Job Details

Working Title: Talent Acquisition Specialist

Job Class: Human Resources Specialist 1 & 2

Agency: Human Services Dept

Job ID: 96841
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: 09/04/2026
Closing Date: 09/14/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / DHS Confidential
Division/Unit: Human Resources / Talent Acquisition Team
Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
Days of Work: Monday - Friday
Travel Required: No
HR Specialist 1 Salary Range: $26.12 - $37.91 / hourly; $54,538 - $79,156 / annually
HR Specialist 2 Salary Range: $28.75 - $42.16 / hourly; $60,030 - $88,030 / annually
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 217 - Confidential/Unrep
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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 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.

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 job announcement covers multiple openings, including one or more positions designated at the HR Specialist 1 level***

The Talent Acquisition Specialist provides professional recruitment, sourcing, and advisory support to the Department of Human Services (DHS). As a member of the Talent Acquisition Team, this role coordinates and manages day-to-day recruitment activities, prepares job postings, screens applicants, and supports interview and pre-onboarding processes. Depending on assignment and classification level, the incumbent may independently manage complex recruitments, refine selection processes, and advise hiring managers on best practices for Clerical, Technical, and Professional job classifications.

The position builds strong relationships with hiring managers, HR colleagues, applicants, and community partners to strengthen DHS’ ability to attract and retain a diverse, high-quality workforce. The incumbent applies established HR policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and agency practices to ensure consistent, equitable, and compliant hiring. At higher levels, the role operates with increased independence, provides advisory support, and identifies opportunities to improve workflows and recruitment outcomes.

This position will consult with higher-level HR staff on complex recruitment issues, consistent with the scope of the assigned classification.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Human Resources Specialist 1

To qualify at this level, applicants must meet one of the following:

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a closely related field

AND

Experience applying HR analytical concepts through internships, short-term roles, or project work involving recruitment within a large organization (1000+ employees).

OR

Two years HR support experience within a large organization (1000+ employees) including recruitment analytics, compensation support, workforce planning, or organizational development

Human Resources Specialist 2

To qualify at this level, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Two years of HR experience with full cycle recruitment within a large complex organization (1000+ employees).
Experience interpreting and applying HR policies, procedures, and/or guidelines to ensure compliant hiring practices

A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a closely related field may substitute for one year of Human Resources experience.

All applicants must minimally meet these additional required qualifications:

Experience supporting or managing recruitment activities such as job posting, applicant screening, or pre-onboarding tasks.
Ability to interpret and apply HR policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and agency guidelines to ensure equitable and compliant hiring practices.
Skill in advising or assisting hiring managers on recruitment processes, best practices, and selection methods.
Capacity to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and identify opportunities to improve recruitment workflows and outcomes.
Experience communicating complex human resources concepts clearly and effectively through written, verbal, and presentation formats.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience interpreting current employment laws, regulations, and policies related to classification, recruitment, selection, hiring, promotion, and/or retention of employees
Experience with public sector human resources principles and practices, including compensation, recruitment, selection, workforce planning, and staffing processes
Experience contributing to HR projects, process improvements, or change management initiatives
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures

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.
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 Daniel Thorp at daniel.thorp@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 Daniel Thorp at daniel.thorp@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.

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