Quality Assurance Examiner - Research Analysis Specialist Senior

Working Title: Quality Assurance Examiner
Job Class: Research Analysis Specialist Senior
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 92446
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, hybrid 50%
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 03/18/2026.
• Date Posted: 03/12/2026
• Closing Date: 03/25/2026
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Health Department
• Division/Unit: Health Systems / Health Policy
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

MDH relies heavily on grant funding, in addition to state appropriated dollars. As an agency, we continually monitor funding levels and navigate some degree of uncertainty related to grant cycles and the impact of the grant funding on program priorities.

This position is currently funded and approved to be filled. While the position is funded at this time, future funding is dependent on the continuation of our funding sources. The Minnesota Department of Health works proactively to sustain programs and maintain our workforce, to avoid reductions in force to the very best of our ability. In the event of a loss of funding resulting in a necessary workforce reduction, that process is governed by our collective bargaining agreements and compensation plans. 

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 responsible for ensuring health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and county-based purchasing (CBP) entities comply with complex state and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing managed care programs. The role conducts detailed compliance reviews, including Minnesota Health Care Programs – Managed Care (MHCP-MC) assessments (also known as the Triennial Compliance Assessment) through an interagency agreement with the Department of Human Services.

Working with a high degree of independence, this position performs audits, investigations, and data analysis to evaluate health plan operations—particularly their quality assurance and improvement programs. The role requires strong skills in interpreting laws and regulations, analyzing data from multiple sources, and communicating findings clearly in both written and verbal formats.

This position examines health plan activities in detail while also assessing how those activities function within the broader quality improvement system, using research methods, statistical analysis, and established quality standards to validate regulatory compliance.

Primary responsibilities include: 

• Plan and execute comprehensive examination of each HMO and CBP (referred to as “plan”) for compliance with statutes and rules governing quality, utilization review, complaints/appeals, and access to care, on an established schedule. 
• Plan and conduct mid-cycle reviews of each HMO and CBP corrective action plans on a scheduled basis

In accordance with HR/LR Policy #1422 Telework, this position is eligible for up to 50% telework for applicants who live in Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location. Candidates residing outside of Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location at the time of application must be able to relocate to Minnesota within 30 days of their start date. The telework policy may exempt employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in-office requirement, depending on job requirements, helping the State of Minnesota access top talent across the state.

Minimum Qualifications

Three (3) years' experience providing support in health-related data management and analysis including each of the following:

• Experience preparing formal written reports, summaries, or documentation communicating findings, recommendations, or compliance determinations.
• Experience collecting, reviewing, and analyzing data or technical information for evaluation of performance, compliance, or program effectiveness.
• Experience planning, conducting, or supporting audits, investigations, or formal compliance reviews, including analyzing documentation, records, or operational practices.
• Experience interpreting and applying laws, rules, regulations, or formal standards to determine organizational compliance.

A related master’s degree may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience; bachelor’s degree may substitute for twelve (12) months of experience; and associate’s degree may substitute for six (6) months of experience.

Qualifications to be further be assessed during the interview process:

• Ability to Interpret and Apply Complex Laws, Rules, and Standards
• Advanced Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills
• Ability to Conduct Independent Investigative or Audit Work
• Ability to Communicate Complex Findings to Diverse Stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Managed Care, HMOs, or Health Plan Operations.
• Experience with Healthcare Quality Assurance, Quality Improvement, or Utilization Review.
• Experience Applying Federal Healthcare Regulations (e.g., Medicaid, HIPAA, or Accreditation Standards).
• Advanced Data Analysis or Statistical Experience.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.

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 Kaitlyn Crowley at katie.crowley@state.mn.us or 651-201-5984.

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 Kaitlyn Crowley at katie.crowley@state.mn.us.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at health.hr.ada@state.mn.us.

About Health Department 

Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction.

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.