ATTORNEY IV

State of California; United States; Hybrid; USD 134,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

State of California's Department of Health Care Services seeks an Attorney IV to join the Office of Legal Services in a dynamic, hybrid role. You will handle your own administrative litigation caseload, prepare witnesses, review evidence and represent the department in OAHA/OAH hearings while collaborating with the Attorney General’s Office on complex matters.

Starting salary is in the HAM range with remote-work flexibility across California and potential Sacramento-based options.

Qualifications

• Desirable qualifications include experience representing clients in litigation before administrative, state and/or federal courts, negotiation and mediation.
• Knowledge of Title XIX of the Social Security Act; the state Medi-Cal program; and related programs and divisions.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; superior research and analytical abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain professional relationships with team members and stakeholders.
• Advanced expertise in reviewing and analyzing contracts, correspondence, legal opinions, regulations and legislation.

Responsibilities

• Handle a broad spectrum of administrative litigation matters under supervision.
• Prepare witnesses, review and assess evidence including cost reports and medical records.
• Represent DHCS in hearings before OAHA and OAH; work with AG's Office on writ petitions and state/federal court actions.
• Work remotely from anywhere in California with hybrid options in select offices.
• Engage in complex and evolving legal issues to protect integrity of California’s health care programs.

Job description

$11,993.00 - $16,096.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 9/11/2026

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact on public service? Are you passionate about litigation and eager for the opportunity to handle your own health care caseload from start to finish? If so, the Department of Health care Services (DHCS) is the place for you!

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 litigation team. If you are interested in joining our team, apply today!

About this Role

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), Office of Legal Services (OLS), Program Integrity and Compliance Branch (PICB) is seeking an Attorney IV to join its administrative litigation professionals. 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. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute work that directly supports the health and well-being of millions of Californians.

This is a dynamic litigation position where you’ll have the opportunity to handle your own caseload, prepare witnesses, review and assess evidence (including cost reports and medical records), and represent DHCS in hearings before the Office of Administrative Hearings and Appeals (OAHA) and the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). PICB attorneys handle a wide range of litigation matters including hospital and nursing facility audits, provider appeals, substance use disorder license actions, and managed care appeals. PICB attorneys also work with the Attorney General’s Office in writ petitions and other state and federal court actions. You will have the opportunity to work remotely from anywhere in California! (Working in the Sacramento office full or part-time is also an option.) Telework is subject to DHCS' Telework Program guidelines.

Under the direction of the Assistant Chief Counsel, the Attorney IV will have the opportunity to handle a broad spectrum of administrative litigation matters and work on complex and evolving legal issues in a collaborative and supportive team committed to protecting the integrity of California’s health care programs.

The Attorney IVqualifies for a “Hire Above Minimum “ (HAM) salary. The starting salary for the classification will be:$13,313.

Have questions and/or need assistance? Contact [e-mail], 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 filing a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) when assuming office, annually while in office, and upon leaving office.

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

Working Conditions

The Office of Legal Services uses a hybrid telework model to provide all employees with an avenue to telework while ensuring business and operational needs are met. Please see the Telework and Salary Information section below for telework, reporting location, and temporary statewide salary reduction details
This is a statewide recruitment, and the position may be located in, but not limited to, the following locations: Sacramento, San Francisco, Orange (Santa Ana), San Bernadino (Rancho Cucamonga), San Diego and Los Angeles.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ATTORNEY IV

ATTORNEY IV $11,993.00 - $16,096.00A New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions

Multiple

Work Location

United States

Telework

Hybrid

Job Type

Permanent, Full Time

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 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.
Take a look at some of DHCS' recent projects and happenings that our Department has accomplished in theDHCS Newsroom.

The Office of Legal Service (OLS) provides comprehensive legal support and services to DHCS programs and its employees. The Regulations Units (Regs)which coordinatethe development and promulgation of DHCS regulations, is also part of the OLS.

Special Requirements

Simple Application Steps

Ifyou are interested in this position, complete the following simple steps:

• Review the education and experience minimum qualifications (MQ's) of the Attorney series. See the Minimum Requirements section above.
• Submit your application package with all required documents, which includes resume and cover letter - see the "Required Application Package Documents" section below.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience representing clients in litigation matters before administrative, state, and/or federal courts, including negotiation and mediation experience
• 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
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• 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 reviewing and analyzing contracts, correspondence, legal opinions, state plan amendments, bulletins, regulations, legislation, and other legal documents
• A commitment to public service
• Ability to research and analyze program issues from a broad policy perspective; and complete work under set deadlines

DHCS 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

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.

Contact Information

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

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
[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.

Telework and Salary Information

Telework:This position is currently eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and is subject to change consistent with DHCS’ Telework Program and Government Code sections 14200 – 14203. Telework is available to California residents, and proof of residency may be required.

Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated office and residence subject to regulations and bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the reporting location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

The DHCS office location for this position may be located in Sacramento, San Francisco, Orange (Santa Ana), San Bernadino (Rancho Cucamonga), San Diego and Los Angeles.

For a list of possible DHCS office assignment location addresses, please reference the reporting location document attached to the duty statement on this job advertisement.

Salary: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. Please reach out to the hiring unit contact listed on this job advertisement for details.

Additional Information

Using 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.

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 [e-mail]. For all other questions rega rding your CalCareer account, please contact CalHR’s CalCareers Unit at [phone] or [e-mail].

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.