Overview
The Department of Human Services is seeking a Chief Legal Counsel to serve as the chief legal advisor to the Inspector General and manage legal functions within the Office of the Inspector General (OIG). This limited-term, full-time position is based in St. Paul, Minnesota, with telework eligibility for residents of Minnesota or bordering states within 50 miles of the primary work location, subject to supervisory approval.
Responsibilities
- Provide managerial direction to the OIG Legal Counsel’s office, ensuring effective use of human and fiscal resources.
- Offer legal advice, counsel, oversight, and direction on legal matters related to program integrity and regulatory compliance within the OIG.
- 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.
- Coordinate and consult with internal and external partners regarding criminal, civil, and administrative enforcement actions involving OIG activities.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Current license to practice law in the State of Minnesota.
- Minimum of eight (8) years practicing law in areas related to 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.
- Demonstrated experience building and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- At least three (3) years of experience as a manager or managing attorney.
- Strong legal research, analysis, writing, and advising skills.
- Experience providing legal advice to executive-level leadership on complex legal issues with broad impact.
- Experience supervising legal staff, including mentoring and fostering professional development.
Preferred Qualifications
- Understanding of federal and state laws, rules, regulations, policies, and programs.
- Knowledge of legislative and judicial processes and ability to prepare related legal instruments.
- Familiarity with department organization, other federal and state agencies, and public welfare programs.
- Ability to identify applicable statutes and rules, develop written recommendations resolving conflicts in legal authority and policies, and advise senior decision-makers on legal consequences.
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to maintain composure in high-pressure situations.
- Experience working effectively with diverse populations.
Additional Requirements
- Successful completion of a background investigation prior to employment, including criminal background check, reference check, and fingerprinting (MNJIS/CJIS).
- Completion of Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Security Awareness training within three business days of employment start and annual CJIS certification.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $57.67 - $82.61 per hour; $120,414 - $172,489 annually.
- Exempt executive classification.
- Paid vacation and sick leave.
- 12 paid holidays annually.
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
- Fertility care including IVF.
- Diabetes care.
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
- Six weeks paid parental leave for newborn or newly adopted children.
- Pension plan after three years of service.
- Employer-paid life insurance.
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
- Tax-free health, dental, and dependent care expense accounts.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential support for mental health, relationships, grief, finances, legal issues, and daily living services.
- Training, professional development, and tuition reimbursement.
- Eligibility for Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for some positions.
Location & Work Schedule
- Location: St. Paul, Minnesota.
- Work hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Telework eligible for qualified applicants residing in Minnesota or bordering states within 50 miles of the worksite.
- No travel required.
Application Information
- Open to all qualified job seekers.
- Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment; visa sponsorship is not provided.
- The position is limited term ending June 16, 2027.
Equal Opportunity
The employer is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly organization committed to creating a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, marital or familial status, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic by law.
Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities during the application and interview process.