Sponsor: Human Resources
Title
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Salary Schedule and Grade for New Classified Position - Data Practices Officer
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Recommendation
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Approve the salary schedule and grade allocation for the new unrepresented job classification of Data Practices Officer:
Job Classification Schedule Grade Annual Salary Schedule
Data Practices Officer - Classified 102A 35 $ 74,290.99 - 111,436.48
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Background and Rationale
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The Compliance & Ethics Office is requesting a new unrepresented job classification - Data Practices Officer. The Data Practices Officer will ensure compliance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. As a government agency within Minnesota, Ramsey County is subject to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA), which is a state requirement similar to federal requirements under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The Data Practices Officer’s work will include directing and managing responses to high volumes of data requests, accessing data to provide resident services, providing data practices training to county employees, and safeguarding responsive data to protect data privacy. Failure to meet these obligations increases the county’s exposure to potential regulatory violations (ex: monetary fines), litigation (ex: settlement agreements), and reputational damages (ex: negative press).
This role will improve operational efficiency and create systems that increase organizational effectiveness by:
• Managing at least 70 department data practices contacts:
o Training users in the data request tool and how to respond to data requests
o Supporting department data management framework (workflows, standardized responses, decision trees, etc.)
o Providing data management consultation
• Developing and maintaining a countywide data inventory.
• Developing, implementing and maintaining data compliance policies, procedures and guidance.
• Developing and delivering data compliance training (both in-person, virtually and on-demand).
Having the data protection systems in place will ensure the county has a consistent and timely response to members of the public making data requests.
This classification is a direct report to the Chief Compliance & Ethics Officer.
The Human Resources department followed its normal process for conducting the classification study and determined:
• There is no existing classification that adequately describes all of the duties, responsibilities and knowledge required of the new classification.
• Adding the Data Practices Officer classification will provide the structure needed to meet the demands of overall program growth and realignment of integrated services and will strengthen each division’s ability to serve Ramsey County residents.
• The classification was point rated by a human resources job evaluation team and Data Practices Officer received a total of 850 points.
• The recommended salary is based on Ramsey County’s job evaluation procedures and policies and is consistent with the County compensation policy and practices (Resolution 95-356) and the Personnel Act (Minnesota Statute 383A.282).
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
Having a Data Practices Officer ensures equal access to government information to all community members, regardless of their background, resources, or racial demographics. The lack of a centralized expert can become a barrier to information that disproportionately affects marginalized groups. This role allows for consistent tracking and release of data that may be essential in identifying and correcting systemic disparities in public programs.
Community Participation Level and Impact
The Data Practices Officer lowers barriers for residents seeking information and engaging with the county. This dedicated role trains and guides 70 department level data practices contacts to ensure responses to data requests are accurate and prompt. This structure fosters transparency and encourages residence to engage and partner with the county.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this request.
Last Previous Action
None.
Attachments
1. Job Class Title - Data Practices Officer