Community Services Program Specialist 2

Job Details

Working Title: Foster Youth Outreach & Engagement Specialist
Job Class: Community Services Program Specialist 2
Agency: Foster Youth Ombudsperson

• Job ID: 93586
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/17/2026
• Closing Date: 05/07/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Foster Youth Ombudsperson / Fostr Youth Ombd - MAPE
• Division/Unit: OOFY
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• 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 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 Office of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson (OOFY) is an independent agency that opened in 2024. The purpose of OOFY is to investigate decisions, acts, and other matters related to the health, safety, and welfare of youth in foster care, to promote the highest attainable standards of competence, efficiency, and justice for youth who are in foster care.

This position exists to lead and coordinate community engagement and outreach activities for OOFY, under limited supervision. The incumbent will conduct individual meetings and group outreach (both virtually and in-person) in facilities and other settings. This includes supporting OOFY’s investigatory activities, conducting intake interviews as-needed and following up with foster youth who have submitted concerns or complaints. Their role will involve building collaborative relationships with facility and program staff and others who support foster youth. They will lead communication activities, contributing to reporting and recommendations as-needed and supporting the development of strategic messaging. The position will collect and analyze data on systemic issues and conduct foster care policy analysis and research. The position exercises discretion in applying the policies, mission, vision, and values of OOFY in their work, and in building and maintaining positive internal and external relationships. The incumbent will have access to various residential settings of foster youth, including family foster care homes, group homes, and institutional settings, and access to sensitive data under the delegated statutory authority of the Ombudsperson. The incumbent may spend up to 30% of their time traveling throughout their assigned jurisdiction to fulfill the responsibilities outlined herein.

With a telework arrangement, additional onsite attendance may be required for team meetings or as requested by management to meet business needs. Completion of a telework agreement will be required. Please review the Telework Policy for details.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Two years of full-time equivalent outreach, education, training, or case management experience.
• Experience engaging with young people or historically impacted populations, foster youth in particular.
• Experience engaging with children, youth, and/or young adults in a professional setting.
• Computer skills demonstrating proficiency with word processing, database, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
• Experience developing materials, and presentation skills sufficient to effectively present to youth learners.
• Oral and written comprehension and communication skills sufficient to communicate effectively and concisely with a broad variety of partners.
• Driver’s License and acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Minnesota’s child welfare system, including child protection, foster care, extended foster care, kinship care and adoption, and policies, governmental organizations, and public policy structures.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations related to foster care/child welfare, and/or knowledge of best-practices or policies.
• Ability to use customer service and trauma-informed interviewing skills sufficient to provide prompt, courteous and accurate information and effectively communicate and elicit information with tact and diplomacy.
• Experience sharing complex, evolving information about benefits, programs, or rights.
• Ability to respect cultural differences and work with people from diverse backgrounds and religions.
• Human relations skills sufficient to work effectively with a variety of partners; to effectively persuade; to deal effectively with complex and oftentimes competing relationships; and to understand, develop, motivate, collaborate, and lead others.
• Experience working with confidential and sensitive data appropriately and in accordance with the Minnesota Data Practices Act.
• Experience working with Quickbase or similar case management system.

Additional Requirements

Successful applicants must pass a criminal background check through American DataBank and employment reference checks prior to employment. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant, and each case will be reviewed individually in alignment with fair hiring practices.

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 careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Teresa Mills at teresa.mills@state.mn.us or 651-201-2428.

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 Teresa Mills at teresa.mills@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

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
• 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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.