What are the responsibilities and job description for the Health Equity Lead / DEI Specialist Senior position at State of Minnesota?
Working Title: Health Equity Lead
Job Class: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Specialist, Senior
Agency: Direct Care and Treatment
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.
*This position will be hybrid with 3 days on-site in St Peter and 2 days Telework*
Direct Care and Treatment (DCT) is seeking an individual to join our DCT Health Equity Team as a Health Equity Lead! This position will support statewide efforts to advance health equity within DCT and systematically address social determinants of health in alignment with DCT’s mission, vision, strategic direction, and the goals of the DHS Equity Policy. The Health Equity Lead will support the implementation of a health equity plan in DCT divisions to eliminate disparities in service delivery and workplace culture. An emphasis of this position is to make data driven evaluation to inform decision making, program evaluation, and systems change by centering individuals served in DCT programs whose lives continue to be impacted by systemic inequities. This position will work with divisional health equity teams to advise leadership and management on resources, tools, implications, strategies, and best practices to apply an equity lens in decision making. This may include operational decisions at the site level, cultural responsiveness for client planning, and strategic planning processes.
Primary Responsibilities:
Three (3) years of diversity, equity and inclusion wok experience which demonstrates the following:
Preferred 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.
REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – Direct Care & Treatment will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.
EDUCATION VERIFICATION - Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their high school diploma OR a copy of their highest degree earned at time of interview. Copies of a college degree/diploma are acceptable ONLY if it clearly identifies the field in which it was earned and the graduation date.
Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) healthcare facilities require employees to provide documentation that they are free from tuberculosis (TB) through a blood test prior to employment. DCT does not accept TB skin testing.
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 at stacy.wells@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 at dana.schneider@state.mn.us.
If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Office of Equal Opportunity at
Accommodations.DCT@state.mn.us or call 651-539-7243
CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a noncompetitive basis if they: 1) meet service requirements and have a verified service-connected disability rating of at least 30%; 2) provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability; and 3) meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in thi sposting. To be considered under this legislation you must submit all documentation before the closing date to:
Dana.schneider@state.mn.us
About Direct Care And Treatment
Direct Care and Treatment is a highly specialized behavioral health system operated by the State of Minnesota. DCT operates treatment programs, residential and vocational services for people with serious mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders and more.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
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:
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.
Job Class: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Specialist, Senior
Agency: Direct Care and Treatment
- Job ID: 98073
- Location: St. Peter
- Telework Eligible: No
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 10/29/2026
- Closing Date: 11/12/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / MAPE DCT Central Office
- Division/Unit: DCT Support Services / DCT Health Equity
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8am-4:30pm
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: No
- Salary Range: $31.81 - $46.96 / hourly; $66,419 - $98,052 / 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.
*This position will be hybrid with 3 days on-site in St Peter and 2 days Telework*
Direct Care and Treatment (DCT) is seeking an individual to join our DCT Health Equity Team as a Health Equity Lead! This position will support statewide efforts to advance health equity within DCT and systematically address social determinants of health in alignment with DCT’s mission, vision, strategic direction, and the goals of the DHS Equity Policy. The Health Equity Lead will support the implementation of a health equity plan in DCT divisions to eliminate disparities in service delivery and workplace culture. An emphasis of this position is to make data driven evaluation to inform decision making, program evaluation, and systems change by centering individuals served in DCT programs whose lives continue to be impacted by systemic inequities. This position will work with divisional health equity teams to advise leadership and management on resources, tools, implications, strategies, and best practices to apply an equity lens in decision making. This may include operational decisions at the site level, cultural responsiveness for client planning, and strategic planning processes.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Co-lead divisional health equity audit and implementation, tracking, and evaluation of health equity action plan.
- Lead service line implementation of health equity strategies, conduct performance and accountability evaluation in partnership with divisional leadership and management.
- Co-lead incorporation of equity as a foundation in strategic planning and policy development/review and mobilizing initiatives to support an infrastructure for system change.
- Provide leadership in partnership with DCT support services and service lines to ensure staff understand DCT’s vision for health equity, applicable policies, and procedures, and are engaged in developing their health equity skillset and intercultural development with specific attention to culturally responsive services, racial health disparities, the social determinants of health, and non-discrimination in health programs.
- Support planning, designing, implementation, analysis, interpretation, and reporting on assessment and evaluation activities relevant to health disparities data.
- Support DCT’s commitment to health equity by evaluating clinical quality, equity in service delivery, demographic data, and healthy workplace data. This position provides expertise in scientific research, methodology, and analysis on both qualitative and quantitative data.
Three (3) years of diversity, equity and inclusion wok experience which demonstrates the following:
- Experience working with ethnically and culturally diverse communities, American Indian, people with disabilities, LGBTQ , veterans and/or other communities that experience health inequities.
- Experience with contemporary diversity, equity, inclusion, and multiculturalism theories and issues.
- Experience communicating complex information in varied settings to a wide variety of audiences.
- Experience supporting and advising teams, coordinate training and staff development, and meeting facilitation.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in residential/hospital level of healthcare.
- Experience in healthcare addressing social determinants of health across a spectrum of populations.
- Experience providing consultation and coaching to management to improve cross-cultural communication.
- Understanding of the role and operation of state government in building the health and human services infrastructure.
- Skills in Project Management.
- Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
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 – Direct Care & Treatment will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.
EDUCATION VERIFICATION - Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their high school diploma OR a copy of their highest degree earned at time of interview. Copies of a college degree/diploma are acceptable ONLY if it clearly identifies the field in which it was earned and the graduation date.
Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) healthcare facilities require employees to provide documentation that they are free from tuberculosis (TB) through a blood test prior to employment. DCT does not accept TB skin testing.
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 at stacy.wells@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 at dana.schneider@state.mn.us.
If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Office of Equal Opportunity at
Accommodations.DCT@state.mn.us or call 651-539-7243
CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a noncompetitive basis if they: 1) meet service requirements and have a verified service-connected disability rating of at least 30%; 2) provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability; and 3) meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in thi sposting. To be considered under this legislation you must submit all documentation before the closing date to:
Dana.schneider@state.mn.us
About Direct Care And Treatment
Direct Care and Treatment is a highly specialized behavioral health system operated by the State of Minnesota. DCT operates treatment programs, residential and vocational services for people with serious mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders and more.
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
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
- 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)
- 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
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 : $66,419 - $98,052