Working Title: Chief Legal Counsel
Job Class: General Counsel 2
Agency: Human Services Dept
Job ID : 96243
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Limited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 08/11/2026
Closing Date : 09/03/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Human Services Dept / DHS Manager
Division/Unit : Department of Human Services (DHS) / Office of Inspector General (OIG)-ADM OIG Executive Team
Work Shift/Work Hours : 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $57.67 - $82.61 / hourly; $120,414 - $172,489 / annually
Classified Status : Unclassified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 220 - Manager/Unrep
End Date : 06/16/2027
FLSA Status : Exempt - Executive
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : No
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 position is eligible for telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework.
The Temporary Unclassified Chief Legal Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to the Inspector General (IG) and manages and oversees legal functions (administrative reconsiderations, fair hearings, contested case hearing, district and appellate court) including across regulatory (licensing and background studies) and program integrity divisions of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG). The position coordinates and consults with the Department of Human Services (DHS) General Counsel's Office, Attorney General's Office (AGO) and other internal and external partners regarding criminal, civil, and administrative enforcement actions involving activities of the OIG.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Provide managerial direction to the OIG Legal Counsel's office, to ensure effective use of human and fiscal resources in achieving the goals of the OIG and DHS.
Offer legal advice, counsel, oversight, and direction on legal matters related to program integrity and regulatory compliance arising out of activities with the Office of Inspector General.
Serve as the primary liaison for OIG activities with the Attorney General's Office, Department of Justice, county attorneys, DHS General Counsel's Office, and other entities.
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 to practice law in the State of MN; and
At least eight (8) years' experience practicing law in an area of law related to the position including administrative law; human services licensing; maltreatment of minors and/or vulnerable adults; Medicaid compliance; or background studies;
Knowledge and experience with state and federal data privacy laws as they relate to human services programs; and
Demonstrated experience building and maintaining good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Experience must include:
At least three (3) years' experience as a manager or managing attorney;
Strong legal research, analysis, writing, and advising skills; and
Providing legal advice to executive level leadership on complex legal issues with a broad impact.
Supervision of legal staff including mentoring and fostering professional development.
Preferred Qualifications
Understand and explain federal and state laws, rules, regulations, policies, and programs.
Know the legislative and judicial processes and be able to examine and prepare legal instruments associated with either process.
Working knowledge of the department organization, other federal and state agencies, and public welfare programs
Identify statutes and rules applicable to department matters, develop written recommendations that resolve conflicts in legal authority and Department policies, and advise the Commissioner, Inspector General, and other final decision-makers of the legal consequences of alternative actions.
Understand, develop, persuade, motivate, collaborate with and lead others and maintain composure and convey competency in highly visible, stressful situations.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of the following:
It is the policy of the Department of Human Services that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, including the following components:
Criminal background check
Reference check
Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)
Complete the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Security Awareness training within 3-business days from the start of employment; and successfully obtain/retain CJIS certification annually.
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.
