Attorney IV

California Department of Managed Health Care; United States; Hybrid; USD 144,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

California Department of Managed Health Care in Sacramento seeks an experienced Attorney IV for the Office of Enforcement to lead high-stakes health care litigation. You will prosecute and defend complex civil and administrative actions, advise management, and develop strategy for the Department’s most significant cases.

The role requires California Bar membership and a track record of independent, high-quality legal work in a governmental setting.

Qualifications

• Must be a member of the State Bar of California.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute and defend civil and administrative cases at trial and appellate levels.
• Perform all stages of litigation, including legal research and analysis.
• Provide legal advice and opinions to Department management.
• Prepare cases, briefs, and other legal documents; lead counsel in hearings and appeals.

Education

Membership in the State Bar of California

Job description

Job Description And Duties
The Office of Enforcement at the Department of Managed Health Care handles the litigation needs of the Department, representing the Department in actions to enforce the managed health care laws. The Office of Enforcement has an exciting opportunity for an experienced, motivated, committed litigator. The successful candidate will be responsible for performing sensitive and complex litigation work for the Department 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 position is distinguished from other Attorney positions by the expertise and experience required to perform the duties of an Attorney IV. 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. An Attorney IV for the Office of Enforcement at the Department of Managed Health Care performs a wide variety of legal work. Assignments typically consist of, but are not limited to, the ability to effectively conduct all stages of litigation, and conduct legal research and analysis; rendering legal advice and opinions to Department management; responding to difficult legal correspondence; and developing strategy and tactics in the most complex disputes or litigation. In addition, the Attorney IV interprets and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities; provides advice or opinions to Department management on legal issues arising out of investigations and litigation; and appears in all courts of California. The Attorney IV is responsible for developing proposed legislation, testifying before legislative committees, conducting negotiations, preparing cases, opinions, briefs, and other legal documents such as memoranda and reports, preparing cases which may result in litigation before administrative law judges or civil trial or appellate courts, assembling and evaluating evidence, interviewing witnesses, and acting as lead counsel in administrative hearings, civil trials, and appeals on the Department’s most significant cases. The Attorney IV 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 IV will serve as lead counsel over less experienced staff in litigation, and regularly communicate and collaborate with other programs within the Department.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATION:

• Membership in the State Bar of California.

This position is Limited Term (12 months); it may become permanent, be extended, or be cancelled at any time.

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.

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.

Minimum Requirements

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

• ATTORNEY IV

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-529292

Position #(s): 409-411-5780-921

Working Title: Attorney IV

Classification: ATTORNEY IV

$11,993.00 - $16,096.00 A

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions: 1

Work Location: Sacramento County

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: 12 Month Limited Term - Full Time

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.

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.

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).

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.

Required Application Package Documents

• 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 - The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is a narrative discussion of how your education, experience, skills, and training meet the minimum and desirable qualifications 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 no more than two pages in length.

Your Statement of Qualifications must address the following:

• How your legal experience has prepared you to meet the expectations of the Attorney IV position with the Office of Enforcement.


• Your interest in healthcare law.


• Your ability to work in a team setting, including your experience leading a team and how you have overcome obstacles in team settings.

Application packages received without a statement of qualifications will not be considered. Cover letters, resumes and applications will not take the place of the SOQ.

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.

Desirable Qualifications

• 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, staff of other state and federal agencies while working independently and as part of a team;


• Willing and able 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

It is expected that the Attorney IV will be assigned increasingly more 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.) Work in excess of 40 hours per week is expected, when necessary, 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 and significant caseload, and effectively prioritize work.


• Perform research and analysis and apply legal principles, facts, and precedents to legal problems.

Benefits

For information on benefits, please visit the Benefit Summary page on the CalHR website.

Contact Information

The 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

[phone]

[e-mail]

Hiring Unit Contact:

Alejandro Camilo

[phone]

[e-mail]

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

[phone]

[e-mail]

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.

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.