Closing Date: 12th October, 2026
Description:
Job Summary:Telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available.
This is a multi-level posting and may be filled at the Staff Attorney 2 or Staff Attorney 3 classification depending on the selected candidate's experience and qualifications.
The Department of Children, Youth, and Family is seeking a highly skilled and motivated attorney to join our Office of Inspector General.¿The Staff Attorney provides legal advice, analysis, and support on a wide range of matters affecting Children, Youth and Family programs, including child welfare, behavioral health, early childhood education, financial assistance programs, and regulatory compliance. The role supports program staff, leadership, and agency operations through legal research, statutory interpretation, litigation management, risk analysis, and development of legally sound recommendations.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Provide legal research and advice on applicability and interpretation of all aspects of program integrity. Applicable laws include but are not limited to state laws for program integrity, licensing, background studies, early childhood grants and funding administered by the Department, and federal laws, guidance, and related state plans that inform interpretation of state laws.¿
- Conduct legal analysis and provide legal advice and practical assistance to Department policy staff and General Counsel's Office in development of funding and other programs to assure inclusion of program integrity aspects that are enforceable by Department staff in incumbent's assigned business units.
- Serve as the Minnesota Government Data Practices designee for assigned business units.
- Provide legal analysis, legal advice, and practical assistance to assigned business units within the Department with regard to all aspects of rulemaking.
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 of experience as a practicing attorney in, or related to contract law; and
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience conducting legal research, writing and analysis; and providing legal advice.
OR
Staff Attorney 3
- JD degree from an ABA accredited law school;
- Current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota;
- Experience developing legal strategies and providing legal advice to executive level leadership
- One (1) year of experience in a leadership role;
- Five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney (up to one year of which may be as a judicial clerk).
Staff Attorney experience must demonstrate the following:
- Experience with the legislative process and federal and state laws.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with a range of stakeholders including government entities, advocacy groups and the public.
- Experience with Minnesota Government Data Practices Act or equivalent state or federal privacy laws
- Litigation experience, which may include direct litigation experience, judicial clerking, and case adjudication as a criminal, civil, or administrative law judge.
- Demonstrated strong emotional intelligence, leadership, change management, and diversity equity and inclusion skills are essential components for effective job performance.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain composure and convey competency, equanimity, and collaboration in stressful situations.
- Analytical skills to assimilate information and apply it in strategic, decision-making processes.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Expertise in Child Care & Development Block Grant, Limit on Receiving Public Funds at Minnesota Statutes, section 142A.12 or 245.095, and government data practices law.
- Expertise in Minnesota administrative law, Minnesota DHS fair hearings, or Minnesota Court of Administrative Hearings.
- Experience communicating effectively with a large and varied constituency, including legislators and legislative staff, the Attorney General's Office, state local and federal agencies, professional and advocacy groups, as well as the general public.
- Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures. Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
Additional Requirements:
It is the policy of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, that may include the following components:
- Reference check
- Criminal Background check
- Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)
- Driver's License Check
- Personnel File Review: all current and former public sector employees
- Additional assessment may be required during the interview process
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 Lindsay Magnuson at lindsay.magnuson@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 Susan Vang at susan.y.vang@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 Children, Youth and Families ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DCYF ADA at ada.dcyf@state.mn.us.
About Children Youth & Families Dept
Our state depends on the success of Minnesota children, youth and families. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families puts children at the center of state government, creating a permanent state agency and commissioner focused on elevating children and families in policy and budget decisions.
This realigns state government to advance equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families through transformative, partnership-driven policies, programs and practices.
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
