Child Care Grants Auditor / Investigator - Investigation Specialist 2

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Job Details

Working Title: Child Care Grants Auditor / Investigator

Job Class: Investigation Specialist 2

Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept

• Job ID: 98031
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers. This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 11/6/26. Please note that to be considered a bidder, you must be a permanent, non-probationary DCYF employee in the same job classification as the position posted.
• Date Posted: 10/30/2026
• Closing Date: 11/06/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Children Youth & Families Dept / DCYF Central Office MAPE
• Division/Unit: DCY - Central Office / OIG Child Care Investigations
• Work Shift: Day Shift
• Work Hours: 8:00 AM- 4:30 PM
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 50%
• Salary Range: $31.81 - $46.96 / hourly; $66,419 - $98,052 / 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 Children, Youth, and Families is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work inthe United States at the start of employment. DCYF does not participate in E-Verify

The work youll 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

• Telework (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available.
• Statewide travel is possible 5% of the time and may require overnight travel.
• Evening availability is required and may vary based on business needs.

This position exists to apply auditing, licensed childcare, accounting, investigation and/or criminal justice system experience to proactively audit for compliance and investigate alleged or suspected financial misconduct and errors related to awarded payments, covers grants and great start support payments, and childcare stabilization funding. The incumbent will function independently and as a member of a financial or investigation team, in training, developing and implementing strategies toward fraud prevention and detection, comprehensive investigations, and the development of cases that may involve civil, monetary, or criminal case actions. In addition, the incumbent will plan, develop, and implement strategies that are designed to minimize the opportunities for abuse.

This position requires the incumbent to independently conduct audits and investigate and/or assist other investigative staff to initiate, develop, and resolve cases which may lead to administrative actions, sanctions, referrals for criminal action, and/or monetary recoveries of county, state and federal childcare assistance funds erroneously or fraudulently received by childcare providers.

Qualifications

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.

Two (2) years* of experience working in law enforcement, investigations, auditing or accounting.

Experience must demonstrate the following:

• Interviewing and communication techniques
• Policy interpretation, research, data analysis and information technology skills
• Access, extract, manipulate and present data in different formats to support audit and investigative activities
• Testifying in criminal and/or civil court
• Analyze fiscal and statistical data and identify discrepancies

AND

Must possess a valid drivers license

• A bachelor's degree in criminal justice, paralegal, law enforcement, accounting, finance, economics, business administration, public administration or related field may substitute for one year of experience.

Applicants who meet the above experience requirements will be further evaluated based on the following during the interview process:

• Ability to use a computer, mainframe terminal and spreadsheet, data base, and word processing software in relationship to investigative functions to format, analyze, and prepare reports containing narrative and numeric data.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a lead investigator and working independently
• Present concise, well-written, factual, investigative reports, referrals, and other materials for legal review and consideration in civil or criminal cases with the ability to communicate issues, justify conclusions reached and recommend courses of actions in an audit environment
• Experience planning and conducting audits/reviews/investigations
• Ability to use a computer, mainframe terminal and spreadsheet, data base, and word processing software in relationship to investigative functions to format, analyze, and prepare reports containing narrative and numeric data.
• Background in banking, accounting, finance, criminal justice, law enforcement, business administration or public administration
• Knowledge of the basic principles of civil and criminal law, state statues and rules relating to Federal Grants and Great Start Compensation Support payments
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures

Additional Requirements

It is the policy of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, that may include the following components:

• Reference check
• Criminal Background check
• Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)
• Driver's License Check
• Personnel File Review: all current and former public sector employees
• Additional assessment may be required during the interview process

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 Beth Richtsmeier, at Beth.Richtsmeier@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 Richard Howatt at richard.howatt@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 Children,Youth and Families ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or

target="_blank">DCYF ADA at ada.dcyf@state.mn.us .

About Children Youth & Families Dept

Our state depends on the success of Minnesota children, youth and families. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families puts children at the center of state government, creating a permanent state agency and commissioner focused on elevating children and families in policy and budget decisions.

This realigns state government to advance equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families through transformative, partnership-driven policies, programs and practices.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesotas 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, youll 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.