HHS Compliance Division Legal Counsel

Job Title: Attorney 3 This is a non-merit position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise. Shape the legal backbone of Iowa's largest state agency. Iowa HHS touches the lives of nearly every Iowan — and behind every policy, contract, and program is a legal team making sure it's done right. We're looking for an experienced attorney ready to step into a leadership role at the center of it all: supervising our internal legal team, advising executive leadership, and serving as a trusted, confidential advisor on the issues that matter most. This isn't a back-office legal job. You'll sit at the table with the HHS Chief Operating Officer, Deputy Director, and division leadership — shaping how one of the state's most complex agencies manages legal risk, policy, and compliance. Location: Lucas State Office Building, Des Moines, Iowa Schedule: Full-time | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. (some evenings/weekends, occasional travel) What You'll Do • Serve as internal general counsel to the HHS Chief Operating Officer and the Compliance & Administration division • Provide legal guidance across HHS divisions, coordinating with the Attorney General's Office and outside counsel as needed • Research and analyze complex legal issues, translating them into clear guidance and risk mitigation strategies for leadership • Review administrative rules before adoption and weigh in on proposed legislation affecting HHS operations • Represent the agency at administrative hearings when needed Build & Supervise a High-Performing Team • Supervise the Department's internal counsel team, including attorneys and the Appeals and Rules team • Own the full employee lifecycle — hiring, performance management, coaching, and staff development • Partner with HR on grievances, EEO/AA, ADA, FMLA, and FLSA compliance • Foster a team culture where people are encouraged to innovate and bring solutions to complex problems Own the Details That Matter • Evaluate contracts, procurement documents, and regulations for legal risk • Stay current on the state and federal law that shapes HHS programs • Set program objectives and measure performance against them What You Bring • Active license to practice law in the State of Iowa • A law degree (J.D.) • Ability to pass a Level 1 background check • Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills • Proven supervisory or leadership experience — or clear readiness to lead a team of attorneys and professional staff • Sound judgment and discretion; this role works in confidence with senior HHS leadership on sensitive matters • Comfort operating across ambiguity, translating complex legal and regulatory issues into practical guidance Why This Role • Impact at scale — your legal counsel informs decisions that ripple across every HHS division and, ultimately, every Iowan HHS serves • A seat at the leadership table — direct partnership with the HHS Deputy Director and COO • Team leadership — build and grow a legal team you're proud of • Meaningful, varied work — no two weeks look the same, from legislative review to administrative hearings to day-to-day counsel Benefits • Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage! • Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year). • Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month). • Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses. • Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind. • Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges. • Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs. The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer. HHS values those with "lived experience" and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD). The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.