Assistant Taxpayer Rights Advocate
Full-Time Assistant Taxpayer Rights Advocate at Minnesota Department of Revenue
Available Openings: 1
Industry: Government
Pay Type: Salary
Compensation: $63,788 - $94,001 / annually
Education Level: N/A
E-Verify: Yes

Job ID: 76344 Location: St. Paul Telework Eligible: Yes 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 05/10/2024. Date Posted: 05/03/2024 Closing Date: 05/23/2024 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Revenue Dept / Revenue (inc Assessors)-MAPE Division/Unit: Commissioner's Office / Taxpayer Rights Advocate Off Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift Days of Work: Monday - Friday Travel Required: No Salary Range: $30.55 - $45.02 / hourly; $63,788 - $94,001 / annually Job Class Option: Revenue Classified Status: Classified Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/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.

Responsibilities

Job Summary Assist with some of the most interesting and challenging tax controversies that Revenue encounters, while delivering equity-first results for Minnesota taxpayers!

The Taxpayer Rights Advocate Office is an independent office within the Department of Revenue. The Advocate reports directly to the commissioner of Revenue. If one has trouble resolving a tax issue with the Department of Revenue and has exhausted all other administrative remedies, the Taxpayer Rights Advocate Office may be able to help explain the options available.

As an Assistant Advocate (AA), you will skillfully balance technical knowledge with a deep understanding of tax laws and department policies.

This role is critical because it handles sensitive taxpayer cases with exceptional customer service. Acting as both a mediator and an advocate, the AA ensures fairness and consistency in the application of tax laws.

Effective collaboration and clear communication are key, as the AA liaises with a variety of stakeholders, fostering trust and maintaining transparency. Creativity is also essential, as the role often requires innovative solutions in situations where existing guidelines may not apply.

Ultimately, the AA helps to shape the TRA Office's work as a fair and independent voice for taxpayers, contributing to the Department of Revenue's mission to apply tax laws with impartiality and transparency.

Telework is available and negotiated at the time of hire. There may be periodic in office requirements as directed by management. The employee will be required to complete a telework agreement.

Teleworking employees are required to live in Minnesota or in a state bordering Minnesota.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications • Three (3) years of professional experience representing taxpayers, preparing tax returns, or working in tax compliance or administration.*

  • Bachelor's degree in a closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute one (1) year of experience; master’s degree substitutes for eighteen (18) months of experience; juris doctor, an enrolled agent, or a certificate in public accounting substitutes for twenty-four (24) months of experience.

• Prior demonstrated experience advocating in underrepresented populations in a professional or volunteer capacity.

Applicants who meet the above experience requirements will be further evaluated at interview based on the following:

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.

• Ability to identify, evaluate, negotiate, and resolve critical issues.

• Strong teamwork skills, including willingness and ability to consult with subject matter experts from operational teams within the organization.

Preferred Qualifications • Demonstrate exceptional interpersonal and cross-cultural competency, embracing open-mindedness and maintaining neutrality.

• Ability to articulate intricate tax-related concerns to diverse stakeholders, translating intricate statutory language into lay terms suitable for both professionals and the general populace.

• Experience exhibiting judgment on complex and ambiguous issues, fostering collaboration among leaders, teams, and stakeholders.

• Ability to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace and work with individuals from all background, with the experience of creating a work environment where differences are valued, encouraged, and supported.

Physical Requirements Requires occasional moving of articles such as boxes, accounting records, laptop computer, and portable printer. Candidate must be able to ascend/descend stairs and occasionally move various items such as boxes, accounting records, and other miscellaneous items that may weigh up to 50 pounds.

Additional Requirements Prior to an offer of employment, a background check will be conducted. This will include, but is not limited to checking degrees and licensures, criminal history, and tax filing and payment history. All individual income tax filing and payment obligations must be current prior to interviewing for this position.

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).

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 job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for this interview and/or testing process, please contact the Department of Revenue ADA Coordinator at revenue.eai@state.mn.us.

Contact If you have questions about this position, contact Megan Wells at megan.a.wells@state.mn.us or 651-556-3053.

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 Megan Wells at megan.a.wells@state.mn.us.

About Revenue Dept The Minnesota Department of Revenue works to fund the future for all of Minnesotans. We manage over 30 different taxes and collect $26.7 billion annually in state taxes, which funds state programs such as healthcare, transportation, public safety, and early childhood, K-12, and higher education.

Revenue is dedicated to an inclusive work environment that celebrates and values the diversity of each employee and reflects the communities we serve. We're committed to a culture of inclusion where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work and thrive.

We value a work life balance for our employees, and many of our employees telework in a full or hybrid capacity. For those that come to the office, regularly or occasionally, we invested in a state-of-the-art hybrid workspace located at the Stassen building in St. Paul.

Find out more about us on our website.

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 job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.

Minnesota Department of Revenue

Contact: Megan Wells
Phone 651-259-3637
600 Robert Street N.
Saint Paul, MN 55146
US
Transit: On bus line, On the Green Line