Chief Legal Counsel
Minnesota Department of Human Services
This position serves as the chief legal advisor to the Department of Human Services (DHS) Inspector General and manages and oversees legal functions (fair hearings, contested case hearing, district and appellate court) across regulatory (licensing and background studies) and program integrity divisions of the Office of Inspector General (OIG).
The position coordinates and consults with the DHS General Counsel’s Office, Attorney General’s Office and other internal and external partners regarding criminal, civil, and administrative enforcement actions involving activities of the OIG. The incumbent maintains a thorough foundation in the principles and practices of law to provide expert advice and counsel with an equity lens to the OIG’s legal activities.
To perform the duties of this position, the incumbent must also possess a unique combination of legal and human relation skills.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Provide managerial direction to the OIG Legal Counsel’s office, to ensure effective use of human and fiscal resources in achieving the goals of the OIG and DHS. Provide legal advice, counsel, oversight, and direction on legal matters related to program integrity and regulatory compliance arising out of activities with the OIG. Serve as the primary liaison for OIG activities with the Attorney General’s Office, Department of Justice, county attorneys, DHS General Counsel’s Office, and other entities. Coordinate and oversee OIG activities for data requests; OIG contracts and interagency agreements; data breaches; and other information privacy issues. Assist the Inspector General, Deputy Inspector Generals, and Commissioner in identifying and developing legislative initiatives and other work and special projects related to issues involving the OIG.