Departmental Specialist 14 - Legal Affairs

Mission The MDHHS mission is to provide opportunities, services, and programs that promote a healthy, safe, and stable environment for residents to be self‑sufficient. We are committed to ensuring a diverse workforce and a work environment whereby all employees are treated with dignity, respect and fairness. Position Overview This position is located within the Bureau of Legal Affairs, Children’s Services Legal Division (CSLD) and is the statewide legal specialist for the Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), primarily in the areas of adoption, adoption subsidy, child welfare licensing‑proposed orders, guardianship and guardianship assistance. The primary MDHHS client served by this position is the Department’s Children’s Services Agency. Responsibilities Perform legal research and analysis on a broad and complex variety of issues related to child welfare matters focusing on adoption, adoption subsidy, child welfare licensing‑proposed orders, guardianship and guardianship assistance. Provide guidance to Children’s Services Agency Central Office executives, child welfare program staff, business service center staff, local MDHHS office staff and CSLD management/staff regarding applicable federal and state statutes, regulations, administrative rules, case law and policy. Work with the Michigan Office of Attorney General (AG) in coordinating necessary legal representation, functioning as a liaison regarding departmental position, policy and strategy involving administrative hearings and court proceedings. Review court orders and opinions for legal sufficiency, appropriateness and compliance; determine the appropriate MDHHS response to improper, inappropriate or otherwise objectionable court orders or opinions. Author guidance memoranda for policy setting, propose or review legislation, and analyze case law. Qualifications Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA‑accredited school of law. Member in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan. Bachelor’s degree in any major. Four years of professional experience, including two years at an equivalent P11 level or one year at an equivalent Advanced (12) level. Application Requirements Apply for this position online via NEOGOV; click on "Apply" in the job posting for instructions on submitting your electronic application. Hard copy applications are not accepted. Document relevant experience and/or education referred to in supplemental questions in your resume, transcript and/or application. Attach a resume identifying specific experience and dates of employment (month, year, hours per week). Attach a cover letter. If applicable, attach a copy of an official transcript(s). Official transcripts should include the name of the institution, confirmation that a degree was awarded and the date awarded, and the registrar's signature. Web‑based or unofficial transcripts are not accepted. Location and Work Options The physical location of this position is 235 S. Grand Ave, Lansing, MI. Remote work or a hybrid work schedule may be considered within operational limits. Selected candidates approved for remote or hybrid work must complete that work within Michigan and confirm work location and schedule at the time of interview. Additional Information This position requires successful completion of a background investigation and a criminal records check. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) software of any kind is prohibited in all areas of the selection process. If you previously held status in this classification and departed within the last three years, please contact Human Resources regarding your interest in a potential reinstatement. Reinstatement is not guaranteed or required. The Department of Health & Human Services reserves the right to close this posting prior to its original end date once a sufficient number of applications have been received. For more information about this position, please email View email address on click.appcast.io and reference the job posting number in the subject line. MDHHS is proud to be a Michigan Veteran’s Affairs Agency (MVAA) Gold Level Veteran‑Friendly Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Michigan