Working Title: Contracts AttorneyJob Class: Staff Attorney 1Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept
Job ID : 84724
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
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 3/31. 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
Date Posted : 03/25/2025
Closing Date : 04/07/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Children Youth & Families Dept / DCYF Central Office MAPE
Division/Unit : DCYF/ Operations/Contracts and Grants
Work Shift: Day Shift
Work Hours : 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $34.18 - $50.69 / hourly; $71,367 - $105,840 / 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 (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
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.In the 2023 legislative session, the Governor’s Office, Minnesota legislature, and leaders for children and families worked in partnership to pass legislation establishing the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to create a sustainable, public face for children’s issues in state government. This new cabinet-level agency brings together programs centered on children and families, including child care and early learning, child support, child safety and permanency, economic support and food assistance, and youth opportunity. The new Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Agency became effective on July 1, 2024.This position is eligible for telework to applicants who reside in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, or South Dakota.As Contracts Attorney, you will provide legal expertise and services relating to contract development, review and performance in assigned subject areas and issues at the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). You will counsel contracts/grants staff and managers in assigned DCYF business area(s) on issues related to contract law, regulations, policies, and procedures. Responsibilities include:
Drafting, reviewing and approving contracts as to form, enforceability and execution;
Counseling on contract specific issues, such as intellectual property, indemnification, insurance, and other contract issues;
Advising on complex competitive solicitation issues to be compliant with state and federal requirements; negotiating contract legal issues with outside counsel;
Developing and implementing training toDCYF staff and managers as requested by the Grants and ContractsDirector; and
Facilitating and enhancing DCYF compliance with the statutory and policy requirements, such as retainage requirements, diversity and inclusionary goals, and ethical obligations.
Minimum QualificationsTo 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.
JD degree from an ABA accredited law school;
Current license and in good standing to practice law in the State of Minnesota; and
At least 1 year experience as a practicing attorney in, or related to contract law; and
Demonstrates knowledge and experience conducting legal research, writing and analysis; and providing legal advice.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with regulations and policies relating to Minnesota state government data practices, contracting and administrative law. Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules and regulations, and the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13).
Ability to spot potential issues in the content of the contract, as well as potential violations of state and federal contracting statutes and regulations.
Possess some knowledge of state and federal data privacy laws, such as the Minnesota data practices act and the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act, as related to contracts.
Knowledge and ability necessary to successfully conduct extremely complex work which includes the analysis and application of federal and state laws, regulations, agency rules, policy, hearing procedures, rules of evidence, codes and case law.
Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
Additional RequirementsREFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – DCYF will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment.AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERMinnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.