Chief Legal Officer

The Chief Legal Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to the Inspector General (IG) and manages and oversees legal functions across the divisions of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG). The position coordinates and consults with the DHS General Counsel’s Office, Attorney General’s Office (AGO) and other internal and external partners regarding criminal, civil and administrative regulatory and enforcement actions involving activities of the OIG.

Primary responsibilities include:

Provide advice and counsel on complex legal matters related to program integrity and regulatory compliance arising out of activities with the Office of Inspector General.

Coordinate legal processes and functions affecting fraud, regulation of Department licensed entities, and background study units within the OIG to ensure consistency in the OIG’s processes and public presence.

Serve as the primary liaison with the Attorney General’s Office, Department of Justice, county attorneys for OIG legal activities

Coordinate reporting of OIG legal activities that impact program integrity activities, licensing actions, and background studies.

Participate in oversight of activities by external audit and review entities where the provision of legal services is a key component in advancing the department’s program integrity initiatives, licensing and background studies activities.

Assist the Inspector General, Deputy Inspector Generals, Deputy Commissioner, and Commissioner in identifying and developing legislative initiatives related to oversight and enforcement of public programs to minimize fraud, waste, and abuse, licensing programs, and background studies.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

A JD from an accredited law school

Active license and in good standing to practice law in the State of Minnesota

3 years of experience supervising legal work

6 years’ experience as a practicing attorney with at least 3 years’ experience in Human Services legal issues or litigation related to any of the following: Medicaid, state fraud and abuse laws, investigations, legal compliance, false claims, anti-kickback laws, the False Claims Act, licensing and background studies or criminal laws

Experience conducting legal research, writing, and analysis and providing legal advice to executives or senior management

Knowledge of federal and state laws related to human services programs

Preferred Qualifications

Strong working knowledge of the Department of Human Services' organization, other federal and state agencies, and public welfare programs

Legislative experience

Managing or supervising a diverse team attorneys

Additional Requirements

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.

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS - The Department of Human Services will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

Application Details

Why Work For Us

GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, generous vacation and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays each year.

Our mission as an employer is to actively recruit, welcome and support a workforce, which is diverse and inclusive of people who are underrepresented in the development of state policies, programs and practices, so that we can support the success and growth of all people who call Minnesota home.