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Why Join DHCS?
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is the backbone of California’s health care safety net. Our success is made possible by the hard work of more than 4,800 DHCS team members and through collaboration with the federal government and other state agencies, counties, and partners for the care of low-income families, children, pregnant women, older adults, and persons with disabilities. This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse team as an Attorney IV. If you are interested in joining our team, apply today!
As a valued member of DHCS, you will make it possible for more than 14 million Californians to improve their health and their lives. Your efforts are important to each member of the team, as well as those we serve. As an Attorney IV at DHCS, you will be able to work on programs that are vital to the health of our community and provide health care related benefits and services to almost one in three Californians. We recognize the strength in teamwork. We know that by encouraging collaboration and diversity, embracing telework, striving for a healthy work/life balance, and protecting the health of Californians, we will benefit our economy as a whole. Be part of a team that prides itself in making a difference for Californians.
About this Role:
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), Office of Legal Services (OLS), Delivery Systems and Behavioral Health Branch (DSBHB) is seeking an Attorney IV to join the team. The Attorney IV positions are crucial in reaching our mission of providing Californians with access to affordable, integrated, high-quality health care, including medical, dental, mental health, substance use treatment services and long-term care. Help us actualize our vision to preserve and improve the overall health and well-being of all Californians. The Attorney IV will have the opportunity to work remotely from anywhere in California! Telework is subject to DHCS' Telework Program guidelines.
The DSBHB provides advice and counsel to support DHCS' managed care, integrated systems of care, behavioral health delivery systems, and behavioral health infrastructure and licensing systems. The Attorney IV is responsible for in-house counsel services including the development of sound legal strategies and recommendations necessary to support program implementation and ongoing administration; advisement on policies and legislation; supporting contract management and procurement; and the provision of litigation support to the State and United States Departments of Justice. The Attorney IV is an expert in Medi-Cal, general government health law, and privacy law and is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys within the OLS, handling difficult and complex legal issues faced by the Department. The Attorney IV handles projects that have the most significant program, policy, fiscal, and political impact on the Department.
This recruitment has been posted for more vacancies than currently exist as it may be used to fill additional identical vacancies which occur within 180 days of the closing date of this bulletin. Future vacancies may include the following within the Office of Legal Services:
- The Fiscal, Financing, and Privacy Branch
- The Delivery Systems and Behavioral Health Branch
- The Program Integrity and Compliance Branch
- The Benefits, Eligibility, and Operations Branch
The Attorney IV qualifies for a "Hire Above Minimum" (HAM) salary. The starting salary for the classification will be: $12,925.00.
Have questions and/or need assistance? Contact Recruit@dhcs.ca.gov, we are here to help walk you through the state hiring process!
This position is subject to the Department’s Conflict of Interest Code and requires annual filing of a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700).
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Salary- $12,925 - $15,627/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:
- Knowledge of Title XIX of the Social Security Act; the state Medi-Cal program; and related programs and divisions of the Department
- Background and interest in health law
- Familiarity with legal ethics and conflicts of interest under the California Rules of Professional Conduct, State Bar Act, and selected California Rules of Court
- Experience representing clients in litigation matters before administrative, state, and/or federal courts, including negotiation and mediation experience
- In-house counsel experience
- Superior research, analytical, interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to exercise a high degree of initiative, flexibility, tact and diplomacy, judgment and confidentiality
- Experience advising clients on sensitive political issues
- Ability and commitment to work collaboratively and maintain professional and collaborative relationships with team members, clients and other staff at all levels, as well as stakeholders
- Advanced expertise in drafting, reviewing, and editing contracts, correspondence, legal opinions, state plan amendments, bulletins, regulations, legislation, and other legal documents clearly and logically
- A commitment to public service
- Ability to research and analyze program issues from a broad policy perspective; and complete work under set deadlines
Additional Documents
Department Information
DHCS’ purpose is to provide equitable access to quality health care leading to a healthy California for all.
DHCS is a dynamic organization with ambitious goals and talented, committed employees. We work hard every day to fulfill our vital responsibility to support the delivery of quality health care to Californians. DHCS is committed to addressing disparities within our organization and in our communities through efforts toward greater diversity, equity, and inclusion. This is accomplished, in part, by a commitment toward employing a diverse workforce that reflects the many communities we serve, and by promoting and enforcing equal employment opportunity.
The Office of Legal Service (OLS) provides comprehensive legal support and services to DHCS programs and its employees. The Office of Regulations (OOR) which coordinates the development and promulgation of DHCS regulations, is also part of the OLS.
Take a look at some of DHCS' recent projects and happenings that our Department has accomplished in the DHCS Newsroom.
Special RequirementsApplicants must have an active membership in the California State Bar.
Simple Application Steps
If you are interested in this position, complete the following simple steps:
- Review the education and experience minimum qualifications (MQ's) of the Attorney IV. See the Minimum Requirements section above.
- Complete the state application by clicking "Apply Now" above. See below for detailed application instructions.
- Submit your application package with all required documents, which include the Statement of Qualifications, resume, and cover letter - see the "Required Application Package Documents" section below
- Once you have applied, take the Attorney IV exam.
A completed Statement of Qualifications (SQ) must be submitted with your STD. 678 in order to be considered for this recruitment. Applicants who do not include the required SQ may not be considered. Responses must be typed on an 8 1/2" x 11" page, single spaced, using no smaller than a 12-point font. Responses should be at least one full page, but not more than two pages with one-inch margins. Ensure your responses are complete, specific, clear, and concise.
- Describe your knowledge, experience, or interest in the area of health care law and Medicaid in particular.
- Describe your experience navigating complex, overlapping, and conflicting laws. Please provide a specific example.
- Please describe your experience as it pertains to at least three of the Desirable Qualifications for this position (listed below).
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: 7/17/2025Who 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 Health Care Services
Mailing
Attn: Certification Technician JC-482679
M.S. 1300
P.O. Box 997411
Sacramento, CA 95899-7411
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Health Care Services
Drop-Off
Certification Section JC-482679
1501 Capitol Avenue, Suite 71.1501
Sacramento, CA 95814
Monday – Friday (excluding holidays)
08:00 AM - 04:00 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.
- Other - Cover Letter is required and must be included. Applicants who do not include the required Cover Letter may not be considered.
- Statement of Qualifications -
Statement of Qualifications. Refer to the Statement of Qualifications Requirement Section for instructions. Applicants who do not included the required Statement of Qualifications may not be considered.
Working Conditions
Please see the Telework Information section below for telework details.
This position offers a hybrid work schedule as outlined in the telework information section below; the amount of telework is based on the operational business needs. Beginning July 1, 2025, pursuant to Executive Order N-22-25 issued March 3, 2025, and California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) Statewide Guidance issued March 13, 2025, DHCS team members generally will be required to report in-person a minimum of four days per week unless exempted/excepted.
This position is a statewide recruitment, the incumbent will be headquartered in the county nearest their residence, including but not limited to the following counties: Sacramento, San Francisco, Orange (Santa Ana), San Bernadino (Rancho Cucamonga), San Diego, and Los Angeles.
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Ke'Erah Osby
(916) 708-8118
KeErah.Osby@dhcs.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 Officer
(916) 440-7370
civilrights@dhcs.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.
Additional InformationUsing the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.
Paper applications must include a signature. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed.
Applicants must state their basis of eligibility (List Eligibility, Lateral Transfer, Reinstatement, T&D, or Surplus/SROA), and the Job Control (JC) number and/or position number in the “Examination(s) or Job Title(s), For Which You Are Applying” section on the STD. 678. Surplus/SROA candidates should submit a copy of their letter with their application. Please remove any confidential information (i.e., social security number, date of birth, etc.) as well as any information regarding your LEAP eligibility and/or exam scores from your documents prior to submission.
All information on the Employment Application (STD 678) must be completed. Applicants should include all employment history on the Employment Application (STD 678), including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY). Resumes or other documents may not be substituted for the Employment Application (STD 678).
If applying electronically, please note that CalCareers no longer allows applicants to withdraw their applications. If you need assistance to withdraw your application, please contact the Recruitment Section at Recruit@dhcs.ca.gov. For all other questions regarding your CalCareer account, please contact CalHR’s CalCareers Unit at (866) 844-8671 or CalCareer@calhr.ca.gov.
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. BenefitsDHCS is dedicated to creating an innovative workplace for its team members that is inclusive, diverse, and interactive! Here are a few of the ways we stay engaged with our team:
- Continuous and ongoing training
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program activities
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Additionally, as a team member of the State of California, you may be eligible for many benefits, such as:
- Medical, including health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid Holidays and vacation/leave
- Defined retirement program
- Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
- Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer
- Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
Full benefits information can be found on CalHR's California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary.
DHCS 2023-2027 Strategic Plan provides more information about our commitment to serving Californians and organizational excellence.
We need your help! Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief optional survey: SurveyMonkey link. This survey is not required to be considered for this position.
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