Working Title: Associate General Counsel
Job Class: Staff Attorney 2
Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept
Job ID : 96987
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Limited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers. This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 9-19-2026. Please note that to be considered a bidder, you must be a permanent, non-probationary DCYF employee in the same job classification as the position posted.
Date Posted : 09/12/2026
Closing Date : 10/05/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : DCYF
Division/Unit : DCYF / GCO Administrations
Work Hours : 8:00 am - 4:30pm
Work Shift: Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $39.22 - $58.35 / hourly; $81,891 - $121,834 / annually
Classified Status : Unclassified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MAPE
End Date : 09/01/2028
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 Children, Youth, and Families is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCYF 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.
* Telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available.)
This position provides legal expertise to support DCYF agency administrations in navigating an evolving federal landscape by interpreting and applying complex state and federal laws, regulations, and precedents. The incumbent conducts sophisticated legal research and develops strategies, formal opinions, and guidance that inform DCYF administrations on decision making, ensure program compliance, and strengthen the agency's capacity to respond to increasing federal program changes, litigation, and legislative inquiries.
The role will also provide guidance on the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and related privacy laws, advising on data classification, access, security, and compliance. Designed to be flexible and adaptable, this position supports Assistant Deputy General Counsels, Deputy General Counsel, and the General Counsel and program leadership as a responsive legal resource capable of shifting priorities to meet emerging federal and data practices demands.
Responsibilities include:
Provide advanced legal expertise across multiple areas of law to guide agency programs, policies, and operational practices. Apply complex legal principles, statutory interpretation, and relevant federal and state precedents to evaluate the impact and applicability of laws and regulations on agency wide DCYF administrations. Deliver high level legal analysis and strategic advice that informs executive decision making and supports the development of legally sound program frameworks.
Perform legal work involving the interpretation and application of state and federal statutes, regulations, and case law to fact specific situations. Conduct comprehensive legal research using established methodologies to develop well-reasoned recommendations, formal opinions, and written legal analyses for use by DCYF administrators. Provide legal advice that supports administrators in resolving individual matters, compliance questions, and program specific issues.
Provide legal advice and consultation on the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act
Other duties as assigned.
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, day 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 (up to one year of which may be as a judicial clerk) 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 related to the position.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of the programs administered by DCYF including, but not limited to SNAP, MFIP, child support, Title IV-E, ICWA/MIFPA, child care assistance, early learning programs, and community action programs.
Experience working in a county/community/Tribal social services agency.
Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
Ability to adapt to new situations and a willingness to consider different perspectives.
Additional Requirements
It is the policy of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, that may include the following components:
Reference check
Criminal Background check
Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)
Driver's License Check
Personnel File Review: all current and former public sector employees
Additional assessment may be required during the interview process
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.
