Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel - Sacramento, United States - State of California

Description

Job Description and Duties

Under the direction of the Chief Deputy General Counsels (CDGCs), the Assistant General Counsel (AGC) is responsible for supervising a team of attorneys for the California Department of Correction and Rehabilitation's (CDCR) Office of Legal Affairs (OLA).

Generally, the AGC serves as counsel for the Department by working closely with the CDGCs, General Counsel, and executive leadership of the multiple missions and programs of the Department.

The AGC provides guidance on legal issues, policy reviews, regulatory changes, legislative proposals, and any other program needs of legal nature.

The AGC works in partnership with the Office of Attorney General, outside counsel, and various other stakeholders to ensure that litigation impacting the Department is resolved in a manner most beneficial to the Department.

This AGC position will supervise a team of attorneys that serves in-house counsel functions in handling complex litigation that can include class actions as well as individual civil cases.

Note - this position is a hybrid telework/in-office position. Telework is premitted but the AGC will need to come into the office as required. This position does require occasional travel throughout the state, including travel to prisons and other state offices.

Legal offices are located with "hoteling" office use available if needed, in Sacramento, Rancho Cordova, Rancho Cucamonga, Bakersfield and Elk Grove.

The 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 or (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) 1136.

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

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

Working Conditions

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.

On occasion, travel may be necessary to a CDCR institution or location throughout the state for site inspections or interviews.

State Personnel Board appearances, and court appearances. Days of work may include any day of the week, and hours may include non-standard business hours. Telework is only available to residents of California.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ATTORNEY, ASSISTANT CHIEF COUNSEL

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details


Job Code #:
JC-404298


Position #(s):

XXX

Working Title:

ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL

Classification:
ATTORNEY, ASSISTANT CHIEF COUNSEL

$14, $16,483.00

# of Positions:

Multiple


Work Location:
United States


Telework:
Telework


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.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) are committed to building and fostering a diverse workplace.

We believe cultural diversity, backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and unique identities should be honored, valued, and supported. We believe all staff should be empowered. CDCR/CCHCS are proud to foster inclusion and representation at all levels of both Departments.

Office of Legal Affairs, Operations Team

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 offenders, by providing effective parole supervision, and implementing rehabilitative strategies to successfully reintegrate offenders 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 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 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.

Candidates new to CDCR or the Division of Juvenile Justice are required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan Fingerprinting, and Tuberculosis testing prior to appointment followed by department annual Tuberculosis testing/evaluation thereafter.

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: 5/22/2024

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list 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 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


Attn:
CDCR Hiring Support

P.O. Box 942883

Sacramento, CA

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

1515 S Street, Application Drop Box or Suite101N

(Drop off not available on weekends and holidays)

Sacramento, CA 95811

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 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 - Cover Letter - A Cover Letter addressing the first four desirable qualifications is required and must be included with the application. Applications received without the appropriate cover letter based on the instructions will be rejected for being incomplete.

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:

• Self-Initiative.
• Excellent persuasive communication skills both verbally and in writing.
• Experience supervising, leading, or mentoring a team.
• Experience analyzing and developing creative solutions to resolve complex legal issues or complex factual scenarios.
• Shall create and promote an equitable and inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated and valued.

Benefits

Information regarding Merit System Principles provided to public employees by the State Civil Service Act can be found on the CalHR website at

Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary website at

Contact Information

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


Hiring Unit Contact:
Marion Bautista

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:

CDCR EEO OFFICE
Personnel-California Relay Service: TTY), Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Essential Functions

• Maintain a regular work schedule during normal business hours at an approved worksite; work at least 40 hours per week, on average; work in excess of 40 hours in one week when necessary to complete a special assignment and be accessible 40 hours per week or more via department issued cell phone.
• Travel to and from worksites, correctional institutions and facilities, government offices, courthouses, and training venues, which may require traversing on uneven ground.
• Travel regularly to all parts of the State and travel occasionally outside the State, to include overnight stays.
• Work inside penal institutions and juvenile detention facilities in the presence of inmates, wards, and parolees.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in writing and in person.
• Use electronic software and databases to thoroughly and efficiently conduct legal research.
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize work, in consultation with the Chief Deputy General Counsels (CDGCs), in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.
• Perform research and analysis to solve complex legal problems; answer legal questions with clear and logical statements of fact, law, and argument; timely assess and respond to written and verbal communications; provide sound legal advice; exercise rationale and reasonable judgment; and implement effective courses of action in a timely manner.
• Effectively and professionally represent the department in all legal venues, before all legislative bodies, and at all administrative hearings, professional conferences, training seminars, and other meetings.
• Work collaboratively with and assist department staff, administrators, supervisors, investigators, and executives; as well as subordinate attorneys, supervising CDGCs, and the General Counsel.
• Transport legal files and other objects, which may weigh up to 50 pounds, to locations inside and outside the regular worksite.
• Supervise the work of subordinate attorneys, participate in the hiring process for subordinate attorneys, mentor and train subordinate attorneys, direct the work of subordinate attorneys, evaluate the performance of subordinate attorneys, and take appropriate action in the event of misconduct or underperformance by subordinate attorneys.
• Adhere to the California Rules of Professional Conduct adopted by the State Bar of California, Board of Trustees and approved by the California Supreme Court.
• Maintain active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.

Examination Information

To obtain list eligibility for the Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel, before applying for the position, you must first take and pass the

Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel Examination.

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.