Closing Date: 24th January, 2025
Description:
Job Description and Duties:The Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) offers legal advice to California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) leadership and staff to help ensure CDCR's operations are conducted effectively, and consistent with legal requirements. OLA attorneys anticipate legal issues and offer practical solutions, appropriately resolve legal disputes, and advocate to advancing CDCR's mission. Attorneys working for CDCR have the unique opportunity to encounter multiple areas of law including; healthcare, public contracting, accounting services, construction management, facilities planning, class action lawsuits, and provide consultation on policy development, regulatory work, court compliance, risk management, and employee discipline.
Under direction of an Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel the Attorney III assists with the implementation of litigation prevention strategies designed to mitigate liability risks for the CDCR and its employees. The Attorney III provides legal, technical, and administrative advice on complex and sensitive issues that may involve an incarcerated individual, supervised person, employees, public procurement, regulations, contracts, public entities, unions and members of the public. The incumbent provides legal advice on sensitive legal matters relating to protocols and methodologies designed to assist the department in managing its liability exposure.
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) 2136.
CDCR employees are required to use their existing CDCR email address on their application.
Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).
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. (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=25929519&name=DutyStatement.pdf)
Working Conditions:
The Office of Legal Affairs offices are located in Rancho Cordova, Bakersfield, and Rancho Cucamonga.
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. All employees are expected to be able to report to the office if an urgent need arises, and be available for meetings and to repond to emails and phone calls during regular businees hours. A laptop and cell phone are provided.
Travel:
On occasion, travel throughout the state to a CDCR institution or location, or to court for appearances, may be necessary. Days of work or travel 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.
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. (https://www.naces.org/)
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 https://www.e-verify.gov/.
This advertisement may be used for other vacancies that occur during the life of this recruitment.
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. (https://www.naces.org/)
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 https://www.e-verify.gov/.
This advertisement may be used for other vacancies that occur during the life of this recruitment.
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:
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:
- Experience providing legal counsel and advice to a public entity at all staffing and executive levels on general government law issues.
- Demonstrated ability to clearly and effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, including the ability to develop and deliver presentations and trainings to executive management, staff, and other stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to interact effectively across the department, build strong and effective working relationships with colleagues, program staff and management, and staff of other state and federal agencies, and client advocacy organizations.
- Superior research and analytical skills and the ability to exercise a high degree of initiative and professionalism in completing work within deadlines while exercising sound legal judgment and a strong attention to detail.
- Ability to handle multiple assignments with accuracy and prioritize work to meet short deadlines.
- Ability to work both independently, and as part of a team.
- Willingness to create and promote an equitable and inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated and valued.
