six months of experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge or experience of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations related to child protection and child welfare to determine the nature of the violations and if further investigation action is required
• A bachelor’s degree or higher in social work, human services, psychology, criminal justice, sociology, or a related degree.
• Policy and/or research analysis skills sufficient to make recommendations for policy and practice changes that promote the highest attainable standards of competence, efficiency, and justice for youth who are in the care of the state.
• Direct experience working with families who have been negatively impacted by child welfare social service agencies.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbent must maintain a valid driver’s license, and insurance, or have other reliable transportation.
This position requires successful completion of an employment reference check.

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

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.

One (1) year of experience performing one or more of the following duties:

• Conducting investigations
• Legal research
• Working on cases involving child welfare