Investigator - Specialist

Working Title: Ombuds Juvenile Investigator Job Class: Investigation Specialist Agency: Office of Ombuds for Corrections Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers Date Posted: 05/14/2024 Closing Date: 05/28/2024 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Office of the Ombuds for Corrections Division/Unit: Office of the Ombuds for Corrections / Investigations Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift Days of Work: Monday - Friday Travel Required: Yes, up to 40% of the time. Salary Range: $30.55 - $45.02 / hourly; $63,788 - $94,001 / annually Classified Status: Classified Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees (MAPE) FLSA Status: Nonexempt Telework Eligible: Yes Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes 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.
The Office of the Ombuds for Corrections (OBFC) is looking for a dedicated individual to represent and perform the duties of the OBFC with a primary focus on juvenile facilities and related issues. This position will receive, process, investigate, resolve, and report on individual complaints. This position additionally investigates systemic issues and conducts corrections policy analysis, research, reporting, and recommendations. This individual will have access to corrections facilities and sensitive data under the delegated statutory authority of the Ombuds. This position exercises discretion in applying the policies, mission, vision, and values of the OBFC to cases with a primary focus on juvenile facilities and issues while building and maintaining positive relationships with OBFC stakeholders.
In addition, this position may support other investigations in adult facilities, depending on nature of complaint or issue. Please note this position is being reposted, if you have applied for this position in the past, you do not need to reapply. Minimum Qualifications The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position: Three years of experience in complaint/compliance review, investigations, case management, or other experience related to the work of this position, which must include responsibility for conducting interviews, mediation, or counseling; and report writing, at least two years of which must include working with justice involved juveniles. Knowledge or experience with the juvenile criminal justice system and correctional programs and policies sufficient to ensure the legality of investigations and protect individual rights. Knowledge or experience with interviewing techniques sufficient to collect evidence from witnesses, complainants, victims, and third-party sources. A bachelor's degree in Corrections, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Counseling, Human Resources, Sociology, Social Work, or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience as described. An associate degree may be substituted for 6 months of experience as described. Minimum qualifications assessed in the interview: Human relations skills sufficient to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders; to effectively persuade; to deal effectively with complex and oftentimes competing relationships; and to understand, develop, motivate, collaborate, and lead others. Oral and written comprehension and communication skills sufficient to communicate effectively and concisely with a broad variety of stakeholders, and communicate the results and findings to proper authorities, including preparing summary reports. Proven ability to relate to, communicate with, and work effectively with people from diverse cultural, economic, and ethnic backgrounds. Ability to interpret and translate complex institutional policy and public policy into easily understood terms so that those who interact with the Ombudsperson's Office have a good grasp of its function and purpose. Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of Minnesota statutes; federal, criminal, and civil law; and correctional policies and procedures sufficient to determine better practices and if further investigation action is required. Knowledge of Minnesota Department of Corrections' policies and procedures and Minnesota Rules governing local facilities. Knowledge of resource challenges with meeting the significant needs of this population and opportunities to better serve juveniles. Experience working on systemic and policy initiatives related to juveniles in correctional facilities as well as extensive experience working directly with juveniles. Additional Requirements The selection process may include screening the top candidate(s) on their criminal history, predatory offender registration, offender associations and/or other applicable background information in accordance with Ombuds for Corrections and Department of Corrections' policy.
Employment history/reference checks, including incidents of sexual harassment, will also be conducted on the top candidate(s) in accordance with Ombuds for Corrections and Department of Corrections' policy. This may include a review of job performance and discipline records.
Must have and maintain a valid driver's license.
New employees will be fingerprinted within the first 30 days of employment. 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 or email . For additional information about the application process, go to
If you have questions about the position, contact Matthew Leo at or .
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 Matthew Leo at . About The Office Of Ombuds For Corrections The Office of the Ombuds for Corrections is an office that investigates complaints, investigates correctional policies and practices, publishes reports of findings, makes recommendations, and provides information to people who are currently incarcerated, their family, and community. The OBFC was established as a neutral and independent investigator of complaints regarding state correctional agencies. 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 11 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 or email and indicate what assistance is needed.