Deputy General Counsel

Note: Effective July 1, 2025, a 4.62% salary reduction is in place under the Personal Leave Program (PLP), with 8 hours of Personal Leave Credit earned monthly in exchange. This program is subject to change based on union agreements and state budget policy.

This position is located in Sacramento.

Under the general direction of the General Counsel (GC), the Attorney IV assists the GC in the formulation, administration, and implementation of the California Housing and Homelessness Agency (CHHA or Agency) policies and programs. The Deputy General Counsel (DGC) performs the most important and exceptionally complex and sensitive legal research and services, with broad discretion and independence. The DGC provides coordinated, cohesive legal recommendations to the General Counsel and CHHA departments to ensure consistency of policy, practice and vision across the CHHA portfolio.

Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications must be submitted along with your application in order to be considered for this position. Please see Statement of Qualifications section below for instructions.

This position requires reporting to the CHHA Sacramento Headquarters office a minimum of four days per week.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Salary

• $11,993 - $16,096/month

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ATTORNEY IV

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:

• Well-developed and demonstrated skills in legal research, writing, analysis, negotiation, and advocacy.
• Interest in, proficiency, experience and extensive knowledge of the application of land use, planning and zoning, entitlements, real estate development, multi-family housing finance, tribal, and related housing policy and housing policy enforcement laws.
• Proficiency and experience in conducting, managing, and supporting litigation and litigation strategy, including, without limitation, knowledge of state and federal civil procedure, writ practice, and experience drafting and filing legal briefs.
• Demonstrated legal creativity.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments with accuracy, to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and to work effectively, both independently and in a team environment as required.
• Ability to provide consultation services to all management.
• Experience with voluminous document review.
• Experience managing a workload with competing priorities and deadlines.

Other Information

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Department Information

The California Housing and Homelessness Agency (CHHA) advances a California for all by safeguarding civil rights, funding and preserving affordable housing, expanding pathways to homeownership, and working to prevent and end homelessness statewide. We serve Californians across the full housing spectrum—from individuals experiencing homelessness to first-time homebuyers—ensuring every community has the support it needs to thrive.

Our vision is simple and bold: a California where civil rights are protected, and everyone has a place to call home.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
CHHA values diversity at all levels and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, safe, and respectful workplace where employees from varied backgrounds, cultures, and lived experiences are welcomed and can succeed. Employees are expected to support an environment free from discrimination, provide equitable and consistent service to the public, collaborate with underserved communities and tribal governments, and contribute meaningfully to building a more just and accessible California.

Department Website: https://www.housing.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

Confidentiality

Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, 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.

Employment Application (STD.678)

It is a requirement to submit work experience, dates, and hours worked, contact names and phone numbers of supervisors on the state application. Resumes or other documents cannot substitute a state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD. 678 will not be considered.

CHHA Disclosure Requirements

Selected candidates may be subject to rules imposed by a Conflict of Interest Code that apply to CHHA employees, which may require filing a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700).

CHHA utilizes the federal E-Verify system to verify employment authorization in the United States. For additional information, please visit the E-Verify website.

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

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: 8/12/2026

Who 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).

How to Apply

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:

California Housing and Homelessness Agency (CHHA)
Postal
Attn: HCD Classification and Recruitment Unit | JC-524582
P.O. Box 952050
Sacramento, CA 94252-2050

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

California Housing and Homelessness Agency (CHHA)
Drop-Off
HCD Classification and Recruitment Unit | JC-524582
651 Bannon Street (SW Lobby)
Sacramento, CA 95811
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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Other - A cover letter is required.
• Statement of Qualifications - Please see statement of qualifications section below for instructions.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website:https://www.housing.ca.gov/

Hiring Unit Contact:
HCD Classification and Recruitment Unit | JC-524582
(916) 263-6735
recruit.hiring@hcd.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:
Medical Management Unit (RA Requests)
(916) 263-6735
medical.management@hcd.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 Qualifications

To be considered for this position, the candidate must submit an SOQ with their application. The SOQ also serves as documentation of the candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing and is considered your first interview for the position. If candidate’s qualifications are competitive, they may be invited to come in for an on-site interview. Responses should be no longer than two pages in length total, 11 pt font, single-spaced.

SOQs should include answers to the following:

1. Please describe why you are interested in this position and any unique qualifications that would contribute to your ability to serve successfully in this role.
2. Share your experience with regulations, including drafting and analyzing regulatory language, identifying legal risks, and making recommendations.
3. Describe any relevant area(s) of legal expertise you have related to housing law and/or policy.

Additional Information

To become 'list eligible' for consideration, interested candidates must successfully pass a civil service exam.

You may apply and take the exam online atCalCareers.

If you're new to the state application process please visit3 Steps to a State Job.

All information regarding your employment history must be included on the State Employment Application STD. 678. Applications that are submitted blank or with “see resume” in place of duties performed or applications received without the following information for each job entry will be considered incomplete and will not be accepted:

• "To" and "from" dates (month/day/year)
• Hours worked per week
• Private sector job titles
• Supervisor name and phone number
• Job duties performed
• State employees must list the specific departments for which they worked and indicate the specific civil service classification titles held (not working titles)

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. Benefits

We offer competitive benefits and flexible opportunities:

• Excellent health, dental and vision benefits for employee/employee’s family
• 401k program
• Flexible Schedules
• Hybrid telework
• Paid Holidays and vacation/leave
• Tax-advantaged savings and spending accounts
• Free Employee Assistance Program
• Investment in your training and development