Working Title: Senior Attorney
Job Class: Staff Attorney 2
Agency: Human Services Dept
Job ID : 85863
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 04/25/2025
Closing Date : 05/08/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
Division/Unit : Department of Human Services (DHS) / Office of Inspector General (OIG) LegalChildrenYouthFamilies
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $37.98 - $56.50 / hourly; $79,302 - $117,972 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
The Department of Human Services (DHS) is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DHS does not participate in E-Verify.
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.
**This posting is used to fill multiple vacancies.
** June 1 st , 2025, this position has a flexible work arrangement that allows for up to 50% telework with a minimum of 50% working in our office per month.
This posting will be used to hire multiple subject matter expert attorneys in the Office of Inspector General (OIG) Legal Division. One position is in the OIG Legal Counsel's Office, Licensing Legal Team, and at least one other position is in the OIG Legal Counsel's Office, Children, Youth, and Families Legal Team.
Children, Youth, and Families Legal Team
In the 2023 legislative session, the Governor's Office, Minnesota legislature, and leaders for children and families worked in partnership to pass legislation establishing the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to create a sustainable, public face for children's issues in state government. This new cabinet-level agency brings together programs centered on children and families, including child care and early learning, child support, child safety and permanency, economic support and food assistance, and youth opportunity.
The Children, Youth, and Families attorney will start at DHS and move to DCYF by July 1, 2025. The attorney will support the DCYF licensing and program integrity divisions.
Licensing Legal Team
The Licensing Legal Team attorney remains part of the OIG Legal Counsel's Office supporting the Licensing Division. This position performs complex attorney functions relating to data practices and data management, the issuance of licensing actions, various administrative reconsiderations, administrative appeals, and litigation related to background studies, maltreatment, and licensing actions issued by the Licensing Division.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities within both the Children, Youth, and Families Team and the Licensing Legal Team include but are not limited to the following:
Subject matter expert in the overall laws, rules, and policies relating to the Licensing Division functions and related due process and in a specialty area of law within the Licensing Division.
Independently handles complex litigation and advises Licensing Division management and staff, the Attorney General's Office, county attorneys, and other agency staff on complex legal issues, with a high degree of judgment and skill based on their experience and subject matter knowledge.
Prepares memoranda, reconsideration decisions, and other legal documents relating to complex Licensing Division functions and related due process.
Handles data practices requests and related legal questions.
Good working knowledge of each OIG Division program to identify and raise potential cross-divisional impacts to the Legal Office Manager.
Operates with significant independence to act related to these areas and, with regard to their area of expertise, an obligation to keep leadership apprised of resources needs, legal trends, and significant legal developments, including identifying areas of risk that may affect the Licensing Division and other areas within OIG.
The position within the Children, Youth, and Families Team may also include the above responsibilities as they relate to the Child Care Audit and Investigations Division.
Minimum Qualifications
To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.
JD degree from an ABA accredited law school;
Current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota;
At least three (3) years' experience as a practicing attorney in an area of law related to the position, including administrative law, criminal or juvenile delinquency law, child or vulnerable adult protection law, or related civil legal experience.
Experience must demonstrate the following:
Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills;
Building and maintaining good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
Providing legal advice on diverse and complex human services and data privacy matters; and
Experience in one or more areas of law including administrative law, criminal or juvenile delinquency law, child or vulnerable adult protection law, or related civil legal experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience litigating cases in administrative, civil, or criminal courts or knowledge and technical experience in venues such as the Office of Administrative Hearings or Fair Hearings under Minnesota Statutes, section 256.045.
Knowledge and experience with data privacy law and regulation, including the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
Reviews and summarizes case decisions from district court, administrative hearings, and appellate courts.
Experience consistently managing multiple complex projects at various stages of completion at one time.
Experience working for a government agency or organization.
Experience drafting or reviewing contracts.
Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
Additional Requirements
To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.
REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS - The Department of Human Services will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
