Closing Date: 12th November, 2025
Description:
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.
Job Summary:
***This position is eligible for telework for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework.***
As a Staff Attorney, you will provide legal expertise to the Department of Human Services (DHS). This position is part of the DHS General Counsel's Office (GCO) and primarily provides dedicated legal and compliance support to the Health Care; Aging and Disability Services; Behavioral Health; and Homelessness, Housing, and Support Services administrations. The individual in this position works with and is responsible to the Assistant Deputy General Counsel, Health Care, Aging and Disability Services, Behavioral Health, and Homelessness, Housing, and Support Services. The individual in this position is responsible for providing legal advice in a variety of complex and changing areas affecting DHS, providing DHS with legal expertise to facilitate compliance with state and federal law and DHS policies. The individual will conduct complex legal and policy research and provide legal advice on a variety of issues impacting these four administrations, including, but not limited to, state and federal laws governing the four above-identified administrations, Medicaid-related data privacy and protected health information, litigation and administrative appeals, and policy and regulation development.
Responsibilities include but may not be limited to:
- Provide legal advice and support to Health Care, Aging and Disability Services, Behavioral Health, and Homelessness, Housing and Support Services administrations.
- Research, analyze and maintain a current knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, policies, and administrative and court decisions to ensure the department's compliance with controlling legal authority.
- Review policies and procedures which impact Health Care, Aging and Disability Services, Behavioral Health, and Homelessness, Housing and Support Services and provide legal advice to assist in the revision of policies and procedures.
- Provide legal advice to the four administrations on data privacy-related matters.
- Provide research and legal analysis of proposed legislation and court decisions that may impact Health Care, Aging and Disability Services, Behavioral Health, or Homelessness, Housing and Support Services administrations.
Qualifications:
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, day and year for each job held.**
Staff Attorney 2:
- JD degree from an ABA accredited law school.
- Current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota.
- At least three (3) years' experience as a practicing attorney in Minnesota.
- Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills.
- The ability to build and maintain good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience providing legal advice on diverse and complex human services and data privacy matters; and
- Experience in one or more areas of law related to the position.
- JD degree from an ABA accredited law school.
- Current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota.
- At least five (5) years' experience as a practicing attorney in Minnesota.
- Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills.
- The ability to build and maintain good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience providing legal advice on diverse and complex human services and data privacy matters; and
- Experience in one or more areas of law related to the position.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of and experience handling issues related to state and federal privacy laws as they relate to human services programs.
- Experience representing clients in civil litigation.
- Experience working with the Minnesota Attorney General's Office and/or another State government agencies.
- Tribal law experience.
- Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
Additional Requirements:
Reference/Background Checks – DHS will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment.
Application Details
How to Apply:
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact:
If you have questions about this position, contact Brenda Kiepert-Holthaus at brenda.i.kiepert-holthaus@state.mn.us.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Alexander Duren at alexander.duren@state.mn.us.
If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Human Services' ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DHS_ADA@state.mn.us for assistance.
About Human Services Dept
WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits:
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
- Training, classes, and professional development
- Tuition reimbursement
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
- A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
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