Housing Support Policy Specialist - Human Services Program Specialist 2

Housing Support Policy Specialist

Job Class: Human Services Program Specialist 2

Agency: Human Services Dept

Location: St. Paul

Telework Eligible: Yes

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Unlimited

Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers

Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office

Division/Unit: DHS-Central Office / HHSSA Housing Support

Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift Monday - Friday / 8:00am to 4:30pm

Travel Required: No

Salary Range: $26.43 - $38.55 / hourly; $55,185 - $80,492 / annually

Classified Status: Classified

Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

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.

This position is eligible for telework for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework. Flexible work hours may be permitted with supervisor approval.

This position supports all aspects (legislative, policy, service delivery, eligibility system support, and compliance) of administering a state funded adult income support program, Housing Support Program (HSP, formerly known as GRH). HSP pays for housing expenses and sometimes services to people who have low incomes and either have a disability or are over the age of 65. This position works closely with HSP policy staff and trainers to promote program uniformity and equitable access to benefits. This position is responsible for supporting several processes related to program integrity and compliance initiatives. In addition, this position, under the direction of the supervisor, will respond to appeals, review audits, and draft responses to policy questions from counties and Tribes.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Working with adult income supports staff, evaluation staff, and administration legislative staff, provide policy support and expertise related to Housing Support Program.
• Execute several processes to ensure programmatic integrity and compliance with state statute for Housing Support Program.

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.

Two (2) years of high-level working experience with a Housing Support Program along with the required work experiences listed below. Bachelor's degree in psychology, human services, social work, or another closely related degree can substitute for one year of working experience.

Required work experiences must clearly demonstrate:

• Understanding of Minnesota's human services and community health delivery systems, including the inter-relationships between counties, the Tribes, the state, service providers, and various internal and external partners, and how these relationships impact service delivery.
• Knowledge of State and Federal laws and regulations that impact affected programs, including all major public assistance programs. County/Tribal administration of Housing Support Program, General Assistance, Minnesota Supplemental Aid, and Emergency General Assistance and eligibility/payment systems — i.e. MAXIS and MMIS.
• Knowledge of the continuum of current shelter, housing, and service options available to individuals and the associated payment mechanisms available to pay for housing.
• Proficient at using MAXIS and MMIS public benefit payment systems.
• Understanding of and applying financial assistance policies, Combined Manual, and PoliTemp.
• Competent at using MS Office Suite and other programs such as MS Teams and Adobe Acrobat.

Preferred Qualifications

Expert skill, knowledge, and experience working within MAXIS and MMIS. Expert at understanding and applying financial assistance policies Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures. Familiarity with state statutes, rules, and policy approaches to human services programs, specifically income supplement programs for adults. Human Services programs and their intersection with Housing Support Program, General Assistance, Minnesota Supplemental Aid and Emergency General Assistance. Populations served by HHSSA programs, including those leaving the correctional system or experiencing homelessness. Federal programs' impact and influence on state programs, i.e. annual Cost of Living Adjustment and rules/procedures regarding Social Security programs. Continuous improvement process tools and/or models to produce results-based metrics. Skilled at giving presentations and facilitating discussions to solicit and explore diverse perspectives. Strong human relations and communication skills; communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing; respond flexibly to requests and concerns.

Additional Requirements

Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) criminal background check will be conducted on all finalists for this position. Finalists must pass the DHS background check.

Employee reference checks will be conducted on all finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance. It also includes contact with the applicant's former employer(s).

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status. Reasonable accommodations will be made 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 . Please indicate what assistance is needed.