JOB SUMMARY

• This position has a flexible work arrangement that allows for up to 50% telework with a minimum of 50% working in our office. Please review the telework policy for details. 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.

*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; and
• 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;
• Building and maintaining good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders; and
• Providing 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
• 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.

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

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.

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