Regional Ombudsman - Client Advocate

Job summary

Provide advocacy and resource services to people with developmental disabilities, mental illness, or substance use disorders, and investigate complaints involving rights, services, and respectful treatment. Review reports of serious injuries, monitor corrective action plans, and conduct casework, site visits, research, community engagement, and education or training.

Job details

Working Title: Regional Ombudsman Job Class: Client Advocate Agency: Ombudsman for Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities Job ID: 97387 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: 10/01/2026 Closing Date: 10/12/2026 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Ombud Mental Hlth & Dev Dis / Ombm Mental Health & MR-MAPE Division/Unit: Ombudsman MH/DD / Ombudsman Client Services Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift Days of Work: Monday - Friday Travel Required: Yes - up to 40% Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually Classified Status: Classified Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional 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. The Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities is looking for their next Client Advocate. This position provides professional advocacy and client resource services for persons with developmental disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorder. The person in this position will verify and review a wide variety of reports or complaints of violations, including clients' rights, service provision, and dignity/respect issues. The person in this position will also review serious injuries reported to OMHDD and ensure that appropriate corrective action plans are implemented. Day to day work will vary and may include in-person or virtual case involvement, attending client meetings, proactive site visits or community engagement, research, analysis, and investigation into client complaints or systemic issues, and potential education or training to the clients and community served by OMHDD. This position is eligible for a hybrid telework arrangement. With a telework arrangement, onsite attendance will be required for team meetings or as requested by management to meet business needs. Completion of a telework agreement will be required. Please review the Telework Policy for details. Minimum Qualifications EDUCATION Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in Social Work, Psychology, Special Education, Nursing, Legal Studies/Law, Human Services, Hospital Administration, Public Health, Public Administration, Public Policy or closely related field. Experience Three (3) years of experience that meets ALL of the following requirements. (NOTE: Paralegal and entry-level professional experience does not qualify.) Be in a residential facility or long-term care, acute care or community setting, social services or MN Departments of Health, Human Services or Education; AND Involve providing services or oversight of services to persons with developmental disabilities, mental illnesses and/or substance use disorder issues; AND Emphasize ONE or more of these primary roles: Investigating the quality of services provided to individuals with disabilities, OR Developing and proposing effective and practical solutions for obtaining appropriate disability-related services in the least restrictive setting, providing case management or other disability-related services, engaging in effective discharge planning, OR Being a mediator or advocate for individuals with disabilities, which may include (1) identifying and investigating violations of clients' rights; (2) representing clients at social service appeals hearings or review boards; and (3) monitoring the actions taken to correct violations of clients' rights.; OR Overseeing the evaluation of program delivery or a major component of program delivery in a supervisory, regulatory, or other higher-level capacity. Applicants that meet the above minimum qualifications will be further evaluated on the following: Ability to manage time effectively. Ability to problem-solve complicated issues. Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing. Ability to work independently, with limited hands-on supervision. Preferred Qualifications Job related education related to the rights of these client groups. Advocacy experience to include identifying violations of clients' rights; representing clients at legal proceedings, appeals hearings, or review boards; and monitoring actions taken to correct violations. Licensure in Social Work, Psychology, Special Education, Nursing or Law; or relevant advocacy experience. Experience providing training on clients' rights issues. Experience providing liaison services and consultation to representatives of law enforcement, social services, agencies, and the courts. Working with diverse (e.g. economic, racial, cultural, rural/urban location) populations to facilitate access to disability related supports and services. A successful candidate must have a strong belief in the rights of individuals receiving services/treatment for the disabilities the office assists. Physical Requirements Requires the ability to be in a stationary position for prolonged periods of time, and the ability to conduct work in a variety of community settings which may require varying levels of comfort or access. Additional Requirements Successful applicants must pass a criminal background check through American DataBank and employment reference checks prior to employment. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant, and each case will be reviewed individually in alignment with fair hiring processes. This position requires an incumbent must maintain valid driver's license, and insurance, OR have other reliable transportation. 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 Janel Lane at janel.j.lane@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 Janel Lane at janel.j.lane@state.mn.us. About the Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities The Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities promotes the highest attainable standards for treatment, competence, efficiency, and justice for persons receiving services for mental illness (MI), developmental disabilities (DD), and substance use disorder (SUD). These include services that are licensed, certified, or registered by the Departments of Health, Human Services, and Education as well as local school districts and county social service agencies. 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 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.

What you’ll do

Provide advocacy and resource services to people with developmental disabilities, mental illness, or substance use disorders, and investigate complaints involving rights, services, and respectful treatment. Review reports of serious injuries, monitor corrective action plans, and conduct casework, site visits, research, community engagement, and education or training.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree or higher is required in a specified related field, along with at least three years of qualifying experience serving or overseeing services for people with disabilities, mental illness, or substance use disorders. Candidates must demonstrate effective time management, problem-solving, communication, and independent work; a valid driver's license and insurance or reliable transportation are also required.

Benefits

• Paid Vacation Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Prescription Drug Coverage
• Fertility Care
• Paid Parental Leave
• Pension Plan
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Tax-Free Expense Accounts
• Professional Development
• Employee Assistance Program

Listed skills

• Time management · Preferred
• Problem solving · Preferred
• Training · Preferred
• case management · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred
• client advocacy · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Client Advocacy
• Investigations
• Problem-Solving
• Case Management
• Disability Services
• Clients' Rights
• Complaint Resolution
• Corrective Action Planning
• Communication
• Time Management
• Independent Work
• Mediation
• Training
• Community Engagement
• Research and Analysis
• Discharge Planning

Job areas

• Social Services
• Government & Public Sector
• Healthcare
• Legal

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