Appeals and Administrative Rules Attorney

Job Overview

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements will be placed on the eligible list. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Compliance, Bureau of Legal is seeking an Appeals and Administrative Rules Attorney to join our team!

The Appeals and Administrative Rules Attorney is responsible for reviewing administrative appeals, analyzing legal issues, and drafting final decision recommendations in accordance with departmental rules, state and federal laws, and applicable court decisions. The role requires strong legal research and writing skills, sound judgment, and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams to ensure accurate interpretation and implementation of complex policy and regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Serve as legal counsel for the HHS Appeals and Rules Bureau, advising on questions of law or administrative policies involved in the administration of HHS programs and services.
• Develop, prepare, and present final decision recommendations to the HHS Director or designee as part of administrative appellate procedure.
• Review appeal files, hearing transcripts, digital recordings, legal motions, and evidence to identify pertinent facts and determine the applicable law.
• Draft written findings of fact, conclusions of law, and final decision recommendations that are legally sound and compliant with departmental regulations.
• Prepare written responses to motions, including requests for stays and rehearings, and rulings on Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) orders.
• Review and analyze administrative rules to ensure compliance with legal standards and organizational policies.
• Conduct thorough legal research and analysis on complex issues raised during the appeals process or while drafting or revising administrative rules.
• Interpret laws, regulations, court decisions, and other legal opinions, and provide recommendations or legal interpretations to the Appeals and Rules Bureau.
• Render legal decisions based on statutory interpretation or agency regulations, and recommend corrective actions or relief as allowed by law.
• Handle the development and presentation of cases before administrative tribunals or appellate courts, particularly in complex legal matters.
• Collaborate with Administrative Law Judges, Department policy staff, the Attorney General's Office, Compliance and Administration Legal team members, or other internal teams to ensure consistent application of laws and regulations.
• Assist legislative committees by drafting bills and proposed legislation; provide expert testimony before legislative or administrative bodies.

Minimum Requirements

Benefits

Background Checks

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

EEO Statement

The State of Iowa is an Equal Employment Opportunity / affirmative action 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).

Additional Information

This is a non-merit position for Health & Human Services – Compliance and Administration. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section.

Admission Requirement

Positions in this class require admission to the Iowa State Bar.

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