Chief Legal Counsel / General Counsel 2

Location: St. Paul
Telework Eligible: Yes (applicants must reside in Minnesota or a bordering state within 50 miles of the primary work location)
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Limited (ends 06/16/2027)
Work Shift: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
Travel Required: No

About the role

The Temporary Unclassified Chief Legal Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to the Inspector General (IG) and manages and oversees legal functions (administrative reconsiderations, fair hearings, contested case hearings, district and appellate court) across regulatory (licensing and background studies) and program integrity divisions of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG). The position coordinates and consults with the Department of Human Services (DHS) General Counsel’s Office, Attorney General’s Office (AGO), and other internal and external partners regarding criminal, civil, and administrative enforcement actions involving OIG activities.

Responsibilities

• Provide managerial direction to the OIG Legal Counsel’s office to ensure effective use of human and fiscal resources in achieving the goals of the OIG and DHS.
• Offer legal advice, counsel, oversight, and direction on legal matters related to program integrity and regulatory compliance arising from OIG activities.
• 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.
• Supervise legal staff, including mentoring and fostering professional development.

Requirements

• JD degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Current license to practice law in the State of Minnesota.
• At least eight (8) years of experience practicing law in an area related to the position, including 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 good 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of federal and state laws, rules, regulations, policies, and programs.
• Knowledge of legislative and judicial processes, including preparing legal instruments.
• Working knowledge of DHS organization, other federal and state agencies, and public welfare programs.
• Ability to identify statutes and rules applicable to DHS matters, develop written recommendations resolving conflicts in legal authority and policies, and advise leadership on legal consequences of alternative actions.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience working effectively with diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Ability to lead, persuade, motivate, and collaborate in high-visibility, stressful situations.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

• Background investigation, including criminal background check, reference check, and fingerprinting (MNJIS/CJIS).
• Completion of Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Security Awareness training within 3 business days of employment.
• Annual retention of CJIS certification.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. The Department of Human Services does not provide sponsorship for work visas.

Pay

$57.67 - $82.61/hourly; $120,414 - $172,489/annually

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays each year.
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
• Fertility care, including IVF, and diabetes care.
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children.
• Pension plan providing income after at least three years of service.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care.
• Training, classes, and professional development opportunities.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, including mental health, relationship challenges, grief and loss, finances, and legal issues.
• Daily living/convenience services, such as chore services, home repair, trip planning, and child/elder care.

Benefits eligibility varies based on employment type, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service.