Salary : $109,990.40 - $156,499.20 Annually
Location : Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 27-00100
Agency: 400 Health & Human Services - Compliance and Administration
Opening Date: 07/14/2026
Closing Date: 7/24/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-DNP
Point of Contact:
To Apply: To be considered applicants please send resume and cover letter to Kayla Burkhiser at [email protected]

Job Description
This is a non-merit position for the 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.
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking an attorney to join its internal legal team. This position serves as HHS legal counsel to the Department of Health and Human Services' Division of State Operated Specialty Care and works collaboratively across all divisions within HHS, with the Attorney General's Office, and with outside counsel.

Responsibilities:

Under the direction and oversight of the Compliance Division General Counsel Supervisor, this position serves as internal counsel to the HHS Division of State Operated Specialty Care, ensuring operations remain compliant with state and federal laws and aligned with HHS policy, risk management principles, and best practices in healthcare and residential care delivery. The attorney in this position will work closely with the internal legal team, the Attorney General's Office, division and agency leadership, and other internal stakeholders to review and develop policy, proactively identify legal risks, support decision-making, and provide timely, practical legal solutions. Though particular specialties are not required, a background in health care law, employment law, criminal law, or other civil rights law is helpful.

Projects might include, among other duties:

• Policy review, research, and development;
• Conducting legal research and articulating legal risks and mitigation practices which should be considered in establishing, implementing, and monitoring the effectiveness of uniform processes and procedures for HHS;
• Advising on questions of law, administrative regulations, opinions of the courts, Attorney General opinions, and federal guidance
• Drafting legal memorandums to guide program leadership in decision making.

This position also works with the HHS government relations team and HHS division policy teams on the development and review of HHS agency prefile legislation. Legal counsel will review proposed legislation that may impact HHS's Division of State Operated Specialty Care and provide recommendations to the Chief of Compliance, Division Leadership, and Legislative Liaisons. Legal counsel will also review agency administrative rules prior to adoption and raise issues that need to be addressed with the Chief of Compliance and Division Leadership.

Legal counsel may represent the agency at administrative hearings or in front of other administrative bodies (e.g. Iowa Public Information Board) when determined necessary by the Chief of Compliance or HHS Director.

Requirements:

Admission to the Iowa State Bar

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

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Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited law school and the equivalent of five years of full-time successful and responsible experience in the practice of law;
OR
the equivalent of three years of full-time experience in the practice of law in the employing agency shall be considered as qualifying experience.

For additional information, please click on this
Additional Qualification Requirements

Positions in this class require admission to the Iowa State Bar.