Job Description

Job Details

Working Title: Chief Legal Counsel, Office of Inspector General - Staff Attorney 3

Job Class: Staff Attorney 3

Agency: Education Department

• Job ID : 79997
• Location : Minneapolis
• Telework Eligible : Yes - Telework arrangements may be possible. You will discuss your preferences and requirements of the position and complete a telework agreement. Employees do need to reside in MN or a border state and may need to report to the office on a periodic basis.
• Full/Part Time : Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted : 09/12/2024
• Closing Date : 10/03/2024
• Bid Open : 09/12/2024
• Bid Close : 09/19/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Education Department / MDE-Central Office-MAPE
• Division/Unit : Education-St Paul / Commissioner of Education
• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
• Days of Work : Monday - Friday
• Travel Required : No
• Salary Range: $42.31 - $62.75 / hourly; $88,343 - $131,022 / 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

CURRENT permanent-classified MDE employees represented by MAPE who are eligible for interest bidding for the position should consult Article 16, Vacancies, Filling of Positions, Section 3, Job Posting and Interest Bidding, of their negotiated agreement. In order to be considered for the position as an interest bidder your application must be received by the "Closed for Bid" date listed above.

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.

Job Summary

As the Chief Legal Counsel for the Office of Inspector General with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), you will support the statutory mandate to investigate fraud, waste or abuse in MDE's public programs and student maltreatment investigations. Duties will include:

• Direct the activities of Investigators, analysts, and other staff on investigations and leads and/or coordinates investigations with internal and external partners;
• Act as the lead attorney for all OIG legal staff;
• Act as the legal expert on fraud, waste and abuse sufficient to conduct independent investigations into Department programs across MDE;
• Act as the legal expert on student maltreatment investigation and litigation activity;
• Support law enforcement and prosecutors in pursuing criminal prosecution;
• Provide legal advice related to recommendations for civil, administrative, or criminal actions to the Inspector General and/or MDE either during or at the conclusion of an investigation and/or prosecution;
• Provide technical assistance, guidance, and training development and implementation services;
• Coordinate and manage the OIG's legal advice;
• Coordinate with the Attorney General's Office and the MDE General Counsel's office regarding litigation;
• Oversee the OIG's disclosure and records management functions;
• Identify and make recommendations for and review legislation and bill analysis, and coordinates implementation of new laws and rules.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from an ABA accredited law school;
• Current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota, or have the ability to do so within six months of hire;
• At least four (4) years experience as a practicing attorney in a law firm or public sector setting

Experience must include the following demonstrated skills, abilities and knowledge bases:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills sufficient to analyze a variety of complex legal issues, identify areas of research, conduct research and evaluate alternatives, make sound decisions and provide legal advice to executives and management on these issues;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and written work product to provide legal advice on a variety of legal issues;
• Knowledge of principles and practices of legal, ethical and professional rules of conduct;
• Experience with the Rules of Evidence, Criminal and/or Civil Procedure;
• Provide legal advice on diverse and complex civil and/or criminal investigations and related data privacy matters;
• Litigation experience in either criminal, civil or administrative actions. Litigation experience means representing a client in hearings or another similar adversarial process;
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience prosecuting or litigating financial crimes or actions;
• Experience representing a state agency in administrative actions;
• Experience consistently managing multiple complex projects at various stages of completion at one time;
• Legislative experience.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interest Review

The Minnesota Department of Education will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

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

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Kate Elling at katherine.elling@state.mn.us or 651-582-8558.

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 Kate Elling at katherine.elling@state.mn.us.

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
• 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.

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Holiday work, Permanent employment, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Local area, Remote job, Work visa, Shift work, Day shift, Monday to Friday,

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