Rural Health Transformation Program Community Health Worker Initiatives Planner - Planner Principal State

Working Title: Rural Health Transformation Program Community Health Worker Initiatives Planner - Planner Principal State
Job Class: Planner Principal State
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 93462
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes / Hybrid 
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers. Interest bidders will be considered through 04/17/2026.
• Date Posted: 04/11/2026
• Closing Date: 04/24/2026
• Hiring Agency: Health Department
• Division/Unit: Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Division/ Community Health Worker Initiatives and Engagement Unit 
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 50% 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/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• 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 Rural Health Transformation Program Community Health Worker Initiatives Planner exists to provide the Community Health Worker and Community Engagement Unit with expertise in evidence-based and promising practice models of Community Health Worker (CHW)/Community Health Representative (CHR) integration into rural care settings. This position provides statewide leadership, planning, and implementation for Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) initiatives focused on frontline health worker model integration to provide care closer to home, strengthening team-based care, expanding community-clinical linkages, and providing culturally responsive care to support sustainable improvements in chronic disease outcomes and access to care for rural Minnesotans. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Supporting rural hospitals, clinics, Tribal Nations, and community-based organizations to design, document, and implement evidence-based and promising practice CHW models and community-clinical linkage strategies. 
• Advancing community-based preventive care and remote patient monitoring strategies. 
• Promoting evidence-based chronic disease management. 

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. 

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. Aligning initiatives with existing statewide infrastructure and policy. 

Minimum Qualifications

Three (3) years of experience working with community health workers (CHWs), rural health care systems, health equity, community health partnerships or health care related projects. Experience must include the following: 

• Completion of a Community Health Worker (CHW) Certificate program or three (3) or more years of experience managing, supervising, or integrating community health workers/community health representatives within health care or Tribal health settings.
• Experience managing projects with internal and external partners.
• Experience working with healthcare systems which may include hospitals, clinics, and social services. 

Minimum Qualifications to be assessed at interview: 

• Experience, background and/or knowledge of CHW team-based care models, social determinants of health, chronic diseases, community-clinical linkages, team-based care, and community health. 
• Ability to provide consultation and technical assistance to design, implement, and evaluate community health worker and public health programs. 
• Ability to build, develop, and maintain effective internal and external working relationships with a variety of people and organizations working in health care, tribal health, community health services, public health, and social services. 

Preferred Qualifications

• A master’s degree in public health, community health, health care administration, social work, or related field is preferred. 
• Experience working with diverse populations such as low-income, rural residents, racial, ethnic, or cultural communities, adolescents, older adults, people with Limited English Proficiency, people with disabilities or mental illness, and LGBTQ communities is a plus.
• This position requires strong organizational, planning, and interpersonal skills with the ability to lead and coordinate groups to work on initiatives that address access to cultural and community specific care, social determinants of health, social needs, health equity, and their intersection with chronic conditions.
• Extensive knowledge of the Community Health Worker (CHW) and Community Health Representative (CHR) professions, including workforce models, scope of practice, stakeholders, and integration within health systems and community settings.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check. 
• This employment does not require a valid driver’s license, but it does demand travel, which the candidate will be responsible for meeting.    
• Under U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services regulations, the successful candidate must be able to accept work in the U.S. by the day employment begins. This agency is unable to offer H-1B sponsorship. 

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.