Job Details

Working Title: Chief Legal Counsel
Job Class: General Counsel 2
Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID: 96243
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/11/2026
• Closing Date: 09/03/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / DHS Manager
• Division/Unit: Department of Human Services (DHS) / Office of Inspector General (OIG)-ADM OIG Executive Team
• Work Shift/Work Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $57.67 - $82.61 / hourly; $120,414 - $172,489 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
• End Date: 06/16/2027
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : No

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.

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.

The Temporary Unclassified Chief Legal Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to the Inspector General (IG) and manages and oversees legal functions (administrative reconsiderations, fair hearings, contested case hearing, district and appellate court) including across regulatory (licensing and background studies) and program integrity divisions of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG). The position coordinates and consults with the Department of Human Services (DHS) General Counsel's Office, Attorney General's Office (AGO) and other internal and external partners regarding criminal, civil, and administrative enforcement actions involving activities of the OIG.

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.
• Offer legal advice, counsel, oversight, and direction on legal matters related to program integrity and regulatory compliance arising out of activities with the Office of Inspector General.
• 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.

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 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 the position including administrative law; human services licensing; maltreatment of minors and/or vulnerable adults; Medicaid compliance; or background studies;
• 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 or 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

• Understand and explain federal and state laws, rules, regulations, policies, and programs.
• Know the legislative and judicial processes and be able to examine and prepare legal instruments associated with either process.
• Working knowledge of the department organization, other federal and state agencies, and public welfare programs
• Identify statutes and rules applicable to department matters, develop written recommendations that resolve conflicts in legal authority and Department policies, and advise the Commissioner, Inspector General, and other final decision-makers of the legal consequences of alternative actions.
• Understand, develop, persuade, motivate, collaborate with and lead others and maintain composure and convey competency in highly visible, stressful situations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

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.

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 [email protected] . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .

Contact

If you have questions about the position, contact Betsy Schollmeier 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.

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

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• 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 )

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• 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.