Job Posting: VERTICAL ADVOCATE

Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation

JC-508293
-
VERTICAL ADVOCATE
ATTORNEY IV

$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: 3/27/2026

Job Description and Duties

Employment Advocacy and Prosecution Team (EAPT) Vertical Advocate Positions Only
This position receives a $900 monthly differential pay and is eligible for hybrid telework. Employees may work at any EAPT office in Sacramento, Bakersfield, or Rancho Cucamonga and in-office work will be required at times. The Department will provide a laptop and cell phone.

The Office of Legal Affairs (OLA), EAPT assists in investigations into employee misconduct, advises on disciplinary decisions, and pursues disciplinary actions on behalf of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). In addition, EAPT litigates requests to file charges with the State Personnel Board (SPB), appeals to the SPB, or whistleblower complaints before the SPB, and defends or prosecutes petitions for writs of administrative mandamus before the superior and appellate courts. EAPT works with highly sensitive and confidential information and requires employees to maintain strict confidentiality. This position is distinguished from other Attorney positions by the expertise, training and education required to perform the duties. Under the general direction of the Chief Deputy General Counsel (CDGC), Assistant CDGC, or Assistant Chief Counsel (ACC), the EAPT Attorney IV (Vertical Advocate) effectively performs, with a high degree of independence, the most difficult, complex and sensitive legal work on the team, in particular characterized by assignments applying sound investigative principles to high level investigations involving allegations of misconduct within CDCR.

Main commuication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application. CDCR and the Califorina Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) employees are encouraged to use their existing CDCR/CCHCS email address on their job application.

This advertisement is for an Attorney IV position(s) located in Sacramento, Bakerfield, and Rancho Cucamonga.

This position will support the investigations by the Office of Internal Affairs Field Operations or the disciplinary process for cases arising out of CDCR institutions and programs throughout California. 

Human Resources Technology System
CDCR Headquarters has implemented a new automated system to streamline the hiring process. The Human Resources Technology System (HRTS) is an intuitive, user-friendly system that provides the applicant access to real-time updates throughout the hiring process. HRTS will require new candidates to set up an account, which allows them to track their application’s progress.

Through their account portal, candidates will also be able to provide any additional information needed in the hiring process, including setting up interviews as needed. After the final filing date, applicants will receive an email from DoNotReply@cdcr.ns2cloud.com or DoNotReply@CDCR (depending on the email provider), with direction on creating and/or accessing their account.

For HRTS communication, this is in reference to Job Requisition (JR) 3561.

CDCR/CCHCS employees are encouraged to use their existing CDCR email address on their job application.

Note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.

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

Working Conditions

The Office of Legal Affairs offices are located in Rancho Cordova, Bakersfield, and Rancho Cucamonga. At the time of appointment, the successful candidate will be assigned to one of these three offices as their home office to which they would report when in-office work is required.

Telework
This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule for employees who can satisfactorily perform their essential work functions independently and remotely. Specific telework schedules may be discussed further during the interview process. Telework is only available to California state residents who reside and remain in the state. In office work at one of the three office locations will be required at times in accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy. 

Travel
On occasion, travel will be necessary to a CDCR institution or location throughout the state for site inspections or interviews, SPB appearances, and court appearances. Days of work may include any day of the week, and hours may include non-standard business hours.

Travel is compensated in accordance with the State Administrative Manual and CDCR travel policies.

  • $900 monthly differential pay
  • Hybrid Telework
  • Laptop and cell phone provided
  • Free on-site parking

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-508293
Position #(s):
065-400-5780-XXX
Working Title:
VERTICAL ADVOCATE
Classification:
ATTORNEY IV
$11,993.00 - $16,096.00
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

Vision
We enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs.

Mission
To facilitate the successful reintegration of the individuals in our care back to their communities equipped with the tools to be drug-free, healthy, and employable members of society by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative, and restorative justice programs, all in a safe and humane environment.

Commitment Statements
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) are committed to transforming the correctional landscape to create safer, more professional, and more fulfilling environments for our employees, the incarcerated population, and those supervised in our communities. Through systemwide improvements grounded in proven and emerging practices, we aim to strengthen rehabilitation, enhance workplace satisfaction, and support successful reentry into the community through our institutions, parole, and community partnerships. Our shared mission is to promote safety, wellness, and human dignity while fostering positive change for all those who live and work within our institutions and communities.

CDCR and CCHCS are committed to building an inclusive respectful workplace. We are determined to attract and hire candidates from all communities and empower employees from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences. We are proud to foster inclusion and drive collaborative efforts at all levels of the Department.

CDCR and CCHCS strive to collaborate with the community to enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through eduction, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs. Incumbents establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within the department, other governmental agencies, heath care partners, and communities.

Founded in 1885, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is one of the nation’s largest and most diverse correctional departments in the country. We are dedicated to enhancing public safety through the safe and secure incarceration of individuals in our care, by providing effective parole supervision, and implementing rehabilitative strategies for their successful reintegration into our communities.

Special Requirements

  • The position(s) require(s) a(n) California State Bar Membership License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.

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.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you should include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board.

Applicants who completed their education outside of the US (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of U.S. course/degree equivalency. Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at NACES | National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.

Candidates new to CDCR/CCHCS are required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan Fingerprinting, as well as a Tuberculosis test/evaluation prior to appointment, followed by department annual Tuberculosis testing/evaluation thereafter.

When submitting supporting documents, PDF file format is preferred.

CDCR/CCHCS utilizes E-Verify to confirm candidate’s identity and employment authorization. For more information about E-Verify, you may go to www.e-verify.gov.

This advertisement may be used for other vacancies that occur during the life of this recruitment.

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: 3/27/2026

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:

Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation
CDCR Hiring Support - Postal
Attn: CDCR Hiring Support
P.O. Box 942883
Sacramento, CA 94283-0001

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation
CDCR Hiring Support - Drop-off
CDCR Hiring Support
9825 Goethe Rd, Application Drop Box
(Drop off not available on weekends and holidays)
Sacramento, CA 95827
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 required and must be included.
  • Other - A cover letter is required and must be included.
  • Other - A writing sample demonstrating your ability to apply legal principles and advocate a position is required and must be included.  
  • Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications is required and must be submitted with your Examination/Employment Application. Applications received without an appropriate Statement of Qualifications based on the instructions below will be rejected for being incomplete and will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, and other documents will not be considered as a response to the Statement of Qualifications. Please refer to the "Statement of Qualifications" section below for specific requirements.

    For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ, please visit     Work4CA: How to Write a Statement of Qualifications.
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:
  1. Significant experience with trials or evidentiary hearings in state or federal court or before administrative agencies.
  2. Experience with writs or appeals to the Superior Court or to Courts of Appeal.
  3. Experience leading or mentoring attorneys.
  4. Experience managing complex and sensitive projects or cases.
  5. Experience collaborating in a team environment with internal and external stakeholders, and working with oversight agencies.
  6. Willingness to promote an inclusive workplace that empowers from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website,www.calhr.ca.gov, and the CalPERS website,
www.calpers.ca.gov.


Information on benefits afforded by membership in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System can be found on the CalHR Salary and Benefits website at
https://www.calhr.ca.gov/employees/pages/salary-and-benefits.aspx.

Information on the benefits and protections provided to public employees by the State Civil Service Act can be found on the CalHR website at
https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Training/Pages/performance-management-merit-system-principles.aspx.

Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary website at
https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-State-Civil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx.

This webpage is intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment.

Contact Information

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

Hiring Unit Contact:
Elizabeth Campa
(279) 223-4754
OLAPersonnelLiaison@cdcr.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:
Office of Civil Rights
(279) 223-4754
M_CivilRights@cdcr.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

To obtain list eligibility for the Attorney IV classification, before applying for the position, you must take and pass the Attorney IV Examination.
 

Statement of Qualifications

Please provide a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for the hiring manager's review. Applications received without an SOQ or those that do not follow the instructions will be automatically disqualified.

The SOQ must not exceed four pages in length, must be double-spaced, left and right margins set at 1 inch, using Arial 12-point font. Please include your name and the page numbers on each page.

The SOQ must address the first five desirable qualifications. Please include your experience and how you meet the first five desirable qualifications in numerical order. Do not provide a single narrative response.

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