Counsel to the Division of State Operated Specialty Care
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Counsel to the Division of State Operated Specialty Care
Salary
$109,990.40 - $156,499.20 Annually
Location
Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
27-00100
Agency
400 Health & Human Services - Compliance and Administration
Opening Date
07/14/2026
Closing Date
7/24/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag
LI-DNP
Point of Contact
Kayla Burkhiser Reynolds - kayla.burkhiser@hhs.iowa.gov
To Apply
To be considered applicants please send resume and cover letter to Kayla Burkhiser at kayla.burkhiser@hhs.iowa.gov
Description
Benefits
Job Description
This is a non-merit position for the Health & Human Services - Compliance and Administration. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section.
Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking an attorney to join its internal legal team. This position serves as HHS legal counsel to the Department of Health and Human Services' Division of State Operated Specialty Care and works collaboratively across all divisions within HHS, with the Attorney General's Office, and with outside counsel.
Responsibilities:
Under the direction and oversight of the Compliance Division General Counsel Supervisor, this position serves as internal counsel to the HHS Division of State Operated Specialty Care, ensuring operations remain compliant with state and federal laws and aligned with HHS policy, risk management principles, and best practices in healthcare and residential care delivery. The attorney in this position will work closely with the internal legal team, the Attorney General's Office, division and agency leadership, and other internal stakeholders to review and develop policy, proactively identify legal risks, support decision-making, and provide timely, practical legal solutions. Though particular specialties are not required, a background in health care law, employment law, criminal law, or other civil rights law is helpful.
Projects might include, among other duties:
Policy review, research, and development;
Conducting legal research and articulating legal risks and mitigation practices which should be considered in establishing, implementing, and monitoring the effectiveness of uniform processes and procedures for HHS;
Advising on questions of law, administrative regulations, opinions of the courts, Attorney General opinions, and federal guidance
Drafting legal memorandums to guide program leadership in decision making.
This position also works with the HHS government relations team and HHS division policy teams on the development and review of HHS agency prefile legislation. Legal counsel will review proposed legislation that may impact HHS's Division of State Operated Specialty Care and provide recommendations to the Chief of Compliance, Division Leadership, and Legislative Liaisons. Legal counsel will also review agency administrative rules prior to adoption and raise issues that need to be addressed with the Chief of Compliance and Division Leadership.
Legal counsel may represent the agency at administrative hearings or in front of other administrative bodies (e.g. Iowa Public Information Board) when determined necessary by the Chief of Compliance or HHS Director.
Requirements:
Admission to the Iowa State Bar
Benefits
Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:
Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.
For additional information on benefitsclick here.
Click hereto see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.
Background Checks
Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.
The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer
HHS values those with "lived experience" and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired - Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).
E-Verify and Right to Work
The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federalRight to Worklaws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visitwww.e-verify.gov.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Graduation from an accredited law school and the equivalent of five years of full-time successful and responsible experience in the practice of law;
OR
the equivalent of three years of full-time experience in the practice of law in the employing agency shall be considered as qualifying experience.
For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description. (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class\and\pay/JobClassDescriptions/Attorney3-00645-90645.pdf)
Additional Qualification Requirements
Positions in this class require admission to the Iowa State Bar.
Why Choose the State of Iowa?
At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.
Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:
Competitive Compensation:
Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.
Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.
Health and Wellness:
Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.
Retirement Planning:
We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) .
Paid Time Off:
Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.
Professional Development:
Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.
Diversity and Inclusion:
Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.
Join Us - Elevate Your Career:
Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!
Employer
State of Iowa
Agency
400 Health & Human Services - Compliance and Administration
Address
Lucas State Office Building
321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, iowa, 50319
Website
https://hhs.iowa.gov/
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