Legal Analyst
Job Class: Legal Analyst
Agency: Education Department
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 01/30/2024
- Closing Date: 02/20/2024
- Bid Open Date: 01/30/2024
- Bid Close Date: 02/05/2024
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Education Department
- Division/Unit: Education / Office of Inspector General
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: No
- Salary Range: $27.58 - $40.49 / hourly; $57,587 - $84,543 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214/MAPE - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees
- FLSA Status: Nonexempt
- 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.
- 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.
Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.
The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.
The Minnesota Department of Education is seeking applicants to serve as Legal Analyst, in the newly established Office of the Inspector General. The Legal Aanalyst will be assisting the Office of the Inspector General leadership team with support from the legal team within the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to provide assistance and aid in the areas of administrative law, child maltreatment assessment and investigation, risk management and accountability, fraud, waste, and abuse, and financial crime assessment and investigations, appeals and administrative hearings, data practices, and corresponding criminal law, and special education rules and regulations.
The IG – Legal Analyst will provide high-level technical assistance, legal research, analysis, and administrative assistance to the IG, leadership, and legal team as it relates to the application of various federal and state laws, rules and regulations, codes, and policies associated with the OIG. Assist in developing, coordinating, and responding to legislative initiatives and data practice requests that impact program efforts and the legislative process.
They will assist the IG and legal team in responding to legal challenges and formal program appeals related to investigations, audits and complaints associated with the OIG.
The Legal Analyst will:
- Participate in consultations with OIG management, agency leadership, general counsel, and the Attorney General’s Office in response to potential litigation and legal challenges.
- Track and monitor OIG complaints, investigations, audits, and reconsideration requests to ensure timely response and resolution. Propose solutions to resolve problems discovered during tracking and monitoring.
- Assist in data practice reviews, requests, and management of the requests.
- Review contracts and monitor the administration of contracts to ensure compliance with legal, program, and administrative requirements. Identify and report any issues which may adversely affect the quality and timeliness of services delivered.
- Participate in the legislative process by reviewing and aiding in the completion of Form A’s, bill comments, change item requests, and proposed rule changes for agency leadership and the Minnesota Legislature’s consideration.
- Assist internal and external customers by providing technical assistance in response to questions pertaining to school districts, charter schools, various MDE programs including grants and child nutrition, and the implementation and oversight of federal and state laws, guidance, and resources related to all OIG programs.
- Participate and represent program objectives and goals on agency and multi-agency task forces, committees, and workgroups.
- Assist legal and program staff in preparation for administrative hearings including transfer of the case file and corresponding documents to the Attorney General’s Office, preparation of investigator testimony, and the review/editing of legal briefs and other legal documents.
- Manage and maintain the OIG case management and tracking system on legal challenges, appeals, and correspondence.
Minimum Qualifications
3+ years of experience performing paralegal or similar technical legal work
OR
Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in law, criminal justice, paralegal studies, or a related field or certification as a paralegal and 2+ years of experience performing paralegal or similar technical legal work
OR
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college with major coursework in law, criminal justice, paralegal studies, or a related field and 1+ years of experience performing paralegal or similar technical legal work
Experience must include:
- Experience proofreading, citing, and preparing legal briefs, memoranda, and other legal documents.
- Working knowledge of office software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Experience assembling exhibits, affidavits, and other legal documents
Preferred Qualifications
- Professional Certifications: Professional certifications such as paralegal or equivalent
- Working knowledge of the Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors Act, MN Government Data Practices Act, and other relevant state and federal laws
- Strong legal research skills, including experience using Westlaw or a similar research tool
- Experience drafting state agency legislative documents including Form A’s, bill comments, change item requests, and proposed rule changes for legislature consideration
- Experience reviewing and responding to data requests and formal appeals
- A good understanding of relevant state and federal laws, regulations, and compliance requirements is necessary to ensure the agency's operations align with legal standards.
How To Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
If you have questions about the position, contact Kayla Johnson at kayla.s.johnson@state.mn.us or 651-582-8521.
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 Kayla Johnson at kayla.s.johnson@state.mn.us.
Why Work for Us
Diverse Workforce
We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.
A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:
- 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
- 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
- 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
- 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule
Comprehensive Benefits
Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:
- Public pension plan
- Training and professional development
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 11 paid holidays each year
- Paid parental leave
- Low-cost medical and dental coverage
- Prescription drug coverage
- Vision coverage
- Wellness programs and resources
- Employer paid life insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability
- Health care spending and savings accounts
- Dependent care spending account
- Tax-deferred compensation
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
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.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
We will make reasonable accommodations 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 and indicate what assistance is needed.
