Job Details

Working Title: Regional Ombudsman
Job Class: Human Services Program Representative 2
Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID: 96342
• Location: Northeastern Minnesota
• Telework Eligible: No, this is a remote position
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/14/2026
• Closing Date: 09/01/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: DHS-Central Office / ADSA AG/AS OOLTC RO Group 2
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 50%
• Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / 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

This position will be responsible to meet with and advocate on the behalf of long-term care residents living in Northeastern Minnesota which may include St Louis County and the cities of Duluth, Aurora, Biwabik, Brookston, Eveleth, Floodwood, Hermantown, Meadowlands, Proctor, and Virgina. The incumbent of this position is considered a remote worker, which is a term and condition of the appointment. As a remote worker, the incumbent will have their home, or an alternative location assigned as their principal work location; will be permanently assigned to their principal work location; and will not be assigned to an agency facility for their principal work location.

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

The Regional Ombudsman will enhance the quality of life and care for Minnesota long-term care consumers through individual advocacy on behalf of long-term care consumers, education to consumers and other stakeholders, and through supporting and implementing consumer empowerment strategies.

In order to properly and zealously advocate for long-term care consumers, this position is responsible for:

• Understanding and maintaining expertise in all aspects of Minnesota and federal long-term care policies, programs, and service delivery functions, including:
  • technical and administrative functions
  • Understanding and evaluating how Minnesota's long-term care system operates and applies to the individual consumer experience, especially within the assigned geographical region.
  • Making recommendations for systemic (including legislative) improvements in long-term care at a regional, state, and national level

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

3 years of professional experience in nursing, social work, Advocacy, discharge planning, law, and person-centered thinking/planning.

Experience must demonstrate the following:

• Dispute resolution skills, such as negotiation or mediation
• Long-term care financing, specifically Medicare, Medical Assistance, and private insurance
• Knowledge of state and federal long-term care delivery systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of medical terminology and functional disability
• Effective oral and written communication
• Proficient in communicating complex regulations, policies, and program constraints orally and in writing
• Maintaining electronic documentation is required
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures

Additional Requirements

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.

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS - The Department of Human Services will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and 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 [email protected] . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .

Contact

If you have questions about the position, contact Jane Brink at [email protected] .

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 JaKeya Spencer at [email protected] .

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 [email protected] for assistance.

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.