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), through challenging and meaningful legal work.

Clients and Responsibilities

HHS serves two of Oregon’s largest state agencies:

• Oregon Health Authority (OHA): Administers Medicaid (including managed care via Coordinated Care Organizations), the 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): Oversees programs for aging, physically disabled, and intellectually/developmentally disabled Oregonians; public assistance programs; vocational rehabilitation; and emergency preparedness/response (e.g., pandemics, natural disasters).

Additional clients include:

• 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 section are subject-matter experts in areas such as:

• Public benefit programs (Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, WIC, ERDC)
• Public health (including COVID-19 response and federal funding cuts)
• Protected health information and forensic psychiatric care
• Elder abuse investigations and regulatory compliance
• Emerging regulated programs (e.g., marijuana, psilocybin)

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting legal research and advising on constitutional law, agency authority, licensing, rulemaking, public records, disability law, and transactional matters (e.g., contract review, healthcare M&A).
• Litigating administrative cases (e.g., licensing disputes, benefit eligibility, behavioral health matters, abuse/neglect allegations).
• Drafting/reviewing administrative rules and legislation.
• Providing clear, concise, and solution-oriented legal advice in oral and written formats.

Work Environment

The position is based in Salem with hybrid remote options and occasional work in the Portland office. Attorneys bill client agencies for services and have a yearly billable expectation. The DOJ offers:

• Varied, fast-paced work with a healthy work-life balance.
• Professional development opportunities, including in-house CLE seminars, external training (e.g., National Association of Attorneys General), and access to Practicing Law Institute resources.

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 complex legal advice clearly.
• Ability to manage a heavy workload and collaborate in hybrid (remote/in-person) settings.
• Strong work ethic and dedication to public service.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in administrative law, administrative hearings, or general counsel roles.
• Sophisticated client counseling skills.
• Interest in developing expertise in government law (e.g., public records, contracting).

Applicants without preferred experience may still be considered if they demonstrate a genuine interest in these areas.

Pay

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

Benefits

For a partial list of benefits, visit DOJ benefits information.