Working Title: Chief Legal Counsel

Job Class: General Counsel 2

Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID : 78203

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 07/05/2024

• Closing Date : 07/25/2024

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Human Services Dept / DHS Manager

• Division/Unit : Department of Human Services (DHS) / Office Inspector General (OIG)

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : No

• Salary Range: $55.84 - $79.99 / hourly; $116,593 - $167,019 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 220 - Manager/Unrep

• FLSA Status : Exempt - Executive

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The Department of Human Services is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DHS does not participate in E-Verify.

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

*This position has a flexible work arrangement that may allow for Telework (https://dhs.intranet.mn.gov/buildings-facilities/hybrid-telework/telework/index.jsp) or a mixture of working in our office and Telework (https://dhs.intranet.mn.gov/buildings-facilities/hybrid-telework/telework/index.jsp) .

This position serves as the chief legal advisor to the Department of Human Services (DHS) Inspector General and manages and oversees legal functions (fair hearings, contested case hearing, district and appellate court) across regulatory (licensing and background studies) and program integrity divisions of the Office of Inspector General (OIG).

The position coordinates and consults with the DHS General Counsel’s Office, Attorney General’s Office and other internal and external partners regarding criminal, civil, and administrative enforcement actions involving activities of the OIG.

The incumbent maintains a thorough foundation in the principles and practices of law to provide expert advice and counsel with an equity lens to the OIG’s legal activities. To perform the duties of this position, the incumbent must also possess a unique combination of legal and human relation skills.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• 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.

• Provide legal advice, counsel, oversight, and direction on legal matters related to program integrity and regulatory compliance arising out of activities with 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 oversee OIG activities for data requests; OIG contracts and interagency agreements; data breaches; and other information privacy issues.

• Assist the Inspector General, Deputy Inspector Generals, and Commissioner in identifying and developing legislative initiatives and other work and special projects related to issues involving the OIG.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

· JD degree from an ABA accredited law school;

· Current license to practice law in the State of MN; and

· At least eight (8) years' experience practicing law in an area of law related to administrative law and human services law, including but not limited to Medicaid, False Claims Act, federal anti-kickback laws, Child Care Development Block Grant, Adam Walsh, the Human Services Act, and the Background Studies Act; and

· Knowledge and experience with state and federal data privacy laws as they relate to human services programs; and

· Demonstrated experience building and maintaining good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Experience must include:

· At least three (3) years' experience as a manager [managing attorney];

· Strong legal research, analysis, writing, and advising skills; and

· Providing legal advice to executive level leadership on complex legal issues with a broad impact.

· Supervision of legal staff including mentoring and fostering professional development.

Preferred Qualifications

· Give legal advice, guidance, interpretations, and practical recommendations concerning legal issues around the activities of the department.

· Provide information to legislators, legislative staff, and the Governor’s staff regarding legislative initiatives related to Office of Inspector General.

· Working knowledge of the department organization, other federal and state agencies, and public welfare programs.

· Recommend policy direction and changes, as needed, relative to lawsuits, other legal actions, administrative hearings, and a variety of other issues arising within programs.

· Identify statutes and rules applicable to department matters.

· Strategic sense/reason and the ability to provide leadership and articulate the Department’s goals and objectives.

· Strong communication skills and human relations skills as the position interacts with a wide range of personnel within and outside of the agency.

· Maintain composure and convey competency in highly visible, stressful situations.

· Design and implement organizational changes to meet strategic and tactical goals.

· Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS - The Department of Human Services will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.