What are the responsibilities and job description for the EOAD External Investigator - Investigation Specialist position at State of Minnesota - Children Youth & Families...?
Job Details
Working Title: EOAD External Investigator
Job Class: Investigation Specialist
Agency: Department of Children, Youth, & Families
- Job ID: 89075
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers. This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 10/10/25. Please note that to be considered a bidder, you must be a permanent, non-probationary DCYF employee in the same job classification as the position posted.
- Date Posted: 10/04/2025
- Closing Date: 10/17/2025
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Children Youth & Families Dept / DCYF - MAPE
- Division/Unit: DCYF / General Counsel Office
- Work Shift: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Work Hours: Day Shift
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: No
- Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / 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 Children, Youth, and Families is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCYF 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
This position is responsible for conducting advanced investigative work related to external civil rights and discrimination complaints filed against DCYF with enforcement and oversight agencies such as the EEOC, MDHR, OCR, USDA, and other regulatory bodies. The incumbent organizes investigative plans, coordinates fact-finding activities, and prepares formal written reports to ensure the agency’s timely and accurate response to external investigations, enforcement charges, lawsuits, compliance reviews, and discovery requests in collaboration with EOAD, the General Counsel’s Office, and Human Resources.
In addition to handling individual complaints, the position monitors trends in external allegations, identifies systemic issues, and contributes to proactive strategies that reduce agency risk, improve compliance, and protect the integrity of DCYF programs and services.
Responsibilities include:
- Investigate external complaints of discrimination based upon protected class listed in the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and amendments, and DCYF non-discrimination policy.
- Coordinate and investigate DCYF participation in lawsuits, discovery, and external compliance reviews.
- Conduct trend analysis and provide training and technical assistance to reduce systemic risk.
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 of experience conducting investigations into civil rights, EEO, affirmative action, ADA compliance or a related field demonstrating application of anti-discrimination laws, regulations and executive orders. The following experience must demonstrate:
- Conducting full-cycle workplace investigations, including intake, complainant and respondent interviews, witness interviews, evidence review, analysis, and written findings.
- Experience analyzing complex data or policy information to identify systemic barriers or recommend compliance strategies
- Knowledge of federal and state civil rights laws including Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Executive Orders related to equity and inclusion
- A bachelor's degree in public administration, law, human services, sociology, or a related field may substitute for one year of required experience; A Master’s or Juris Doctor (JD) may substitute for eighteen months of experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Five years of professional experience in civil rights compliance, equity policy, affirmative action, ADA coordination, or EEO investigations within a government or large public-sector organization In-depth knowledge and practical application of civil rights statutes and regulations, including: Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Age Discrimination Act of 1975 Minnesota Human Rights Act Executive Orders on diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Juris Doctor (J.D) or similar law degree from accredited law school, EEO Investigator or other EEO related certificate
- Experience with contract or sub-recipient monitoring for civil rights compliance in public benefit or human service programs
- Strong interpersonal and strategic consultation skills to work effectively with agency leadership, legal counsel, and external partners such as counties, tribes, vendors, and oversight agencies
- Experience using case management systems and data dashboards to track compliance trends and recommend corrective actions
- Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures
Additional Requirements
It is the policy of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, that may include the following components:
- Reference check
- Criminal Background check
- Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)
- Personnel File Review: current and former public sector employees
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 Anthony Pledger at anthony.pledger@state.mn.us
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 Susan Vang at susan.y.vang@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 Children, Youth and Families ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DCYF ADA at ada.dcyf@state.mn.us.
About Children Youth & Families Dept
Our state depends on the success of Minnesota children, youth and families. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families puts children at the center of state government, creating a permanent state agency and commissioner focused on elevating children and families in policy and budget decisions.
This realigns state government to advance equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families through transformative, partnership-driven policies, programs and practices.
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
- 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.
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.
Salary : $67,651 - $99,722
