Specialist - specialist

Full job description

Ensuring every child receives a quality education, no matter their race or zip code. The Minnesota Department of Education serves a wide and diverse range of groups: K-12 students and their families; young children participating in a variety of early learning programs including Head Start and Early Childhood Family Education; adult learners participating in adult education programs including GED and citizenship programs; school districts; charter schools; teachers; libraries and librarians.

MDE values:
Collaboration: Partner and serve for the greater good.
Leadership: Take ownership and responsibility.
Equity: Innovate for justice, fairness and inclusion.

Job Details

Working Title: Investigative Specialist - Educ Specialist 2

Job Class: Education Specialist 2

Agency: Education Department

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted : 04/11/2024
• Closing Date : 05/01/2024
• Bid Open Date: 04/11/2024
• Bid Close Date: 04/17/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Education Department / MDE-Central Office-MAPE
• Division/Unit : Education-St Paul / Data Practices and Analytics
• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
• Days of Work : Monday - Friday
• Travel Required : Yes up to 50%
• Salary Range: $33.90 - $50.27/ hourly; $70,783 - $104,964 / annually
• Job Class Option : Due Process
• Classified Status : Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative
• Telework Eligible : Yes - Telework arrangements may be possible. You will discuss your preferences and requirements of the position and complete a telework agreement. Employees do need to reside in MN or a border state and will need to report to the office and field location on a regular basis.
• Re-Posting : Yes
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

CURRENT permanent-classified MDE employees represented by MAPE who are eligible for interest bidding for the position shouldconsult Article 16, Vacancies, Filling of Positions, Section 3, Job Posting and Interest Bidding, of their negotiated agreement. In order tobe considered for the position as an interest bidder your application must be received by the "Closed for Bid" date listed above.

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.

Job Summary

This job posting will be used to fill two vacancies.

In this position, you will comply with the statutory mandate to assess and investigate reports of alleged maltreatment of students by public school employees and/or public-school facilities in accordance with child protection and special education rules and regulations. Duties will include:

• To conduct interviews, collect and analyze data, interpret and apply statutory regulations, draft and issue legally sound determination reports related to student maltreatment investigations, specific to public school employees and complex institutional (facility) investigations;
• To respond to data requests and prepare requested documents in accordance with data practice regulations and standards;
• To provide technical assistance, training and education of student maltreatment laws and regulations, mandated reporting requirements, and relevant data practice standards to constituents and stakeholders including school administration and personnel, state and local government entities, law enforcement, healthcare, legal representatives and advocates, parents of students and the general population.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Five years of professional experience in law, criminal justice, social work, psychology or other closely related social science area

A bachelor's degree and 4 years of related professional experience in law, criminal justice, social work, psychology or other closely related social science

Experience must include:

• Conducting administrative and/or criminal investigations;
• Conducting interviews of person of all ages and ability, specifically children;
• Drafting of legal and factually based determination reports that render a final decision;
• Experience in child welfare/protection systems, courts, law enforcement, human resources or school administration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in law, criminal justice, social work, psychology or other closely related social science degree;
• Certified Forensic Interviewer of Child Abuse Victims;
• Proficiency in a second language

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 or email . For additional information about the application process, go to

If you have questions about the position, contact Kate Elling 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 Kate Elling at .

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)
• 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.