Associate General Counsel/Staff Attorney 2

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Saint Peter (MN); Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

Direct Care & Treatment seeks an Associate General Counsel to provide legal advice across multiple DCT programs, including regulatory and compliance matters, data privacy, and licensing. The role supports the General Counsel’s Office with litigation coordination and policy development.

The position requires a J.D. and Minnesota licensure, plus at least three years of healthcare-law experience, with telework eligibility and a 50% onsite requirement at St. Peter, MN.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active Minnesota law license in good standing.
• Three years of experience providing legal advice in healthcare, civil commitment, privacy or state administration.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to Community Based Services, Outpatient Services, Pharmacy, Medical Services, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Services and Forensic Services leadership, management and staff.
• Advise on proposed legislative changes affecting DCT and maintain knowledge of DCT operations.
• Coordinate claims and litigation involving DCT; perform other assigned duties.

Skills

Legal advice

Regulatory knowledge

Communication skills

Healthcare law

Privacy law

Education

Juris Doctorate (J.D.)

Job description

Working Title: Associate General Counsel

Job Class: Staff Attorney 2

Agency: Direct Care and Treatment

• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Job ID: 96789
• Location: St. Peter
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/03/2026
• Closing Date: 09/23/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / MAPE DCT Central Office
• Division/Unit: DCT Support Services / DCT GCO - MHSATS/FS/CBS
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 20%
• Salary Range: $39.22 - $58.35 / hourly; $81,891 - $121,834 / 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

Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCT does not participate in E-Verify.

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.

This position requires an employee to be onsite at 100 Freeman Dr, St. Peter, Minnesota at least 50% of the time, with some opportunity to perform work from a telework location.

• Telework is available on a limited basis.
• Only candidates residing in Minnesota or a state bordering Minnesota (Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wisconsin) within 50 miles of the work address listed above are eligible for telework.
• Candidates residing in Minnesota and more than 50 miles from the primary/principal work address above may be eligible to telework more than 50%.

About Direct Care And Treatment

The only system of its kind, size and scope in Minnesota, Direct Care and Treatment (DCT) occupies a unique place in the state's mental health continuum of care and has a unique role. We serve patients and clients with complex conditions that other behavioral health care providers cannot or will not serve.

• Our Mission: We support meaningful lives through specialized behavioral health services others do not provide.
• Our Vision: A Minnesota where everyone receives the behavioral health services they need.
• Our Values: Person-centeredness, quality, safety, partnership, equity, and accountability.

Each year, more than 12,000 people receive services in DCT's inpatient treatment facilities, special care dental clinics, group homes and other residential and vocational settings. Services are delivered at more than 150 locations statewide by more than 5,400 full- and part-time staff.

About This Job

DCT is seeking an individual to join our General Counsel’s Office for an exciting and rewarding opportunity as an Associate General Counsel! This position will provide legal advice to DCT programs including Community Based Services (DCT’s Community Residential Services programs), Outpatient Services, Pharmacy, Medical Services, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Services (DCT’s licensed hospitals and residential substance use and mental health treatment programs) and Forensic Services (DCT’s licensed nursing home and Forensic Mental Health Program).

The person in this position is responsible for providing legal advice on a variety of complex and changing areas applicable to the diverse activities of DCT facilities. Specifically, the person provides legal advice on healthcare law and regulation, the Minnesota Commitment and Treatment Act; Minnesota Chapter 245D; Minnesota Statute Ch. 611 competency proceedings, data privacy and protected health information; informed consent and due process management of litigation; consultation and occasional proposed drafting for legislative matters; and matters related to facility licensing.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and related services to Community Based Services, Outpatient Services, Pharmacy, Medical Services, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Services and Forensic Services leadership, management, and staff.
• Provide legal advice and services related to proposed legislative changes affecting DCT. Maintain knowledge of DCT operations and departments.
• Coordinate claims against and litigation affecting DCT, including state and federal litigation. Perform work on other projects and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor of this position.
• Conduct legal review of DCT divisional policies to ensure consistency with other DCT policies, applicable statutes, rules, regulations, licensing requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Develop and conduct training on legal policies.

Minimum Qualifications

To be qualified for and considered for this position, applicants must meet all the minimum qualifications listed below. Ensure that your resume contains descriptions of your work experience sufficient for comparison against the requirements stated below and indicate the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an ABA accredited law school; AND
• Current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota; AND
• Three (3) years of experience as a practicing attorney providing legal advice and counsel in healthcare, civil commitment, privacy, state administration or a related legal field demonstrating the experience listed below:
  • Provision of legal advice interpreting rules, laws, court orders and other legal and/or regulatory materials.
  • Knowledge of the legislative process and federal and state laws.
  • Strong legal research, oral and written communication skills.
  • Experience providing legal advice to senior management or executives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Possess knowledge of state and federal law, rules, and regulations relating to healthcare law, the Minnesota Commitment and Treatment Act, the Minnesota Health Records Act, the Minnesota Vulnerable Adults Act, the Minnesota Maltreatment of Minors Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, landlord-tenant law and the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
• Experience determining the impact of proposed or adopted changes in state or federal law, rule or regulation and how they impact patients in a healthcare system.
• Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

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 – Direct Care & Treatment will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

EDUCATION VERIFICATION - Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their high school diploma at time of interview OR copies of their college transcript or college degree/diploma at time of interview. Copies of the college degree/diploma are acceptable ONLY if it clearly identifies the field in which it was earned.

About Direct Care And Treatment

DCT operates a highly specialized behavioral health care system that serves people with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. This includes psychiatric hospitals and other inpatient mental health treatment facilities; inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities; dental clinics, group homes, vocational sites, and sex offender treatment facilities.

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
• Annual pay increases
• 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 [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.