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Working Title: Communications and Engagement Specialist

Job Class: State Program Administrator Senior

Agency: Office of the Ombudsperson for Corrections

• Job ID : 77131

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes, up to 30%

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 05/30/2024

• Closing Date : 06/28/2024

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Office of the Ombudsperson for Corrections

• Division/Unit : Office of the Ombudsperson for Corrections / Investigations

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes

• Salary Range: $26.64 - $39.06 / hourly; $55,624 - $81,557 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees

• FLSA Status : Nonexempt

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.

The Office of Ombudsperson for Corrections is looking for a dedicated person to administer a public information program while providing strategic communications to internal and external stakeholders to increase awareness and accessibility of the office and respond to concerns of incarcerated persons, DOC staff, community members, and others. This position contributes to the investigation of systemic issues and supports the work of investigations by assisting with intake, research, and report editing. The individual will have access to corrections facilities as needed and directed by the Ombuds and sensitive data under the delegated statutory authority of the Ombuds. This individual will apply the policies, mission, vision, and values of the OBFC to build and maintain positive relationships with OBFC staff, DOC staff, community members, and other stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position:

• Two (2) years research experience with writing skills sufficient to produce communications for internal and external audiences.

• Knowledge or experience with the criminal justice or correctional systems.

• Demonstrated experience designing and preparing accessible written publications and oral materials using social media, website, and other delivery platforms.

Bachelor's degree in Corrections, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Psychology, Counseling, Human Resources, Sociology, Social Work, or a closely related field may substitute for one year of the experience requirement.

Minimum qualifications accessed at interview:

• Human relations skills sufficient to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders; to effectively persuade; to deal effectively with complex and often competing relationships; and to understand, develop, motivate, collaborate, and lead others.

• Oral and written comprehension and communication skills sufficient to communicate effectively and concisely with a broad variety of stakeholders.

• Proven ability to relate to, communicate with, and work effectively with people from diverse cultural, economic and ethnic backgrounds.

• Ability to interpret and translate complex institutional policy and public policy into easily understood terms so that those who interact with the Ombudsperson’s Office have a good grasp of its function and purpose.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are strongly desired of applicants seeking consideration for this position:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Political Science, Corrections, Criminal Justice or a closely related field.

• Knowledge of and experience working with state government or legislative processes.

• Knowledge of Minnesota statutes; federal, criminal, and civil law; and correctional policies and procedures sufficient to determine the nature of the violations and if further investigation action is required.

• Knowledge of Minnesota Department of Corrections’ policies and procedures.

• Experience working directly with people who are or have been incarcerated.

Additional Requirements

The selection process may include screening the top candidate(s) on their criminal history, predatory offender registration, offender associations and/or other applicable background information in accordance with Department of Corrections’ policy.

Employment history/reference checks, including incidents of sexual harassment, will also be conducted on the top candidate(s) in accordance with Department of Corrections’ policy. This may include a review of job performance and discipline records.

Incumbent must maintain valid driver's license, and insurance, OR have other reliable transportation

New employees will be fingerprinted within the first 30 days of employment.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made 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 . Please indicate what assistance is needed.