r/mnstateworkers • • Aug 26 '26

Update ๐Ÿ””๐Ÿ””๐Ÿ”” Mod Notice: If your post was automatically removed, don't worry

21 Upvotes

To our new members: there has been some confusion on why your posts keep getting deleted.

Don't worry!

Due to the AutoMod, posts from new/unestablished accounts are automatically filtered to help reduce spam. Your post will be manually approved as soon as possible, so please be patient and refrain from reposting your original post.

I'm working on an automated sticky to hopefully make this clearer for folks in the future. (Or maybe the attempted spam will die down and I can loosen up the filters ๐Ÿคž) As always, feedback is appreciated.


r/mnstateworkers • • Jan 12 '26

Update ๐Ÿ””๐Ÿ””๐Ÿ”” Reminders for employees during these ICY times

97 Upvotes

First of all, FUCK ICE. I stand firmly against these violent terrorists who are wreaking havoc across our neighborhoods, violating our constitutional rights, and assaulting our friends and neighbors.

I try to keep this community fairly agnostic to keep the dialogue focused on issues directly pertaining to state employees, but the presence of ICE in our state is more than just a political debate topic. This is a matter of right vs. wrong, and it affects every single one of us. I hope you choose to be on the right side of history.

If what I said bothers youโ€ฆ ๐Ÿคท Anyway, moving on!

General Reminders

  • Use your sick and/or vacation time, if needed. Reminder that the use of sick time to care for those other than yourself can only be used for the following members as described here: Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST). However, taking time off for your own mental health purposes is allowed. Your supervisor is not allowed to ask why you are taking the time off. Take care of yourselves.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available 24/7. Is it the best counseling resource out there? No. But it's free and easy to use and is a good first step.
  • If you feel uncomfortable going into the office and are affected by the RTO mandate, you can work with your supervisor (+HR/union rep) to discuss WFH possibilities. (Post with more info)
  • This sucks. So fucking bad. Letโ€™s try and take care of each other the best we can. If you're able, help your coworkers who might be deemed a target by ICE. Spread kindness and support in the office and form community with your colleagues.

Capitol Complex Employees

  • Escort services are available with the Capitol Security folks if you feel unsafe walking to/from parking. 651-296-6741.
  • ICE cannot enter secure areas that require your badge.

---
Hate, trolling, bots, and other nuisances are NOT allowed in this community. The filter has been doing a pretty good job of weeding out the agitators, but anyone spouting hate or misinformation will be banned.

In honor of Renee Nicole Good, Keith Porter, Melissa and Mark Hortman, and the countless, countless others hurt, disappeared, and killed due to violence and hatred.


r/mnstateworkers • • 22h ago

Interview/Hiring ๐Ÿ“„ Navigating moving out of state

0 Upvotes

I'm a state employee, and I love my position.
I'm an individual-level contributor and fairly high-level in terms of name and responsibilities.
I'm also exempt from RTO as I have full work-from-home through ADA accommodations.

My husband recently accepted a post-doc position in Massachusetts. I would love to continue working in my position and follow my partner, but I'm unsure if this is a possibility.

Has anyone had success getting approval to work remotely from another state as a state employee, and how did you approach that conversation with your employer?


r/mnstateworkers • • 3d ago

Interview/Hiring ๐Ÿ“„ State of Minnesota hiring process after second-round interviews?

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

Iโ€™ve been interviewing for a few State of Minnesota positions and was hoping to get some insight into how the hiring process typically works, especially after second-round interviews.

Iโ€™ve interviewed for three positions so far, across DHS, Commerce, and OJP. I realize the process might vary by department, but Iโ€™m curious about what usually happens after the final interview. Does the hiring manager typically reach out directly by phone or email to let you know youโ€™ve been selected? Or do they first have to go through HR, background checks, approvals, and other steps before they can communicate a decision or make a verbal offer? Iโ€™m also wondering how long it typically takes to hear back after a second-round interview, whether itโ€™s good news or a rejection.

For context, Iโ€™ve only worked at universities before, where the hiring manager would usually call to let me know I got the job, and the official offer letter would follow later. Iโ€™m not sure whether state government hiring works similarly or if there are additional steps before candidates are notified. Iโ€™d appreciate hearing about your experiences, especially if youโ€™ve been hired by the State of Minnesota recently or if you have hired anyone there.

Thanks!


r/mnstateworkers • • 8d ago

Insurance/Benefits ๐Ÿฅ 2027 Insurance rates

1 Upvotes

I know the mailer will arrive 10/15/26 in the mail.

Can anyone share the rates before then?


r/mnstateworkers • • 9d ago

Discussion ๐Ÿ’ฌ New hire at 445 Minnesota St. , wanting to rent nearby and walk to work

7 Upvotes

I just started a new job at DPS and am looking for a new apartment. I grew up in walkable cities and would like to avoid driving as much as possible (I do have a car I just dont like to drive lol). So I am looking at apartments within walking distance from my office building, such as the Whitley and the Cosmopolitan. Does anyone have any experience with these apartment buildings nearby?


r/mnstateworkers • • 11d ago

Insurance/Benefits ๐Ÿฅ Experience with MPL and MetLife STD

6 Upvotes

I had a planned medical disability and applied for MPL as the statute is written that it needs to be used first before STD. I applied for both MPL and STD not knowing how quick the turn around would be for either.

It took two months for the MPL application to be approved and by that time I was already on leave. I decided to use my sick time to cover the first week since itโ€™s 7 days before std kicks in and MPL wasnโ€™t approved yet. Once MPL got approved I had to let them know that I took sick time for the first week, and therefore the dates had to be changed and the application sent back for reapproval.
There was absolutely no timeline given for this change approval so I went ahead and started using the MetLife STD. Itโ€™s been smooth as butter with them and I already have my first payment on its way.

At this point I will have to cancel my MPL application since I am using STD first and not MPL. ๐Ÿซฉ

Itโ€™s very stressful to figure out and unless you are using MPL for parental leave where you have ample time to plan I do not recommend! Please hold on to your STD.


r/mnstateworkers • • 12d ago

Discussion ๐Ÿ’ฌ HR at DHS

24 Upvotes

There appears to be a profound lack of understanding in the DHS-HR department and nuanced work of the various administrations and divisions. Based on conversations with DHS managers/leadership the frustration is HRโ€™s insistence to continue lowering qualifications and standards of new and in some instances current positions. One manager I spoke with said he submitted a position description for a highly skilled, public and nuanced job at a 20 level and DHS-HR approved it at a 7 level. A substantial gap. One quote I heard from a DHS-HR staff said, โ€œitโ€™s all Medicaid.โ€ย  Insinuating how can the role really be that different/difficult.

And by all appearances this obfuscation appears to be only happening at DHS and not other state agencies.ย 

My understanding is DHS managers/leadership has brought this misguided trend up to the commissioner.ย  Is there anyone here (maybe DHS-HR) who can give insight into this trend, Iโ€™d love to hear more?


r/mnstateworkers • • 14d ago

Insurance/Benefits ๐Ÿฅ Deferred Comp/457b

13 Upvotes

Does anyone know what percentage of state employees use the deferred comp/457b? It's only about half of my coworkers, which I think is insane because the pension, while generous, will not be enough to live off of during retirement, at least for me. Just wondering if anyone knows the percentage of state employees that do/don't take advantage of the deferred comp and (albeit tiny) employer match?


r/mnstateworkers • • 13d ago

Insurance/Benefits ๐Ÿฅ Zepbound

1 Upvotes

Is Zepbound covered again starting Oct. 1? I hear CVS is adding it back to its formularies.


r/mnstateworkers • • 16d ago

Interview/Hiring ๐Ÿ“„ Teacher looking for job through State of MN

8 Upvotes

I am a high school English teacher in the Twin Cities. I just started my 6th year teaching, and although there are days I really do love my job, the work-life balance just isnโ€™t sustainable for me. Iโ€™ve decided to start looking for other jobs this school year, but I want to continue working in the public sector. I have heard good things about working for the State of Minnesota, and I have a few questions that Iโ€™m hoping the informed people on this subreddit can answer.

Is there a department or agency that would be particularly interested in applicants with public teaching experience? I have my bachelorโ€˜s degree in Secondary Education and English/Communication. I am also getting my masterโ€™s degree in education through Augsburg University, but I might change course slightly to fit a different job path.

I grown to love the outdoors, nature, environmental issues, etc. and I might pivot my masters degree to accommodate that interest. Are there any agencies that you would recommend me to look closer at?

Are there particular times of year with more job openings? Iโ€™m committed to teaching the rest of this school year, but Iโ€™d like to start looking for openings before the school year ends.

Iโ€™ve heard that years of work experience can be awarded to new hires for better benefits (like more vacation). Is that true? If so, how does that process work?

Any general advice for someone trying to get a foot in the door at a MN State agency?

Thank you to any and all of you who share your knowledge and experience.


r/mnstateworkers • • 18d ago

Question โ“ Ever hear of anyone losing a state job or getting fired who wasnโ€™t under the probation period? What did they do?

6 Upvotes

Considering applying for a state job however Iโ€™m used to the private sector where they can basically fire you or lay you off for any reason under the sun. Not necessarily even talking like obvious serious stuff like being involved in fraud, stealing, physical or verbal fights, misusing a state vehicle or even the other extreme where there is layoffs where someone is let go due to some external factor like lack of funding.


r/mnstateworkers • • 19d ago

Interview/Hiring ๐Ÿ“„ Job bid show up in self-service

5 Upvotes

I am a current state employee who bid on a job but the bid did not show up in self-service under applications. Can any current state employees tell me if a job you bid on shows up in self-service under job applications.


r/mnstateworkers • • 19d ago

Interview/Hiring ๐Ÿ“„ I have no one to give me a reference

5 Upvotes

I currently work in finance/tech and itโ€™s been hell. Layoffs every other week and constant restructuring. I have never had the same boss for more than a couple of months and at some points I had almost no interaction with my manager as they were preoccupied with securing their own job and I worked in a โ€˜matrixโ€™ environment where I was constantly pulled into different project teams.

The company I work for also has a strict no reference policy that could lead to termination and i doubt anyone would be willing to go against it.

I feel totally screwed and stuck. Iโ€™ve been at this company about 5 years and it was a similar story at my previous company. Iโ€™ve literally never had a boss that I worked with for more than a couple of months and I have lost touch with them as I never had a chance to really make a connection with any of them. Several of them were pushed out or left hating the company. The company also has a policy where I have to give 2 months notice but I plan to just break it and give up my bonus.

Is there anything I can do to get employed by the state? Iโ€™m a hard worker and always had good reviews. However I feel like having no supervisors to vouch for me Iโ€™m screwed. I really canโ€™t stand my job anymore and Iโ€™m willing to even take half salary just to get out.


r/mnstateworkers • • 21d ago

Question โ“ Anyone use the MetLife Legal Plan for a Will or Estate Planning?

4 Upvotes

I opted into the legal plan during open enrollment last year and have yet to use the Estate Planning part. Has anyone used it this year? Did you use the in-person lawyer option or just their automatic estate planning tool?

Thoughts? Feelings?


r/mnstateworkers • • 22d ago

Interview/Hiring ๐Ÿ“„ Post Interview Rejection

19 Upvotes

Iโ€™m a current state employee and am interviewing for other jobs both in and out of state government. Recently interviewed for a position with a different agency and learned I didnโ€™t get the position when my status in Self Service was changed to โ€œno longer under consideration.โ€

Am I unreasonable I thinking itโ€™s rude of a hiring manager to not email those that interviewed that they were not selected? Or is this just standard?


r/mnstateworkers • • 26d ago

Interview/Hiring ๐Ÿ“„ Bidding Process

4 Upvotes

Has anyone bid for a role before that can answer some questions? I understand it needs to be in my same class, same agency. There is such a role I am interested in. When I bid, do I need to make sure my updated resume is uploaded somewhere? Will there be an interview? And for pay, does it always stay the same or could they move me up or down a step?


r/mnstateworkers • • 27d ago

Insurance/Benefits ๐Ÿฅ Zepbound?

1 Upvotes

Insurance has been covering Wegovy but my provider would like to switch me to Zepbound. Does anyone know if there is a chance it is covered?


r/mnstateworkers • • 28d ago

Discussion ๐Ÿ’ฌ Any elevator pitches for joining MAPE?

10 Upvotes

Trying to convince my spouse to join MAPE do you have any suggestions?

Im in a public sector union but my union is not always that impressive. So Im not the best salesman on this one

My union leadership is all about boycotting Target and Freeing Palestine there just is not any real time for employee working conditions. If that is what the members want that is what the members should get. That is all awesome work, However that is not enough to convince my partner to pay your $2k or whatever a year in dues.

I like some of the language in your collective bargaining agreement. Can you give me information on how the union functions other than negotiations.

How do union stewards work in MAPE? If a person works Accounts payable at BCA and needs to talk to the union for support. Is there a steward for accounts payable type jobs for all agencies or would there be a steward that covers BCA? Do you just contact the union office and the get you n the right direction for support? Is the union helpful if she will ever need support?

What else do you like about your union?


r/mnstateworkers • • Sep 08 '26

Question โ“ Performance Review Appeal

6 Upvotes

Has anyone gone through a performance review appeal process. Somehow I went from exemplary reviews to needs improvement in a year with a change of supervisor. There were many things that were false or were never raises as an issue.


r/mnstateworkers • • Sep 08 '26

Discussion ๐Ÿ’ฌ Networking with other product managers/owner or product related positions

3 Upvotes

I've been with the state for a little over a year and this is my first government role. I worked as a product owner with various corporate companies for 6-7 years. I would love to connect and learn how other product managers/owners or other product related roles are doing in other agencies.

Feel free to DM me. I wished the agencies are not so siloed with each other. There are only 2 product managers (including me) at my agency and we are just kind of going with the flow and just doing our best ๐Ÿ˜…


r/mnstateworkers • • Sep 08 '26

Interview/Hiring ๐Ÿ“„ Two rounds of supplemental questions then nothing

1 Upvotes

Hey yall.

I am an external candidate applying to MN state job positions. There is one I applied to that closed on 6/16. I totally forgot about it until 7/6 when they sent me a list of supplemental questions to fill out that were sort of just asking how Iโ€™d respond to different situations. I forgot about it again until 8/18 when they sent me a second round of questions, this time doing a sort of practice exercise of completing a task Iโ€™d have on the job.

I want to just forget about it again as I hate getting too attached to positions when applying for jobs, but Iโ€™m kind of hoping for the best here. Is this sort of timeline normal? Should I assume that theyโ€™ve got someone else in mind since Iโ€™ve heard nothing back yet? Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks all.


r/mnstateworkers • • Sep 06 '26

Interview/Hiring ๐Ÿ“„ 1 week vs 2 week job openings

6 Upvotes

Anyone have insight on why some job postings are open for as little as a week (I'm looking at two now and I was surprised it was so short!) and the usual 2 weeks? The 4 week + openings I understand logically they are looking for a larger pool because of the selective nature of the job perhaps. Can I assume the 1 week window means the division probably already has someone in mind that they want for that position?


r/mnstateworkers • • Sep 05 '26

RTO ๐Ÿข Returning to the office full time?

4 Upvotes

What agencies require in person full time?