What are the responsibilities and job description for the ATTORNEY IV position at Department of Developmental Services -...?
The Attorney IV, under the direction of the Chief Counsel, and Assistant Chief Counsels, using broad discretion and working independently, will serve as the Department of Developmental Services (Department) subject matter legal expert of the California Public Records Act (PRA).
Core responsibilities include review of complex PRA requests, analysis of applicable legal objections and exemptions to document requests, de-identification and legal review of data extractions prior to production of records, lead training to regional center and Department staff, the Executive team and other stakeholders, and analyzing statutory changes applicable to data and information disclosure. The Attorney IV will collaborate with the Department’s Information and Technology Division and other program staff regarding the foregoing duties. The Attorney IV will communicate with Executive team, the Health and Human Services Agency, and the Governor’s office (as necessary) regarding high-profile PRA matters. The Attorney IV will collaborate with the Office of the Attorney General and regional center counsel (as necessary) in defending the Department in lawsuits brought under the PRA.
The Attorney IV will also serve as lead or assist in complex issues facing the Department, including but not limited to, review of subpoenas and ensuring appropriate compliance, representing the Department in Superior Courts in conservatorship matters and matters before administrative bodies, reviewing and drafting opinions in administrative appellate reviews, handling transactional matters, and advising on admissions to Department facilities for competency treatment or acute crisis care.
The Attorney IV must possess an ability to interact independently, professionally, and courteously with departmental Executive team and multiple program managers while performing multiple tasks that often require stringent deadlines. The position may require moderate to occasional travel.
This position is eligible to participate in DDS’ hybrid telework schedule. Participation in telework is subject to DDS’ guidelines.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.- ATTORNEY IV
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details
Department Information
These disabilities include intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism and related conditions. Services are provided through state-operated developmental centers and community facilities, and contracts with 21 nonprofit regional centers. The regional centers serve as a local resource to help find and access the services and supports available to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
The DDS is located in a modern, sustainable and innovative office building at 1215 “O” Street, Sacramento, California. Some amenities of the building include:
- First floor retail space (separate access from 12th Street)
- Café with multiple vendors
- Outdoor seating for meal breaks
- Employee fitness center which includes a yoga studio, cardio equipment and weights
- Plaza area with kitchenette on each floor
- Lactation rooms
Department Website: http://www.dds.ca.gov
Special Requirements
- The position(s) require(s) a(n) Active membership in The California State Bar License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.
- Describe why you are interested in applying for this Attorney IV position with the California Department of Developmental Services.
- Describe your experience in handling California Public Records Acts (PRA) requests, including an example of a complex PRA request that you personally handled as an attorney.
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: 3/28/2025Who May 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
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
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 -
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and is a narrative discussion of how the candidate's education, training, experience, and skills meet the minimum and desirable qualifications and qualify them for the position. The SOQ serves as a documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. SEE “SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS” ABOVE FOR INSTRUCTIONS.
Desirable Qualifications
While the Attorney IV will perform increasingly difficult assignments, the incumbent must be able to adhere to the following job requirements, which do not vary based upon experience:
Maintain normal and consistent work hours, averaging 40 hours per week. Work in excess of 40 hours is expected when necessary to complete assignments in a timely manner. Attorneys are expected to be in the office or teleworking and available to clients between the core working hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., unless official state business requires them to be elsewhere. If unavailable during core working hours, attorneys must be available by phone. Attorneys are required to maintain individual and master Outlook calendars and obtain supervisory approval for time spent away from the office that exceeds ninety (90) minutes. Attorneys acting as the AOW must be available between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or arrange for alternate coverage from another Department attorney.
Moderate to occasional daytime and overnight statewide travel is required. Travel will sometimes require the transportation of legal files and documents in file boxes that may weigh up to fifty (50) pounds. Multiple boxes may be required in some circumstances.
Communicate effectively in writing and audibly in person, through the use of documents and electronic devices. Attorneys must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Westlaw, Abode, and all other computer tools, programs, or systems utilized by the Office of Legal Affairs.
Work on a Department issued personal computer and keyboard up to 85% of the time to conduct legal research and to prepare all written product. Must be able to timely open and close assigned cases and maintain case files on all assigned matters and submit updated monthly reports to the Chief Counsel and Assistant Chief Counsels. Additionally, be able handle multiple tasks and effectively prioritize workloads.
The incumbent must maintain active membership in the California State Bar and comply with the Rules of Professional Conduct at all times.
Benefits
California State Employee Benefits Summary
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: http://www.dds.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Allisa Montanez
(279) 895-6849
allisa.montanez@dds.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:Equal Employment Opportunity Office
(916) 654-1888
OHRAS@dds.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.
Additional Information
Electronic application submission is highly encouraged.
Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment. This recruitment may be utilized to fill future vacancies that may occur during the life of the certification list.
Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must 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 may 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 California Department of Human Resources.
All appointments are subject to State Restriction of Appointment (SROA), Departmental Restriction of Appointment (DROA), Re-employment List procedures, pre-employment physical and fingerprint clearances. Further information on the definition of the above may be found on the California Department of Human Resources' website at: www.calhr.ca.gov
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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.
