Assistant Attorney General (Health and Human Services Section)

Initial Posting Date: 08/04/2026   Application Deadline: 09/02/2026

About the Role

The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking an Assistant Attorney General for the Health and Human Services Section (HHS) of the General Counsel Division. This position supports client agencies, primarily the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), by providing legal counsel on complex federal and state regulatory matters.

Clients and Responsibilities

HHS attorneys serve a broad range of state agencies and programs, including:

• Oregon Health Authority (OHA): Medicaid (including managed care via Coordinated Care Organizations), Oregon Prescription Drug Program, addictions and mental health programs, public health initiatives, health facility licensing, health analytics, and the Oregon State Hospital.
• Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS): Programs for aging, physically disabled, and intellectually/developmentally disabled individuals; public assistance programs; vocational rehabilitation; emergency preparedness and response (e.g., pandemics, natural disasters).
• Additional clients: Home Care Commission; Department of Business and Consumer Services (insurance regulation, Division of Financial Regulation, Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace); Department of Education (Early Learning Division, Office of Child Care); Psychiatric Security Review Board; Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (cannabis regulation); Oregon Department of Agriculture (hemp program).

Attorneys in this role conduct legal research and advise on:

• Constitutional law, agency authority, licensing, rulemaking, public meetings, and public records.
• Benefit programs (e.g., Medicaid, SNAP, TANF), confidentiality, disability law, and transactional work (contract review, healthcare mergers/acquisitions).
• Administrative litigation (e.g., licensing disputes, regulatory compliance, benefit eligibility, behavioral health matters, abuse/neglect allegations).

Section attorneys are subject-matter experts in areas such as public benefit programs, public health (including COVID-19 response), protected health information, forensic psychiatric care, elder abuse, and regulated programs (e.g., marijuana, psilocybin).

Requirements

• Active membership in the Oregon State Bar (in good standing) by appointment.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Minimum of three (3) years of legal experience or equivalent education/experience.
• Exceptional analytical, research, and writing skills; ability to communicate legal advice clearly and concisely.
• Ability to manage a heavy, challenging workload in both remote and in-person environments.
• Strong work ethic and dedication to public service.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in general counsel roles, advising on government law (e.g., public records, contracting, administrative law).
• Sophisticated client counseling skills.
• Interest in developing expertise in the above areas (candidates without direct experience may still be considered).

Benefits

• Professional development: In-house CLE seminars, access to Practicing Law Institute (PLI) resources, and opportunities through the National Association of Attorneys General.
• Hybrid work options (Salem/Portland offices + remote).
• Billable-hour expectations for client agencies.

Pay

Salary range: $9,063 – $17,597 per month (depending on experience and qualifications). PERS-participating employees receive a 6.95% base salary increase and contribute 6% to PERS.