Data Privacy Specialist

POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive 
 DEPARTMENT: Central Operations Administration
 HOURS: Monday-Friday 8:00 – 4:30
 HIRING RANGE: $56,217-$70,271 /year (Grade 106)
 SALARY RANGE: $56,217-$87,839 /year
 LOCATION: ADC/Hastings
 UNION: None
 CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on September 10, 2025
 
The Data Privacy Specialist reports to the County Data Privacy Officer in the Central Operations Division and is responsible for receiving, tracking and processing requests for Social Services data. This includes retrieving documentation from various systems, reviewing, preparing, redacting, consulting with county attorneys when appropriate and disseminating data records according to state and federal data privacy laws.  This position will also review any internal department data privacy risks or concerns and consult with the county data privacy officer. This position is responsible for ensuring data privacy activities are consistent with legal and county policy requirements and will consult and collaborate with other compliance experts and resources within Dakota County as needed. 

Who We Are
Dakota County is Minnesota’s third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is “Be More” and we strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.
 
Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

Associate’s degree in Paralegal, Legal Assistant, Record Management, social work or related field.
AND
Two years of records management, customer service, administrative, or office experience.
OR
Equivalent combination of education and experience to equal or exceed four years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with Minnesota government Social Services systems, including the Social Services Information System (SSIS)
• Familiarity with document management within the OnBase Content Management Solution
• Certification in data privacy and/or data security
• Two or more years of experience redacting client files and records, especially government, social services, or medical records
• Experience developing or implementing State and Federal data privacy compliance programs
• Experience in a government, medical or legal records department or similar setting
• Knowledge of laws that pertain to data maintained by the Social Services Department, especially the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act ("Data Practices Act"). 
• Knowledge of the Minnesota Official Records Act and records administration law, the Minnesota Health Records Act, the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act ("HIPAA"), federal regulations concerning the privacy of alcohol and chemical health treatment records ("Title 42 CFR Part 2), and other state and federal laws and regulations concerning information privacy

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. 

1. Coordinate staff and respond directly to clients or other requesting entities to fulfill data requests using best practice guidelines for all Social Services programs; Child Protection, Adult Protection, Chemical Health, Mental Health and Disability programs, in compliance with statutory guidelines as they relate to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Health Records Act, and Federal data privacy laws. 
2. Work with Social Services and the County Attorney' Office to respond to legal entities requests, including subpoenas, court orders, and discovery requests.
3. Redaction of private and confidential data in compliance with state and federal data privacy laws. 
4. Consult with internal staff for dissemination of current case documents.
5. Track, investigate, document, and follow through on incidental data privacy breaches within the department.
6. Use technology and electronic data management systems to identify records and information from clients, from multiple state and county computer systems.
7. Consult and collaborate with the County Attorney's Office or County Data Privacy Officer as needed regarding statutory compliance for records release.
8. Coordinate appeal and reconsideration processes.
9. Build expertise and serve as a resource on record retention and case destruction.
10. Pull data as necessary for staff to conduct audits or fulfill other regulatory compliance requirements.
11. Other duties as assigned.

• Attention to detail and the ability to follow training, policies and procedures for responding to requests for government information.
• The ability to navigate systems that maintain and store Social Services data, including the Social Services Information System (SSIS) and OnBase.
• Ability to work independently, under minimal supervision, and as a team member.
• Ability to develop and implement effective policies and tools, including training and compliance resources for employees.
• Ability to communicate and interact with composure, professionalism, and discretion in person or by phone.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with others across departments without a direct reporting relationship.
• Ability to navigate several computer systems, and effectively use MS Office software and Adobe Professional software.
• Ability to coordinate work with colleagues to organize workload, meet deadlines and set work priorities. 
• Ability to work with critical deadlines and ensure the County does not fall behind in responding to requests for information.
• Knowledge of IT and data management best practices as they inter-relate with State and Federal data privacy laws.
• Demonstrate an understanding of and respect for the diversity of clients, co-workers, and supervisors, including individuals with a disability, or whose first language may be other than English.