Senior or Associate General Counsel - Staff Attorney 2 or Staff Attorney 3

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Job Details

Working Title: Senior or Associate General Counsel

Job Class: Staff Attorney 2 or Staff Attorney 3

Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept

• Job ID: 97280

• 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 10/05/26. 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: 09/29/2026

• Closing Date: 10/12/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: DCYF / DCYF Central Office MAPE

• Division/Unit: DCYF / OIG Legal Unit 1

• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

• Days of Work: Monday - Friday

• Travel Required: No

• Salary Range:

• Staff Attorney 2: $39.22 - $58.35 / hourly; $81,891 - $121,835 / annually

• Staff Attorney 3: $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 youll 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

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

This is a multi-level posting and may be filled at the Staff Attorney 2 or Staff Attorney 3 classification depending on the selected candidate's experience and qualifications.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Family is seeking a highly skilled and motivated attorney to join our Office of Inspector General.¿The Staff Attorney provides legal advice, analysis, and support on a wide range of matters affecting Children, Youth and Family programs, including child welfare, behavioral health, early childhood education, financial assistance programs, and regulatory compliance. The role supports program staff, leadership, and agency operations through legal research, statutory interpretation, litigation management, risk analysis, and development of legally sound recommendations.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide legal research and advice on applicability and interpretation of all aspects of program integrity. Applicable laws include but are not limited to state laws for program integrity, licensing, background studies, early childhood grants and funding administered by the Department, and federal laws, guidance, and related state plans that inform interpretation of state laws.¿
• Conduct legal analysis and provide legal advice and practical assistance to Department policy staff and General Counsel's Office in development of funding and other programs to assure inclusion of program integrity aspects that are enforceable by Department staff in incumbent's 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.

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, day and year for each job held.

Staff Attorney 2

• JD degree from an ABA accredited law school;
• Current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota;
• At least three (3) years of experience as a practicing attorney in, or related to contract law; and
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience conducting legal research, writing and analysis; and providing legal advice.

OR

Staff Attorney 3

• JD degree from an ABA accredited law school;
• Current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota;
• Experience developing legal strategies and providing legal advice to executive level leadership
• One (1) year of experience in a leadership role;
• Five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney (up to one year of which may be as a judicial clerk).

AND

Staff Attorney experience must demonstrate the following:

• 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.

Applicants who meet the above experience requirements may be further evaluated based on the following during the interview process:

• Demonstrated strong emotional intelligence, leadership, change management, and diversity equity and inclusion skills are essential components for effective job performance.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in Child Care & Development Block Grant, Limit on Receiving Public Funds at Minnesota Statutes, section 142A.12 or 245.095, and government data practices law.
• Expertise in Minnesota administrative law, Minnesota DHS fair hearings, or Minnesota Court of Administrative Hearings.
• Experience communicating 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.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures. 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

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 careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Lindsay Magnuson at lindsay.magnuson@state.mn.us

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 Susan Vang at susan.y.vang@state.mn.us.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Children, Youth and Families ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DCYF ADA at ada.dcyf@state.mn.us.

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 Minnesotas 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, youll 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 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.