Appeals & Administrative Rules Attorney

Closing Date: 27th October, 2025

Description:

Job Description:
Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Compliance, Bureau of Legal is seeking a Appeals and Administrative Rules attorney to join our team!

The Appeals and Administrative Rules attorney is responsible for reviewing administrative appeals, analyzing legal issues, and drafting final decision recommendations in accordance with departmental rules, state and federal laws, and applicable court decisions. The role requires strong legal research and writing skills, sound judgment, and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams to ensure accurate interpretation and implementation of complex policy and regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities:

• Serves as legal counsel for the HHS Appeals and Rules Bureau and advise on questions of law or administrative policies involved in the administration of HHS programs and services.
• Responsible for the development, preparation and presentation of final decision recommendations before the HHS Director or designee as part of administrative appellate procedure. Reviews appeal files, hearing transcripts, digital recordings, legal motions, and evidence to identify pertinent facts and determine the applicable law. Drafts written findings of fact, conclusions of law, and final decision recommendations that are legally sound and compliant with departmental regulations. Prepares written responses to motions, including requests for stays, rehearing's, and rulings on Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) orders.
• Review and analyze administrative rules to ensure compliance with legal standards and organizational policies.
• Conducts thorough legal research and analysis on complex issues raised during the appeals process or while drafting or revising administrative rules.
• Interpret laws, regulations, court decisions, and other legal opinions and provide recommendations or legal interpretations to Appeals and Rules Bureau. Render legal decisions based on statutory interpretation or agency regulations, and recommend or direct corrections actions or relief as allowed by law.
• Handle the development and presentation of cases before administrative tribunals or appellate courts, particularly in complex legal matters.
• Collaborates with Administrative Law Judges, Department policy staff, the Attorney General's Office, Compliance and Administration Legal team members or other internal teams to ensure consistent application of laws and regulations.
• Assist legislative committees by drafting bills and proposed legislation; provide expert testimony before legislative or administrative bodies.

Requirements:
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

• Graduation from an accredited school of law, and experience equal to five years of full-time work in the practice of law; not including experience as a law clerk.
• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes three years of fulltime work with the employing agency in the practice of law; not including experience as a law clerk.

Benefits:
Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

For additional information on benefits click here. (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdas.iowa.gov%2Fmedia%2F3766%2Fdownload%3Finline%3D&data=05%7C02%7CTyler.Irwin%40hhs.iowa.gov%7Ce49d16b33395477a1cce08dd1bc8be8e%7C8d2c7b4d085a4617853638a76d19b0da%7C1%7C0%7C638697271206397853%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=MzNAhyLcE%2BZNA%2Bd1TOaqDn0ySdPPEmIAQ5WH%2BdsrFlU%3D&reserved=0)

Click here (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdas.iowa.gov%2Fstate-employees%2Fhuman-resources%2Femployee-benefits-programs%2Femployee-benefits-overview&data=05%7C02%7CTyler.Irwin%40hhs.iowa.gov%7Ce49d16b33395477a1cce08dd1bc8be8e%7C8d2c7b4d085a4617853638a76d19b0da%7C1%7C0%7C638697271206410722%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=6%2BLM5NN1JZ9ANRCEZX8CXmxZDwfG02q46HD2EGd9r1M%3D&reserved=0) to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.

Background Checks
Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer

HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

This is a non-merit position for Health & Human Services – Compliance and Administration. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section.

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

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