Job Class: Staff Attorney 3

Working Title: Senior Associate General Counsel

Job Class: Staff Attorney 3

Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept

Job ID: 96092

Location: St. Paul

Telework Eligible: Yes*, up to 50%

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Unlimited

Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers. This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 08/16/2026. Please note that to be considered a bidder, you must be a permanent, non-probationary DCYF employee in the same job classification as the position posted.

Date Posted: 08/11/2026

Closing Date: 08/25/2026

Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: DCYF / MAPE

Division/Unit: DCYF / OIG Legal Unit 1

Work Shift: Day Shift

Work Hours: 8 :00 AM- 4:30 PM

Days of Work: Monday - Friday

Travel Required: No*

Salary Range: $43.69 - $64.80 / hourly; $91,224 - $135,302 / annually

Classified Status: Classified

Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional

Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCYF 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.

Telework (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available.

Research and provide legal advice and strategies to assigned business units of the Department’s Regulatory and Enforcement programs, Department staff, regulated providers and programs, and the general public regarding application of statutes and rules under DCYF’s jurisdiction. Assigned business units for this incumbent include regulatory and enforcement units overseeing childcare centers.

Responsibilities Include

Provide legal research and advice on applicability and interpretation of all aspects of regulation related to childcare centers (“assigned business units”). Legal research and advice require a deep understanding of all relevant state and federal laws to discern applicability and parameters of acceptable legal interpretations that satisfy both state and federal requirements. Applicable laws include but are not limited to state laws for licensing, background studies, and program integrity, and federal laws, guidance, and related state plans that inform interpretation of state laws. Applicable federal laws include but are not limited to the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), and Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS).

Provide legal analysis and legal advice with respect to the application of state and federal statutes, rules, and case law to fact situations under review or investigation by assigned business units.

Conduct legal analysis and provide legal advice and practical assistance to Department policy staff and General Counsel’s Office in development of grant and other programs to assure inclusion of program integrity aspects that are enforceable by Department staff in incumbent’s assigned business units.

Advise, negotiate, and draft professional and technical contracts, master contracts, work order contracts, annual plans, amendments to contracts, requests for proposals, interagency agreements, and joint powers agreements (collectively herein,



“contracts”) as needed for 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.

To be deliberate in fostering positive interpersonal relationships with coworkers, managers, and customers so all are treated in a respectful, professional, and humane manner.

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.**

JD degree from an ABA accredited law school;

Current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota;

Five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney (up to one year of which may be as a judicial clerk).

Experience Must Demonstrate The Following

Experience developing legal strategies and providing legal advice to executive level leadership.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to integrate complex non-legal factors to develop legal advice and strategies in high profile matters.

Demonstrated strong emotional intelligence and strategic leadership, change management.

Demonstrated ability to communicate 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 and Identify common ground for parties with varied interests and build consensus toward solutions.

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.

Facilitate conflict resolution and ensure competing interests are appropriately balanced.

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

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

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 career 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.

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 (phone hidden) or email [email protected] and let us know the support you need.

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📌 Staff Attorney 3 - Senior Associate General Counsel (New Brunswick)
🏢 Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment
📍 New Brunswick