DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Office of Enforcement at the Department of Managed Health Care handles the litigation needs of the DMHC, representing the DMHC in actions to enforce managed health care laws. A successful candidate will be responsible for performing sensitive and complex litigation work related to health care service plans pursuant to the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975, (Health and Safety Code section 1340, et seq.) and its implementing regulations (California Code of Regulations, title 28, division 1, chapter 1 (sections 1300.41-1300.826)).
The Attorney III classification is distinguished from the Attorney classification by the expertise and experience required to perform the duties of an Attorney III. The incumbent will be involved in prosecuting and defending civil and administrative cases at the trial and appellate levels involving matters of the highest degree of difficulty and sensitivity.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THIS POSITION INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING (other duties may be assigned):
Assignments typically consist of: conducting litigation and representing the DMHC at administrative and court hearings; conducting legal research and providing legal advice and opinions to DMHC management and executive; responding to difficult legal correspondence; and developing strategy and tactics in the most complex disputes and litigation. The Attorney III interprets and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities, provides advice or opinions to Departmental management on legal issues arising out investigations, and may appear in all California courts.
The Attorney III should be able to: provide policy analysis of proposed legislation; conduct negotiations, prepare cases, opinions, briefs, and other legal documents, such as memoranda and reports; prepare cases which may result in litigation before administrative law judges and civil trial or appellate courts; assemble and evaluate evidence; and take sworn statements.
The Attorney III is required to take substantial initiative, exercise a considerable amount of discretion, display superior work habits (e.g., organizational skills, accountability, timely completion of assignments), work independently, and produce the highest quantity and quality of legal work. The Attorney III serves as lead counsel with less experienced staff in litigation.
The Attorney III will be assigned increasingly difficult work, and need less direct supervision, as experience is gained in the respective classification at the Office of Enforcement. The following core essential functions of the Attorney series do not vary with experience:
• Maintain normal and consistent work hours, averaging 40 hours per week. (Proportionately less for part time positions.) When necessary, work in excess of 40 hours per week is expected to complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Routinely exercise independent, professional judgment, and accept supervision as directed or ordered.
• Travel to all parts of the State and the United States as required. Travel may involve one or more overnight stays, as required.
• Communicate effectively in writing and orally in person, through the use of documents and electronic devices.
• Handle multiple tasks, significant caseload, and effectively prioritize work.
• Perform research and analysis and apply legal principles, facts, and precedents to legal problems.
Please let us know how you heard about this position by taking a brief survey: DMHC Recruitment Survey.
Leave Program (PLP) 2025 agreement:
Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the temporary Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee receive a temporary reduction in pay in exchange for PLP 2025 leave credits. The temporary salary reduction percentage and the number of PLP 2025 leave credits are based on the position’s associated bargaining unit. The salary range(s) included in this job advertisement do not include the temporary salary reduction.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Salary- $10,852 - $15,325/month
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Desirable Qualifications
In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
• Demonstrated ability to successfully perform high-level legal work in a governmental setting, including but not limited to preparing legal opinions, analyzing legislation, preparing and reviewing correspondence, and engaging in successful administrative and civil litigation.
• Understanding of the Executive Branch of state government, its agencies and departments and the role of state and federal oversight agencies;
• Demonstrated ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, program staff and management, and staff of other state and federal agencies, while working independently and as part of a team;
• Willingness and ability to understand the Department programs and policies in order to provide sound legal advice that is responsive to the organization’s needs;
• Superior analytical and communication skills, both verbal and written, superior interpersonal skills, and tact;
• Superior research skills and work habits and the ability to complete work under deadlines, including the demonstrated ability to manage a large caseload;
• Willingness and ability to maintain a work environment free from discrimination or sexual harassment
Other InformationAdditional Documents
Department Information
The mission of the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) is to is to ensure health plan members have access to equitable, high-quality, timely, and affordable health care within a stable health care delivery system. The DMHC accomplishes its mission by ensuring the health care system works for consumers. The Department protects the health care rights of 30.2 million Californians by regulating health care service plans, assisting consumers through a consumer Help Center, educating consumers on their rights and responsibilities and preserving the financial stability of the managed health care system.
DMHC values diversity at all levels of the organization and is committed to fostering an environment in which employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. DMHC believes the diversity of our employees and their unique ideas inspire innovative solutions to further our mission. Join DMHC and help us improve the lives of all Californians.
If you are interested in learning about the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) culture from the perspective of someone like yourself, contact our Someone Like Me program (please check your Spam or Junk folders for our email replies). Within five business days of your request to participate in the Someone Like Me program, you will be matched with a DMHC employee with a similar background to discuss the DMHC’s culture. This program is not part of, or in any way affiliated with the application or hiring process. Prospective employees must complete the application process on Cal Careers (e.g., submit your application within the specified timeframes on the job posting) to be considered for hire at the DMHC. None of the information you provide through the Someone Like Me program will be relayed to the Hiring Unit.
Department Website: http://www.dmhc.ca.gov
Special Requirements- The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
- The position(s) require(s) a(n) Active CA State Bar License License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.
All applicants not currently employed by the DMHC will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation. The investigation will consist of fingerprinting and an inquiry to the California Department of Justice to disclose criminal records.
Any documents you submit for a job vacancy such as your State application, resume, cover letter, educational transcripts, etc. SHOULD NOT include ANY confidential information. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthday, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver’s license number will automatically be redacted upon submission. Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment.
If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcripts.
Unofficial transcripts may be accepted during the application process; however, submission of official transcripts may be required prior to appointment.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 1/27/2026Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process.Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Managed Health Care
DMHC Recruitment
Attn: Human Resources Office
980 9th Street, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Managed Health Care
DMHC Exams
Human Resources Office
980 9th Street, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is required and must be included.
- Statement of Qualifications -
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is a MANDATORY requirement in order to apply for this position. A SOQ is a narrative discussion describing how the candidate’s education, training, experience and skills meet the minimum and desirable qualifications for the position.
Please see section labeled "Statement of Qualifications" for further instructions.
Working Conditions
The DMHC has locations in Downtown Sacramento and Rancho Cordova. Both locations are located close to light-rail with various amenities. The incumbent will work in a climate-controlled cubicle and/or office environment with artificial lighting.
This position may be eligible for hybrid telework. The telework schedule is permitted at the operational needs of the Department and is subject to change, consistent with the State Telework Policy and the DMHC’s Telework Policy. All employees who telework are required to be California residents and maintain California residency in accordance with Government Code 14200.
Contact InformationThe Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Department Website:http://www.dmhc.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
DMHC Recruitment
(916) 322-8437
recruitment@dmhc.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Alejandro Camilo
(916) 414-0788
Alejandro.Camilo@dmhc.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:EEO Office
(916) 738-3394
EEO@dmhc.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Statement of QualificationsThe Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is a narrative discussion of how your education, experience, skill, interests, and training meet the minimum and desirable qualifications to qualify you for the position. It also serves as documentation of your ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Your Statement should be typed (Arial 12 pt. font) and be no more than two pages in length. It may be single or double spaced.
Your Statement of Qualifications must address the following:
a. Your litigation experience, including handling multiple litigation projects simultaneously.
b. Your reasons for wanting to work for the Department of Managed Health Care.
SOQ must be submitted. Applications submitted without the SOQ will not be evaluated and/or considered.
Applicants that do not submit a SOQ with their application packet will automatically be disqualified from consideration for this position. Cover letters, resumes and applications will not take the place of this document.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device. BenefitsBenefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.