Job Posting: Assistant Chief Counsel

Ca Health & Human Services Agency

JC-486130
-
Assistant Chief Counsel
ATTORNEY, ASSISTANT CHIEF COUNSEL

$14,090.00 - $17,225.00 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: 8/28/2025

Job Description and Duties

Under the direction of the Director of the Office of Law Enforcement Support (OLES), the Assistant Chief Counsel (ACC) will have full administrative and managerial responsibility for the statewide supervision of Attorney/Investigation Monitors (AIM). The ACC will review and oversee the monitoring and reporting on sensitive, complex and controversial, or other high level investigations involving allegations of misconduct and critical incidents that occur within the California Department of State Hospitals (DSH) and the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS). The ACC will supervise the monitoring of the involved State entities, including the departments’ attorneys, the institutional Offices of Protective Services (OPS), and other departmental employees, to ensure the appropriateness of policies, practices and disciplinary decisions within the departments.

The ACC must possess sound and effective communication skills, use good judgment in decision-making, exercise creativity and flexibility in problem identification and resolution, manage time and resources effectively, and be responsive to OLES management needs.

Please let us know how you learned about this career opportunity by taking the brief survey that follows: Recruitment Survey.

Need assistance in applying to positions, taking an examination, or interview prep? Connect with our staff by contacting us at Recruiter@dss.ca.gov Information about applying for a state job can be found here: Three Steps to a State Job. 

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

Working Conditions

The work location is very convenient! The CalHHS office recently moved into the newly constructed Allenby Building at 1215 O Street in Downtown Sacramento. We are one block away from light rail and public transportation; within walking distance to the State Capitol, parks, restaurants, farmer’s markets and the Golden 1 Arena. We offer an onsite cafeteria, coffee shop and a workout room. Our building has easy access to I-5, Highway 50 and Highway 80.

This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order N-22-25 and at the sole discretion of CalHHS under California Government Code Section 14200. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be re-evaluated at any time.  The incumbent will be expected to report for in office work and attend work related in-person events as deemed operationally necessary. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the CalHHS policies. Headquarter location may be designated on the selected candidate's primary residence location, and/or the closest CalHHS location in accordance with operational need and available space. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.


Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-486130
Position #(s):
799-102-5871-001
Working Title:
Assistant Chief Counsel
Classification:
ATTORNEY, ASSISTANT CHIEF COUNSEL
$14,090.00 - $17,225.00
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:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) oversees twelve departments and five offices that provide a range of health care services, social services, mental health services, alcohol and drug services, income assistance, and public health services to Californians from all walks of life. More than 33,000 people work for departments in CalHHS at state headquarters in Sacramento, regional offices throughout the state, state institutions and residential facilities serving the mentally ill and people with developmental disabilities.

The Office of Law Enforcement Support monitors and oversees law enforcement in the psychiatric facilities operated by the California Department of State Hospitals and the developmental centers operated by the state Department of Developmental Services in order to ensure the safety and security of the patients and clients, so they receive optimal treatment and care. The Office also monitors legal cases resulting from administrative and criminal investigations at the facilities to ensure consistency and appropriateness in case resolutions. In certain situations, the Office also conducts investigations. Additionally, the Office provides transparency through biannual reports that chronicle investigations and the Office's oversight activities.

www.oles.ca.gov
Department Website: www.oles.ca.gov

Special Requirements

Please Note:  A Statement of Qualifications or Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with your application in order to be considered for this position.

 

Do not include any confidential information on any documents (i.e., application, resume, or transcripts) you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include but is not limited to: Social Security Number (SSN), birthday and/or age, photos, student/other ID number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, exam results, LEAP status, and marital status. Confidential information submitted via a CalCareer Account (electronic application) is automatically redacted upon submission.


The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is a narrative of how your education, training, experience, and skills meet the essential and desirable qualifications and qualify you for the position. The SOQ must be typed, no more than two (2) pages in length, with oneinch margins, and have a font size of no smaller than Arial 11.

You may also include a resume, not to exceed two (2) pages in length. NOTE: a resume will not be accepted in place of a SOQ.

Please answer the following questions:

1. Describe your work experience and certifications. Specifically include your present and previous positions as well as your supervisory, management, and leadership experience.
2. Describe your experience working in a law enforcement oversight/monitoring or similar role.

You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD 678). You may be disqualified from the hiring and selection process if the employment history is not complete. Resumes will not take the place of employment history.

If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts for verification. If selected, you may be required to provide official transcripts at the time of hire.

Training and Development assignments may be considered based on the availability of eligible candidates and are subject to approval by the Hiring Authority prior to appointment. Training and Development assignments are temporary in nature and shall not exceed twenty-four (24) months.

 

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview, but they must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for 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: 8/28/2025

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:

Ca Health & Human Services Agency
Mail option
Attn: c/o Dept Social Services, Cert Unit
P. O. Box 944243, MS 8-15-58
Sacramento, CA 94244-2430

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Ca Health & Human Services Agency
Drop off option
Classification & Pay Unit
Department of Social Services
744 P Street, MS 8-15-58
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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Statement of Qualifications -

    (SOQ) Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.

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

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:


• Experience presenting cases before the State Personnel Board.

• Knowledge of Employment Law and Criminal Law and Procedure.

• Knowledge of Public Safety Officers Procedural Bill of Rights (POBR)

• Background and experience in monitoring administrative and criminal investigations.

• Background and experience monitoring attorneys and disciplinary officers as they prosecute employee disciplinary cases

• Background and experience monitoring an employee disciplinary process

• Knowledge of and demonstrated effectiveness in formulating, developing, and implementing policies and procedures affecting specialized law enforcement and investigative services

• Knowledge of applicable criminal and civil laws and regulations pertaining to DSH and DDS, including but not limited to the California Penal Code, Health and Safety Code, Welfare and Institutions Code, Business and Professions Code, Government Code, and the California Code of Regulations

• Ability to effectively communicate law enforcement policies, procedures, and best practices, both orally and in writing

• Interpersonal skills, including working effectively and in partnership with departments and all levels of staff, the Governor’s Office, Department of Finance, California State Legislators, Legislative staff, Legislative Analyst’s Office, stakeholders, and outside organizations

• Experience with complex law enforcement and investigative programs

• Knowledge of the organization and structure of California state government, specifically of agencies and other departments who have regular contact with the OLES, including the Department of State Hospitals, Department of Developmental Services, Health and Human Services Agency, Attorney General’s Office, California Highway Patrol, local law enforcement agencies, and District Attorneys.

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team!  The State of California has a generous benefits package that includes medical coverage, CalPERS pension upon retirement, two weeks paid vacation per year, two weeks paid sick leave per year, two paid Professional Development Days, one paid Personal Holiday, pre-tax parking fee program.

 

TRANSPORTATION REIMBURSEMENT

  • Public transit (mass transit) passes.
    • 100 percent discount on public transit passes sold by state agencies, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
    • 100 percent reimbursement on public transit passes purchased by state employees, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.
  • Vanpool drivers and riders
    • 100 percent reimbursement on the monthly fee, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.

 

Click here to view all the attractive benefits available to state employees!


Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

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

Department Website: www.oles.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Mark Helms
(916) 869-7455
mark.helms@chhs.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) 657-2326
EEOoffice@dss.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.

Examination Information

Those interested in obtaining employment with the California Department of Social Services must apply and compete through the State recruitment process.  Applicants who successfully pass the examination will be placed on an eligibility list used to recruit for positions.

To apply for the examination for this position, click on the link below to search for the examination and follow the “How to Apply” instructions in the examination announcement:

CalCareers Exam/Assessment Search

If you already have list eligibility for this classification, you do not need to retake the examination, except when your list eligibility expires. For questions regarding the examination process and/or career opportunities with the California Department of Social Services, please contact the Examination Unit at examinations@dss.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.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job