Attorney III - Privacy Team (Lincoln)

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is seeking a skilled legal professional to join our Privacy Team. This position plays a key role in maintaining the agency’s ethical standards and regulatory compliance. Our Attorney III will lead efforts around HIPPA privacy, IT legal support and regulations. This role offers the opportunity to collaborate across divisions, influence policy, and help uphold DHHS’ mission of helping people live better lives.

Here's how we reward our employees:

• State-matched retirement contribution of 156%!

• 13 paid holidays

• Generous leave accruals that begin immediately

• A culture that embraces work-life balance

• Tuition reimbursement program

• 79% employer-paid health insurance plans

• Dental and vision insurance plans

• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy

• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service

• Training and development based on your career aspirations

• Job security and stability, even during times of economic hardship

• Employee Assistance Program

• Fun, inviting teammates

• No billable hour requirements!

Hiring rate of position: Negotiable; commensurate with education and/or experience, if approved

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct legal research and analysis related to privacy, HIPAA, and regulation promulgation.
• Conduct privacy investigations across the agency.
• Review and advise on contracts and data sharing agreements to ensure compliance with state and federal law.
• Develop and lead privacy training programs for agency personnel.
• Conduct privacy risk assessments and develop risk mitigation strategies.
• Provide legal opinions and general guidance to internal stakeholders on privacy, data governance, and regulation promulgation.
• Draft and implement privacy policies, procedures, and SOPs.
• Analyze and investigate trends and report on privacy compliance metrics.
• Provide legal interpretation and guidance on agency operations, including IT systems, contracts and grants, and access to data.
• Draft and review agency regulations and supporting documentation.
• Ensure all statutory requirements are met related to regulation promulgation

Requirements/ Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Three years of experience as an attorney practicing law and providing legal services such as preparing and trying cases, advising clients, and/or interpreting laws or administrative policies.

Legal Requirements: In accordance with Section 7-101, Nebraska Revised, Reissued Statutes of 1943, incumbents in this class must be admitted to the Nebraska Bar.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with CLIO, PolicyTech, OnBase, or similar document management systems. Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. This role works closely with executive leadership, HR, operations, and legal teams in a collaborative, compliance-focused environment. A successful candidate will demonstrate strong judgment, a risk-aware mindset, and the ability to balance legal precision with practical solutions.

Ability to: interpret and apply statutes, case law, decisions of court/administrative hearings, administrative rules, regulations, and policies on a variety of complex legal issues; review and apply state and federal laws regarding agency compliance, HIPAA and privacy, and the Administrative Procedures Act; effectively communicate and interact with internal personnel, external stakeholders, and the public; evaluate programs and documents for compliance and develop strategic plans; draft and develop internal agency policies; conduct thorough and timely privacy investigations; conduct legal research and formulate opinions and recommendations based on legal research; identify critical elements of legal questions and issues; create and conduct internal training for agency personnel related to privacy and regulation promulgation; draft, review, and edit agency regulations; ensure all statutory requirements for the promulgation of regulations are met; and provide legal interpretations and guidance to agency personnel on pending legislation.