Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers

Date Posted: 09/16/2026

Closing Date: 09/25/2026

Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office

Division/Unit: Department of Human Services (DHS) / Office of Inspector General (OIG)-OLC BGS Staff Attorneys

Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 a.m.

- 4:30 p.m.

Days of Work: Monday - Friday

Travel Required: No

Salary Range: $39.22 - $58.35 / hourly; $81,891 - $121,834 / annually

Classified Status: Classified

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

FLSA Status: Exempt - Skilled

Re-Posting: Yes

Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Working Title: Senior Attorney

Job Class: Staff Attorney 2

Agency: Human Services Dept 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.

This position was previously announced on 08/21/2026. If you already applied for this job, you do not need to reapply.

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

Analyzing dispositions and sentences in criminal cases from other state and federal jurisdictions and translating them into comparable Minnesota criminal case information

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

Analyzing expungement petitions and orders

Working with the Attorney General’s Office on litigation and appeals related to background studies and expungements

Acting as liaison between Background Studies and other divisions of DHS, the Attorney General’s Office, counties, and attorneys

Drafting and editing contracts involving the Background Studies Division

Managing and responding to data requests made by background study subjects, third parties, the media,



and the legislature

Drafting and advising on proposed legislation affecting the Background Studies Division

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 and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota with no record of suspension or disbarment;

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;

Builds and maintains good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders;

Provides legal advice on issues to senior management or executives.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working as a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, or judicial law clerk

Successfully managing high volumes of work with competing priorities

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

Experience or interest in drafting contracts

Experience drafting statutes and familiarity with the legislative process

Knowledge or experience with plain language communication of complex regulatory and statutory matters

Experience working for a government agency/organization

Experience working effectively with people from a variety of 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.

Contact

If you have questions about the position, contact Shauna Verheyen 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 (phone hidden) or DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN [email protected] for assistance.

About Human Services Dept

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.

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 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.

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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