General Counsel Division, Health and Human Services Section
The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking applicants for an Assistant Attorney General position in the Health and Human Services Section (HHS) of the General Counsel Division.
The Position: The Health and Human Services Section is currently seeking a lawyer with a strong interest in public service and looking for challenging and meaningful work to assist the section’s client agencies, primarily the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).
HHS Clients: OHA and ODHS are two of the largest state agencies in Oregon state government and have complex and engaging federal and state regulatory schemes. OHA is responsible for administering Oregon’s Medicaid program providing medical assistance to Oregonians (including through managed care by Coordinated Care Organizations), the Oregon Prescription Drug Program, addictions and mental health programs, public health programs, health facility licensing, health analytics, and the Oregon State Hospital. ODHS is responsible for administering programs serving some of Oregon’s most vulnerable citizens including those who are aging, physically disabled, or have an intellectual or developmental disability to ensure people are safe, secure, and living as independently as possible. ODHS is also responsible for public assistance programs and vocational rehabilitation services for those seeking to better support themselves and their families. Additionally, ODHS and OHA engage in emergency preparedness and emergency response activities to assist Oregonians during emergencies, including pandemics and natural disasters.
Attorneys in the section also advise the Home Care Commission; the Department of Business and Services – insurance regulatory programs, Division of Financial Regulation; the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace; Department of Early Learning and Care, Child Care Licensing Division; the Psychiatric Security Review Board; the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission’s cannabis regulation program, and the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s hemp program.
The Section: HHS includes attorneys who are subject matter experts on public benefit programs including Medicaid, Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) and others; public health (we were at the center for COVID-19 related work and relief efforts and currently are part of a team of lawyers addressing federal funding cuts impacting a variety of health-related and benefit programs); protected health information; forensic psychiatric care issues for both adults and juveniles, elder abuse and investigations, regulatory compliance as well as vanguard regulated programs such as marijuana and psilocybin use. Some of the attorneys in the section are recognized as national leaders in their fields.
If selected for one of these challenging positions, you will serve our section’s clients by conducting legal research and providing advice on a broad array of complex state and federal legal questions including: constitutional law; agency authority; licensing; rulemaking; public meetings and public records; benefit programs; confidentiality; disability law and other subjects. In addition to the work described above you may be litigate (in front of an administrative law judge), administrative cases that involve individuals or entities applying for licensure or already licensed, who do not meet licensing criteria or who have violated state law. Such cases can include allegations of abuse or neglect of vulnerable adults or children. Entities that HHS’s client agencies license include long term care facilities, hospitals, behavioral health facilities, adult foster homes, and child care facilities.
Section attorneys providing legal services must be solution oriented, able to give cutting edge legal advice in both clear and concise oral and written format and bring creative legal approaches and fresh thinking to each new project, all consistent with DOJ policies and legal positions.
In an ongoing effort to attract and retain diverse candidates, we are hopeful you’ll share our recruitment with members of your association, organization, or section members. I am available by phone or email if you have questions.
Questions regarding this position should be directed to Jeffrey Wahl, Attorney-in-Charge, Health and Human Services Section, at (503) 947-4540.
Apply now!
Assistant Attorney General (Health and Human Services Section)
Closes June 10, 2025 at 11:58 p.m.
