Working Title: Senior Attorney
Job Class: Staff Attorney 2
Agency: Human Services Dept
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Job ID: 96536
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Location: St. Paul
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Telework Eligible: Yes
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Full/Part Time: Full-Time
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Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
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Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
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Date Posted: 08/21/2026
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Closing Date: 09/08/2026
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Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
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Division/Unit: Department of Human Services (DHS) / Office of Inspector General (OIG)-OLC BGS Staff Attorneys
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Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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Days of Work: Monday - Friday
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Travel Required: No
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Salary Range: $39.22 - $58.35 / hourly; $81,891 - $121,834 / annually
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Classified Status: Classified
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Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
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FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
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Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
The Department of Human Services (DHS) 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.
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 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.
This position works in the Office of Inspector General Legal Counsel’s Office and supports the Background Studies Division. As a Background Studies Attorney, the incumbent is recognized as a subject matter expert in state and federal laws affecting background studies under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 245C and related compliance laws and policies.
Responsibilities include but not limited to:
- Analyzing law enforcement, maltreatment investigation, and court records to determine whether they impact a background study subject’s eligibility, and writing legal memoranda explaining the reasons for the findings
- Providing legal advice on the administration of state and federal laws and policies governing background studies under Chapter 245C
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Analyzing dispositions and sentences in criminal cases from other state and federal jurisdictions and translating them into comparable Minnesota criminal case information
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Issuing decisions on reconsiderations under delegated authority from the Commissioner of Human Services and testifying on behalf of the Department of Human Services (DHS) at administrative appeal hearings
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Analyzing expungement petitions and orders
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Working with the Attorney General’s Office on litigation and appeals related to background studies and expungements
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Acting as liaison between Background Studies and other divisions of DHS, the Attorney General’s Office, counties, and attorneys
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Drafting and editing contracts involving the Background Studies Division
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Managing and responding to data requests made by background study subjects, third parties, the media, and the legislature
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Drafting and advising on proposed legislation affecting the Background Studies Division
**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.**
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JD degree from an ABA accredited law school;
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Current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota with no record of suspension or disbarment;
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At least three (3) years’ experience as a practicing attorney in an area of Minnesota criminal law.
Experience must demonstrate the following:
- Working on criminal cases in Minnesota District Court;
- Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills;
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Builds and maintains good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
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Provides legal advice on issues to senior management or executives.
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Experience working as a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, or judicial law clerk
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Successfully managing high volumes of work with competing priorities
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Experience litigating administrative law matters, which may include venues such as the Office of Administrative Hearings or Fair Hearings under Minnesota Statutes section 256.045
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Experience or interest in drafting contracts
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Experience drafting statutes and familiarity with the legislative process
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Knowledge or experience with plain language communication of complex regulatory and statutory matters
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Experience working for a government agency/organization
- Experience working effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures
This position requires successful completion of the following:
It is the policy of the Department of Human Services that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, including the following components:
- Criminal background check
- Reference check
- Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)
Complete the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Security Awareness training within 3-business days from the start of employment; and successfully obtain/retain CJIS certification annually.
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 [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
If you have questions about the position, contact Shauna Verheyen at
[email protected].
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 Carolyn Rice at [email protected].
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 DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN
[email protected] for assistance.
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.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
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Connection with their coworkers and communities
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Opportunities for personal and professional growth
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.
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
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Diabetes care
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Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
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Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
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Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
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Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
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Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
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Training, classes, and professional development
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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)
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A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
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Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
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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.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and let us know the support you need.
