Overview
The Department of Human Services is seeking a full-time Human Services Judge to conduct administrative fair hearings for multiple state agencies including the Department of Human Services, MNsure Board, and the Departments of Health, Education, and Children, Youth, and Families. This position is based in St. Paul, Minnesota, and offers telework eligibility for applicants residing in Minnesota or bordering states within 50 miles of the primary work location, subject to supervisory approval.
Responsibilities
- Manage a high-volume caseload ensuring timely and efficient resolution of appeals while protecting the rights of all parties.
- Conduct evidentiary hearings to develop a complete record.
- Make findings of fact and conclusions of law based on analysis of the record and applicable federal and state laws.
- Prepare independent recommended orders for appeals.
- Comply with all relevant statutes, rules, regulations, and policies.
Minimum Qualifications
- Four (4) years of advanced professional legal experience appearing in or conducting civil, criminal, or administrative hearings.
- Demonstrated ability to identify legal issues within complex factual circumstances.
- Strong written and oral communication skills to effectively communicate with parties and draft clear, concise recommended orders.
- Excellent legal research and analysis skills.
- Ability to work respectfully with diverse populations including individuals in crisis, those with disabilities, mental illness, poverty, and non-English speakers.
- Flexibility and responsiveness to changing situations.
- Judicial temperament to conduct hearings in adversarial settings.
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, prioritize workload, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Competency in using computers, case management systems, and recording devices.
- Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree.
- Must be licensed to practice law in Minnesota and be in active status, or on inactive resident, retired, disabled, or retired senior status.
Preferred Qualifications
- Professional experience conducting evidentiary hearings as an administrative law judge, workers' compensation judge, unemployment insurance judge, or equivalent public sector hearings experience.
- Experience making credibility determinations.
- Experience representing public assistance recipients or government agencies in legal proceedings.
- Experience representing clients in administrative hearings.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Additional Requirements
- Candidates will complete a writing sample under a time limit to demonstrate independent writing and analytical skills.
- Reference and criminal background checks will be conducted prior to appointment.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $38.55 - $57.35 per hour; $80,492 - $119,746 annually.
- Classified, exempt professional position.
- Bargaining unit: Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE).
- Paid vacation and sick leave.
- 12 paid holidays annually.
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
- Fertility care including IVF.
- Diabetes care.
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
- Six weeks paid parental leave for newborn or newly adopted children.
- Pension plan after three years of service.
- Employer-paid life insurance.
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
- Tax-free health, dental, and dependent care expense accounts.
- Employee Assistance Program offering confidential support for mental health, relationships, grief, finances, and legal issues.
- Training, professional development, and tuition reimbursement.
- Eligibility for Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for some positions.
Location & Work Schedule
- Location: St. Paul, Minnesota.
- Work hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Telework eligible for qualified applicants residing in Minnesota or bordering states within 50 miles.
- No travel required.
Additional Information
- The employer does not provide visa sponsorship and does not participate in E-Verify; applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment.
- Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities during the application and interview process.
- The organization is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds including persons of color, Indigenous communities, LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, persons with disabilities, women, and veterans.
Applicants are encouraged to apply by the closing date of July 15, 2026.