When all employees are embraced, respected and heard, we will build a collaborative, equitable, inclusive and anti-racist culture where everyone thrives. Job Details Working Title: SMRT Operations and Team Lead Job Class: Human Services Program Representative 2 Agency: Human Services Dept Job ID : 91953 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 : 02/04/2026 Closing Date : 02/17/2026 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office Division/Unit : Health Care Administration / Eligibility and Access Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 7:00am - 3:30pm 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 Human Services is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DHS 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 eligible for telework for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework. The State Medical Review Team (SMRT) Operations and Team Lead provides advanced operational leadership, technical expertise, and quality oversight to ensure strong performance and compliance across Minnesota Health Care Programs, including Medical Assistance ABD, MA-EPD, TEFRA, Managed Care Exclusion, Special Needs Basic Care (SNBC), and MA Home and Community-Based Waivered services. This position leads daily operations by coordinating workflows, monitoring workloads, and ensuring consistent, timely, and accurate case processing. The Operations and Team Lead serves as a key resource on SMRT systems and processes, supports quality improvement efforts, and reviews complex cases to promote high-quality decision-making. In addition to operational leadership, this role provides ongoing support to staff through mentoring, technical guidance, quality assurance, and specialized case consultation. The Operations and Team Lead identifies and implements process improvements, contributes to policy and procedure development, and collaborates with leadership to enhance efficiency and outcomes. As a member of the SMRT Leadership Team, this position helps guide and support initiatives that improve client, provider, and staff experiences while maintaining compliance with state and federal requirements. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Three (3) years' experience interpreting and applying federal and state laws, regulations, and policies related to disability determinations or healthcare eligibility programs that may require a disabled basis of eligibility. Experience must demonstrate all of the following: Advanced knowledge of Social Security Disability laws and related guidance, including the Code of Federal Regulations (Title 20 Chapter III), Program Operations Manual System (POMS), and Social Security Rulings (SSRs), sufficient to support accurate and timely disability determinations. Knowledge of programs for which SMRT evaluates disability, including Medical Assistance ABD, MA-EPD, TEFRA, Managed Care Exclusion, Special Needs Basic Care (SNBC), and MA Home and Community-Based Waiver programs. Experience coordinating and managing operational workflows, monitoring workloads, and supporting timely case processing in a high-volume, regulated environment. Demonstrated ability to provide technical guidance, mentoring, coaching, and performance support to staff to promote consistency, accuracy, and professional development. Preferred Qualifications Eligible for Direct Payment Non-Attorneys (EDPNAs) or Social Security Disability Law Attorney is highly preferred. Proficiency in the following systems: ISDS, MAXIS, MMIS, METS, SSIS, MnCHOICES Assessment Tools, and SMI In-depth knowledge of DHS policies, procedures, processes, laws, and rules and related Minnesota statutes governing the work of the State Medical Review Team. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders including counties, providers, clients, advocates, etc. Experience participating in quality assurance, audit, or compliance review activities to support program integrity and continuous improvement. Strong time management, analytical, problem-solving, and prioritization skills, with ability to work well under pressure Strong customer service skills, including the ability to communicate professionally and clearly over the phone, in person, and in writing Demonstrated organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel), SharePoint and Adobe Pro Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team Additional Requirements 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. Cover letters are encouraged. REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS - The Department of Human Services will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment. 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 Kelli at kelli.swenson@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 Kelly Ellich at kelly.ellich@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 Human Services' ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DHS_ADA@state.mn.us for assistance. About Human Services Dept WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential. 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.
