Job Posting: Assistant Chief Counsel - Hybrid

Department of Health Care Services

JC-493943
-
Assistant Chief Counsel - Hybrid
ATTORNEY, ASSISTANT CHIEF COUNSEL

$14,513.00 - $17,742.00 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: 10/31/2025

Job Description and Duties

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 in the following role. 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, Assistant Chief Counsel (Attorney, ACC) to join the team and lead our Compliance and Enforcement Section (CES). The Attorney, ACC position is crucial in reaching the Department’s purpose of providing Californians with equitable access to quality health care leading to a healthy California for all.

Leading a team at DHCS-OLS means much more than showing up for a job. As an Attorney, ACC, 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 while leading an elite team of attorneys. We recognize the strength in teamwork and value collaboration and shared ideas which benefit our clients. 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 community as a whole. Be part of a team that prides itself in making a difference for Californians.

The PICB-CES provides advice and counsel to support DHCS program implementation, and policy development related to defense of sanctions imposed, as well as license revocation actions regarding Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) providers and counselors. Furthermore, CES provides legal advice and counsel to the Department’s Office of Communications and Office of Compliance. More broadly, CES is part of, and closely collaborates with, other sections within the Program Integrity and Compliance Branch (PICB). PICB provides advice and counsel to support program integrity and compliance efforts (audits and investigations and appeals); activities related to human resources, civil rights, administration, Public Records Act (PRA) functions; and conflict of interest issues. PICB also provides litigation support to the State and United States Departments of Justice.

The PICB CES Attorney, ACC supervises staff within their designated Section that may include Attorney IVs, Attorney Ills, Attorney Is, and paralegals/analysts as they prepare legal pleadings and strategy, develop complex legal advice, and conduct varied litigation support activities. The incumbent assigns work, establishes Section priorities, and directs the overall activities of staff as they support DHCS' programs and divisions, including coordination with the Deputy Attorneys General and the Supervising Deputy Attorneys General on litigation related to or arising from these programs and divisions. The Attorney, ACC personally handles the most difficult and sensitive hearing and house counsel issues under their respective Section.

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 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 Bernardino (Rancho Cucamonga), San Diego and Los Angeles.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-493943
Position #(s):
803-030-5871-XXX
Working Title:
Assistant Chief Counsel - Hybrid
Classification:
ATTORNEY, ASSISTANT CHIEF COUNSEL
$14,513.00 - $17,742.00
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 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.

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

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

Special Requirements

Simple Application Steps

 

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

  1. Review the education and experience minimum qualifications (MQ's) of the Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel. See the Minimum Requirements section above.
  2. Complete the statement of qualifications and the state application by clicking "Apply Now" above. See below for detailed application instructions.
  3. Submit your application package with all required documents, which include the statement of qualifications - see the "Required Application Package Documents" section below.
  4. Once you have applied, take the Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel Examination.

 

Applicants must have an active membership in the California State Bar.


Statement of Qualifications Requirement Section

 

A completed Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted with your STD. 678 in order to be considered for this recruitment. Applicants who do not include the required SOQ will not be considered. Please limit your response to no more than two pages, using Arial font with no less than a font size of 12. You must indicate your Full Name and Job Control Number. Resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.


Respond directly to the following SOQ questions:

 

  1. What experience, training, and skills qualify you to be an Assistant Chief Counsel at DHCS for the Compliance and Enforcement Section?
  2. Please describe your leadership approach and philosophy, including specific examples demonstrating your experience leading or supervising others. Why do you want to be an Assistant Chief Counsel at DHCS?

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: 10/31/2025

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:

Department of Health Care Services
Mailing
Attn: Certification Technician JC-493943
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-493943
1501 Capitol Avenue, Suite 71.1501
Sacramento, CA 95814
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.
  • Statement of Qualifications - Refer to the Statement of Qualifications Requirement Section 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.

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 as a lead, mentor, manager, or similar position
  • Proficient knowledge of DHCS goals, policies and procedures, and organizational structure to ensure efficient delivery of legal advice, services, support, and effective legal analysis
  • Knowledge of Title XIX of the Social Security Act; the state Medi-Cal program; and related programs and divisions of the Department
  • Ability to advise top-level administrators on a wide range of legal matters
  • Ability to exercise a high degree of flexibility, tact and diplomacy, judgment and confidentiality
  • Ability and commitment to work collaboratively with a wide range of individuals
  • Ability to write and edit correspondence, pleadings, legal opinions, contracts, bulletins, information notices, regulations and legislation clearly and logically
  • Ability to provide both planned and impromptu presentations before groups on diverse, complex, and sensitive subjects
  • Ability to research and analyze program issues from a broad policy perspective, and complete work under set deadlines
  • Knowledge and experience with legal research methods, administrative law, rules of evidence, and providing legal advice and counsel to mitigate risks
  • Experience representing clients in litigation matters before administrative, state, and/or federal courts, including negotiation and mediation experience
  • Superior analytical, interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills

Benefits

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)
  • 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.

Contact Information

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.

Telework and Salary Information

This position is currently eligible for telework up to three days per week and is required to report in person a minimum of two days per week. This position may be eligible for telework up to five days a week, contingent on operational business needs. 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.

 

The selected candidate will be assigned an available DHCS office closest to their residence prior to their start date. The selected candidate will be required to report to their assigned DHCS office and other DHCS locations as needed.

 

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.

 

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


Personal 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. 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.

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.

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