Senior Attorney / Staff Attorney 2

Overview

The Department of Human Services is seeking a Senior Attorney to join the Office of Inspector General (OIG) Legal Counsel’s Office supporting the Program Integrity Oversight Division. This full-time position is located in St. Paul, Minnesota, with telework eligibility for applicants residing in Minnesota or bordering states (within 50 miles of the primary work location). The role involves approximately 5% travel.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice to management and agency staff on complex legal issues related to program integrity and oversight.
• Prepare memoranda and other legal documents concerning program integrity, oversight functions, and due process.
• Respond to data requests ensuring compliance with state and federal data privacy laws.
• Develop and conduct training and provide technical assistance to division staff.
• Identify and recommend legislative amendments, analyze and draft legislation and bill analyses, and coordinate implementation of new laws.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Current license in good standing to practice law in Minnesota.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience as a practicing attorney in a relevant area of law.
• Demonstrated strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills.
• Experience building and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to provide legal advice on complex human services and data privacy matters.
• Experience litigating cases in administrative, civil, or criminal courts related to the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the Office of Administrative Hearings or Fair Hearings under Minnesota Statutes, section 256.045.
• Knowledge of data privacy laws and regulations, including the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
• Experience with appellate processes at state district courts, Court of Appeals, and Minnesota Supreme Court.
• Skills in dispute resolution for administrative, civil, or criminal matters.
• Familiarity with public assistance programs, negotiation, diplomacy, and balancing competing legal interests.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Experience working within government agencies.
• Experience collaborating effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

• Successful completion of a background investigation 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 and annual CJIS certification.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $39.22 - $58.35 per hour; $81,891 - $121,834 annually.
• Classified, exempt professional position.
• Bargaining unit: Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE).
• Benefits include paid vacation and sick leave, 12 paid holidays annually, low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
• Additional benefits: 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.
• Resources supporting physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being.
• Professional development opportunities including training, tuition reimbursement, and eligibility for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential support for mental health, relationships, grief, finances, legal issues, and daily living services.

Location

• St. Paul, Minnesota
• Work hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Telework eligible for residents of Minnesota or bordering states within 50 miles of the work location, with supervisory approval.

Additional Information

• The employer does not provide work visa sponsorship and does not participate in E-Verify; applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment.
• This posting may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
• The organization is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from persons of color, Indigenous communities, LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, persons with disabilities, women, and veterans.
• Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities during the application and interview process.