Human Services Judge

Working Title: Human Services Judge

Job Class: Human Services Judge

Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID: 98201
• 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: 11/04/2026
• Closing Date: 12/03/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: DHS-Central Office / Human Services Judges-2
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes (~5%)
• Salary Range: $39.22 - $58.35 / hourly; $81,891 - $121,834 / 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 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.

• 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.***
• This posting may be used to fill multiple vacancies**
  
  

As a Human Services Judge, you will conduct administrative fair hearings for the Minnesota Department of Human Services, MNsure Board, and the Minnesota Departments of Health, Education, and Children, Youth, and Families. After conducting an evidentiary hearing, you will review the evidence and pertinent federal and state law and prepare an independent recommended order to decide the appeal. The recommended order is reviewed by the respective agency’s Commissioner’s designee who issues the final decision.

Responsibilities Include But May Not Be Limited To

• Manage a high-volume caseload while ensuring that appeals assigned to you are resolved timely, efficiently, and in a manner that protects the rights of the parties.
• Conduct evidentiary hearings to develop a complete record.
• Make findings of fact and conclusions of law based on an analysis of the complete record and the laws that apply to the disputed issues.
• Comply with all applicable statutes, rules, regulations, and policies in order to effectively carry out the requirements of this position and the Agency’s mission, values, and goals.
  
  

Minimum 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, day and year for each job held.**
  
  

Four (4) Years Of Advanced Professional Legal Experience Appearing In Or Conducting Civil, Criminal, Or Administrative Hearings. Experience Must Demonstrate The Following

• Ability to identify legal issues within a complex set of factual circumstances;
• Strong written and oral communication skills sufficient to communicate with parties and write clear, concise recommended orders that are easily understood by all parties;
• Excellent legal research and analysis skills;
• Ability to work respectfully with persons of diverse backgrounds, including those with different cultural backgrounds; people in crisis; people in poverty; people with physical disabilities; people with mental illness; and non-English speakers;
• Ability to be flexible and quickly respond to changing situations;
• Ability to exhibit judicial temperament to conduct hearings in adversarial situations;.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, prioritize work load, allocate time in an efficient manner, and meet deadlines;
• Ability to build and maintain good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
• Ability to competently use computer, case management system, and recording devices;
• Juris Doctorate (J.D.);
• Must be licensed to practice law in Minnesota and be in active status, an inactive resident, retired, on disabled status, or on retired senior status.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience conducting evidentiary hearings as an administrative law judge, workers' compensation judge, unemployment insurance judge or equivalent experience in public sector hearings environment.
• Experience making credibility determinations.
• Professional experience representing public assistance recipients or government agencies in legal proceedings.
• Professional experience representing clients in administrative hearings.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
  
  

Additional Requirements

• Candidates will be asked to complete a writing sample in response to a written prompt to demonstrate independent writing and analytical skills within a defined time limit.***
  
  

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – DHS will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment.

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 [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact AmyLynne Hermanek at [email protected].

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 Alexander Duren at [email protected].

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] and let us know the support you need.