Job Posting: Counsel to the Ombudsperson Division

Ca Health & Human Services Agency

JC-537719
-
Counsel to the Ombudsperson Division
ATTORNEY III

$10,852.00 - $15,325.00 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: 11/24/2026

Job Description and Duties

Under the direction of the Ombudsperson of the Office of Youth and Community Restoration (OYCR) and with guidance from Counsel to OYCR, the Attorney III provides legal counsel to the OYCR Ombudsperson Division on sensitive legal issues related to Ombudsperson investigations, jurisdiction, access to records and individuals, policy issues, legislation, privacy and confidentiality issues, and policies and procedures. The Attorney III will support the Ombudsperson in exercising their duties under Welfare & Institutions Code sections 2200(d), 2200.2, 2200.5, 2200.7, and in the implementation of the Youth Bill of Rights, Welfare, and Institutions Code section 224.71 et sec.

The Attorney III position requires frequent travel within the State and daily use of a personal computer/telephone. Hybrid telework options available.

Regular and consistent attendance is critical to the successful performance of this position due to the heavy workload and time-sensitive nature of the work. The incumbent routinely works with and is exposed to sensitive and confidential issues and/or materials and is expected to maintain confidentiality at all times.

If you would like to share how you learned about this career opportunity, please take a moment to complete our brief Recruitment Survey.

 

Need help with applying for positions, taking an examination, or preparing for interviews? Our team is here to support you, reach out anytime at Recruiter@dss.ca.gov For guidance on applying for a state job, visit Three Steps to a State Job. 

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

Working Conditions

This position will be located in one of the following counties:

Alameda, Los Angeles, Orange, Sacramento, Santa Clara, and San Diego



This position may be eligible for Hybrid work. In-person attendance is required based on the operational needs of the position and in accordance with  Executive Order N-22-25 the Statewide Hybrid Telework Policy, Government Code section 14200, and any applicable department telework requirements.  The successful candidate must reside in California at the time of appointment. Proof of California residency may be required.

 

Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-537719
Position #(s):
799-251-5795-001
Working Title:
Counsel to the Ombudsperson Division
Classification:
ATTORNEY III
$10,852.00 - $15,325.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
United States
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 CHHS 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 state hiring process.  Successful applicants will have passed an examination for this classification or be an existing State Employee with transfer eligibility and will have followed the instructions under the Special Requirements and Required Application Documents section.  Electronic applications are encouraged, and hardcopy applications will be accepted. Hardcopy applications must include the Job Control and Position numbers in the “Explanation” section and be signed and dated.  

Department Website: https://www.chhs.ca.gov

Special Requirements

Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications or Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with your application to be considered for this position. Applications submitted without an SOQ may be disqualified 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.


No more than three pages, 12 point font. Resumes do not take the places of the SOQ and applicants who fail to submit the SOQ will be eliminated from the examination. In your SOQ document, please include specific examples from your experience. Applicants are prohibited from using artificial intelligence software (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude AI) in the creation of the Statement of Qualifications.

1. This position requires knowledge of the juvenile justice system. Describe how your knowledge training, experience, and skills prepare you to do this type of work.
2. This position requires working with diverse stakeholders in the juvenile justice system, including probation staff and leadership, county counsel, defense attorneys, and advocates. Describe how your knowledge, training, experience, and skills prepare you to work with various legal entities and actors.
3. Describe your experience with developing and analyzing policy, laws, and proposed legislation, and and/or with developing or analyzing rulemaking and regulation.
4. Describe your experience working with historically marginalized or underrepresented communities and how you would effectively and respectfully work with others with varying beliefs, behaviors, and backgrounds.

This position is designated under the Conflict of  Interest Code.

This position is subject to fingerprinting clearance by the Department of Justice.

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.

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: 11/24/2026

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:

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
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:

• Demonstrated ability to successfully perform in-house counsel work including but not limited to preparing legal opinions, analyzing legislation, drafting, and reviewing regulations, preparing and reviewing correspondence, and providing legal support to the Division of the Ombudsperson.

• Knowledge of laws and regulations governing the rights of incarcerated, and probation involved youth in California.

• Knowledge of statutory and regulatory regime governing juvenile facilities in California.

• Experience representing youth in juvenile and adult court system.

• Willing and capable to understand the Ombudsperson role, policies, and mission in order to provide sound legal advice that is responsive to the Division needs.

• Knowledge of youth justice reform policy issues such rehabilitative and restorative youth practices, trauma-informed care, diversion and re-entry, mental health and substance use treatment services and integrated youth programs.

• Strong demonstrated analytical skills with the ability to problem-solve and use critical and creative thinking to effectively perform work.

• Experience communicating effectively, both written and oral, with representatives of federal, state, and local governmental agencies, and other organizations.

• Experience advising top level administrators on legal, policy and strategic issues, including the ability to analyze and advise on issues with a broad policy perspective.

• Clear and demonstrated understanding and knowledge of the legislative process and associated protocols.

• Lived experience within the juvenile care continuum.

• Value community engagement and community stakeholder input.

• Understand of the causes of structural racism and strategies to address them.

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: https://www.chhs.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Alisa Hartz
(916) 869-6932
Alisa.Hartz@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.

Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025

Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 - Salaries do not reflect reductions from the Personal Leave Program, please see the applicable Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for additional information on the length and percentage of reductions.

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