Job Posting: Legal Assistant

Department of Managed Health Care

JC-532585
-
Legal Assistant
LEGAL ASSISTANT

$4,873.00 - $6,102.00 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: 10/12/2026

Job Description and Duties

The Office of Enforcement (OE) at the Department of Managed Health Care (Department) handles the litigation needs of the Department, representing the Department in actions to enforce the managed-care  laws. The OE has an exciting opportunity for a motivated person committed to providing their best work product as part of a legal team.  A Legal Assistant is a paraprofessional class and is distinguished from a legal secretary classification by performing the more difficult technical duties and responsibilities and routine legal analytical work. The successful candidate will work both independently and as part of a legal team on sensitive and complex cases for the Department related to prosecuting those entities found to have violated the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975, (Health and Safety Code section 1340, et seq.) and its implementing regulations (California Code of Regulations, title 28, division 1, chapter 1 (sections 1300.41-1300.826)). 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THIS POSITION INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING (other duties may be assigned):
Under the immediate direction and control of an attorney who shall accept full responsibility for the tasks performed and supervision by a Supervisor I (Sup I), the incumbent is assigned to the Division of Legal Administration’s Legal Services Branch and provides legal support to the OE staff in connection with the enforcement of the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act. A Legal Assistant in the OE performs the more routine paralegal duties as well as more difficult technical duties. In addition to providing support to attorneys, the Legal Assistant manages their own caseload consisting of prosecuting health plans for failing to timely file grievance reports with the Department.

The workday for this position cannot end earlier than 4:30 p.m. 

Please let us know how you heard about this position by taking a brief survey: DMHC Recruitment Survey.

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.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

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

Working Conditions

The DMHC has locations in Downtown Sacramento and Rancho Cordova. Both locations are located close to light-rail with various amenities. The incumbent will work in a climate-controlled cubicle and/or office environment with artificial lighting.

This position may be eligible for hybrid telework. The telework schedule is permitted at the operational needs of the Department and is subject to change, consistent with the State Telework Policy and the DMHC’s Telework Policy. All employees who telework are required to be California residents and maintain California residency in accordance with Government Code 14200.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-532585
Position #(s):
409-411-1820-XXX
Working Title:
Legal Assistant
Classification:
LEGAL ASSISTANT
$4,873.00 - $6,102.00 A
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:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The mission of the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) is to ensure health plan members have access to equitable, high-quality, timely, and affordable health care within a stable health care delivery system. The DMHC accomplishes its mission by ensuring the health care system works for members. The Department protects the health care rights of Californians by regulating health care service plans, assisting members through a member Help Center, educating members on their rights and responsibilities and preserving the financial stability of the managed health care system. 


DMHC values diversity at all levels of the organization and is committed to fostering an environment in which employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. DMHC believes the diversity of our employees and their unique ideas inspire innovative solutions to further our mission. Join DMHC and help us improve the lives of all Californians.

If you are interested in learning about the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) culture from the perspective of someone like yourself, contact our Someone Like Me program (please check your Spam or Junk folders for our email replies). Within five business days of your request to participate in the Someone Like Me program, you will be matched with a DMHC employee with a similar background to discuss the DMHC’s culture. This program is not part of, or in any way affiliated with the application or hiring process. Prospective employees must complete the application process on Cal Careers (e.g., submit your application within the specified timeframes on the job posting) to be considered for hire at the DMHC. None of the information you provide through the Someone Like Me program will be relayed to the Hiring Unit.

Department Website: http://www.dmhc.ca.gov

Special Requirements

  • The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.

All applicants not currently employed by the DMHC will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation. The investigation will consist of fingerprinting and an inquiry to the California Department of Justice to disclose criminal records.

Any documents you submit for a job vacancy such as your State application, resume, cover letter, educational transcripts, etc. SHOULD NOT include ANY confidential information. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthday, 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 using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcripts. Unofficial transcripts may be accepted during the application process; however, submission of official transcripts may be required prior to 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: 10/12/2026

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 Managed Health Care
DMHC Recruitment
Attn: Human Resources Office
1215 O Street, MS-08
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Department of Managed Health Care
DMHC Recruitment (Drop Off)
Megan Lee
1 FTB
Sacramento, CA 95827
Please call the DMHC HR Office if you are dropping off an application 916-322-8437
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 - Please see section labeled "Statement of Qualifications Instructions" for more information. Application packages received without a Statement of Qualifications will not be considered. 
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:
• Ability to locate a statute and regulation when given the citation. 
• Ability to accurately read a statute or regulation and understand how the subdivisions of a citation relate to one another.
• Working knowledge of basic legal concepts, terminology, and procedures and the ability to apply this knowledge at an entry analytical level.
• Knowledge of the use of legal reference materials, specifically the California Style Manual.
• Knowledge of Westlaw.
• Knowledge of ProLaw case management system.
• Knowledge of Relativity eDiscovery software.
• Ability to accurately interpret the less complex statutes and regulations, apply a set of facts, and determine compliance. 
• Ability to provide a well-reasoned explanation for a recommended course of action relative to the position’s level of authority to do so.
• Ability to set forth a written statement of the facts, identification of the legal issues, application of the relevant law, and legally supported conclusion at the position’s level of authority to do so.

Benefits

For information on benefits, please visit the Benefit Summary page on the CalHR website.

Contact Information

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

Department Website: http://www.dmhc.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
DMHC Recruitment
(916) 322-8437
recruitment@dmhc.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Grace Cotulla
(916) 255-3840
grace.cotulla@dmhc.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) 738-3394
EEO@dmhc.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 Application Instructions

To be considered for this vacancy, please complete all applicable fields on the application form, including a list or description of previous/current occupational experience in the duties performed section.

Electronic applications through your CalCareer account are highly recommended.

Do NOT include your social security number on any submitted documents. If submitting your application via postal mail or in person, please notate RPA: 26-030 and Job Control: JC-532585 on your application.

All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to clearly demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position on your State Application (STD Form 678). The application should also clearly demonstrate the candidate’s ability to meet the Desirable Qualifications identified in this job advertisement. The Classification Specification for
Legal Assistant is located at the top of this Job Announcement Posting under Minimum Requirements.

Foreign Degrees or Transcripts – Applicants with foreign degrees or transcripts who wish to apply that coursework toward meeting the minimum qualifications of the classification must provide a transcript evaluation that indicates the number of units to which his/her foreign coursework is equivalent. DMHC accepts foreign transcript evaluations that are completed by one of the agencies approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are mailing your application, it must be postmarked by the final filing date. Hand delivered applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Applications slipped under the door at the Human Resources Office will be time stamped the following business day.

Statement of Qualifications Instructions

The SOQ must be typed in Arial 12 point font, have one-inch margins, provide your name and job control number in the upper right corner , identify the qualification number being answered, and not exceed two pages in length. The SOQ will serve as documentation of the candidate's ability to present information in writing in a complete, organized, and coherent manner, following generally accepted English grammar rules. Applications received without an SOQ will be disqualified.

Q1. Describe your professional experience drafting, proofreading and editing legal documents and legal correspondence. Your response should include the types of legal documents you have worked on in support of attorneys. Identify in your answer the job on your standard state application where you obtained or utilized the experience discussed in your response and how long you performed the duty.

Q2. How do you ensure accuracy and attention to detail in your work when reviewing legal documents and providing support to attorneys? Explain each step you take in detail. 

Q3. A Legal Assistant in the Office of Enforcement is required to review and prosecute a subset of cases alleging reporting violations. Describe the steps you would take to review a case to determine compliance with statutory or regulatory requirements.

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