Behavioral Health Division Legislative Policy Lead - Human Services Program Consultant, St. Paul, Minnesota

When all employees are embraced, respected and heard, we will build a collaborative, equitable, inclusive and anti-racist culture where everyone thrives.

Working Title: Behavioral Health Division Legislative Policy Lead
Job Class: Human Services Program Consultant
Agency: Human Services Dept

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/17/2024
• Closing Date: 05/07/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: DHS-Central Office / BHDH Behavioral Health Director
• Work Shift: Day Shift
• Work Hours: 8:00am to 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $33.90 - $50.27 / hourly; $70,783 - $104,964 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Re-Posting: Yes
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes

If you have previously applied to this posting, there is no need to reapply your application is still under consideration.

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.

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

*Telework (Within Minnesota or Neighboring States) and Flexible Hours Options Are Available.

This position exists to develop and manage and coordinate the Behavioral Health Division's (BHD) legislative policy and funding efforts designed to improve access to behavioral health care, promote quality behavioral health programs and practice, and reduce persistent disparities in mental health and substance use services for underserved populations and communities. With oversight from the Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Behavioral Health; guidance from the DHS Legislative Director, and engagement with division managers, supervisors, and subject matter experts the incumbent:

• Coordinates with BHD management and subject matter experts to develop a comprehensive strategic legislative agenda and manage BHD's preparation and submission of policy and budget proposals for possible inclusion on the DHS legislative agenda and Governor's budget and serves as BHD's primary legislative contact.
• Develops and manages a coordinated process for BHD's participation in the legislative process, participating in and leading the process for providing bill analysis, technical assistance, and fiscal analysis of proposals and bills put forth by legislators and stakeholders.
• Tracks the passage of legislation impacting BHD and works with BHD management and subject matter experts to develop and track implementations plans consistent with requirements of law.
• Is a relationship manager who builds connections and collaboration opportunities with community partners, groups, and advocacy organizations committed to behavioral health reforms and integrating services.
• Coordinates with legislative and policy staff across DHS and, as appropriate, other state agencies to position BHD as a strategic business partner working to enhance the delivery of culturally responsive behavioral health services and establishing processes to follow when clarification on policy-related issues is sought.
• Engages in advanced level policy/legal research and planning related to the legislative cycle. Provides policy analysis, development, and planning expertise to the BHD and the Behavioral Health, Housing, and Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services Administration.
• Manages special projects and assigned activities related to the development, implementation, maintenance, and adherence to state and federal behavioral health-related laws, related rules, and funding.

Qualifications

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.

Three (3) years specialized professional experience in the legislative process, including experience in project management, stakeholder engagement, advanced level policy/legal research and planning.

Experience must include:

• Knowledge of behavioral health programs and services.
• Facilitating the development of consensus amongst people who represent diverse points of views.
• Organizing, tracking and synthesizing materials prepared by many authors into a single document.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the legislative proposal process, document formats and procedures for introducing/supporting legislation.
• Working with legislators and their staff, lobbyists, and many other external and internal stakeholders for purposes of planning and managing legislative agendas.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Strong human relations and communication skills; communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing; respond openly to requests and concerns.
• Familiar with Department of Human Services Behavioral Health Division's service delivery models.
• BA Degree or higher in Political Science, Communications, Public Policy, or another related degree field.

Additional Requirements

• The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) will conduct criminal background checks 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).

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 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .

If you have questions about the position, contact Kristine Preston at kristine.preston@state.mn.us .

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID# 64572, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Dennis Stevenson at dennis.b.stevenson@state.mn.us .

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 DHS_ADA@state.mn.us for assistance.

About Human Services Dept

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

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
• 12 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 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.