ATTORNEY III

Job Description and Duties This is a continuance of a previously posted advertisement. Previous applicants remain under consideration and do not need to reapply. This position is located in the city of Sacramento. The Department’s Office of Legal Affairs and Regulations is seeking an Attorney III or Attorney I to join our team in downtown Sacramento, just blocks from the Capitol. We are a high-performing, collegial team working in collaboration with all Department programs to provide timely, thorough, balanced, and accurate counsel, information, and representation to model and empower bold decision-making to advance employment, independence, and equality for all Californians with disabilities. The Department has an onsite gym, locker rooms with showers, indoor bike parking, and easy access to public transportation (local and commuter buses and light rail). Our office offers a hybrid work environment with both in-office and remote work. Position Overview: Under the supervision of the Chief Counsel, the Attorney III or Attorney I provides legal advice to Department managers and staff regarding a variety of issues related to the Department’s mission of working in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living, and equality for individuals with disabilities. The Department’s Office of Legal Affairs and Regulations is small, thereby providing an excellent opportunity for the selected candidate to advise on a variety of issues. The Office includes the Chief Counsel, an Attorney Supervisor, three attorneys, and three Analyst IIs. Attorney III – Key Duties: • Provides independent legal counsel to the Office of Civil Rights and Human Resources Branch, including reviewing and advising on Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and California Civil Rights Department (CRD) position statements, investigations, and compliance matters.• Advises HR management on complex personnel matters, including performance management, workplace complaints, corrective actions, policy interpretation, FMLA/CFRA issues, and employee relations.• Represents the Department in State Personnel Board hearings, settlement conferences, and related litigation.• Provides legal guidance on vocational rehabilitation program operations, interpreting and applying federal and state laws such as the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).• Assists in drafting, revising, and promulgating regulations, ensuring compliance with the Administrative Procedure Act.• Responds to California Public Records Act (PRA) requests, subpoenas, and Information Practices Act inquiries.• Provides legal advice regarding the Randolph-Sheppard Act and state laws regulating the Business Enterprises Program; represents the Department in BEP evidentiary hearings and arbitrations.• Performs other related legal duties as assigned, including special projects and cross-program consultation. Attorney I – Key Duties: • Provides legal advice to Department management and staff regarding civil service laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act.• Writes and reviews Notices of Adverse Action, Medical Actions, and other personnel matters; represents the Department at State Personnel Board hearings.• Advises managers in vocational rehabilitation and employment divisions on state and federal laws governing the rights, responsibilities, and processes related to vocational rehabilitation.• Responds to subpoenas, California Public Records Act requests, and requests for personal information.• Represents the Department's Business Enterprises Program for the Blind in administrative hearings.• Advises managers and staff in relation to contracts and grants, including review of solicitations, contract and grant award, and contract review.• Performs other related duties as required. Work Environment: Hybrid; may require the selected candidate to report in person up to 4 days a week in accordance with Department policy. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. Special Requirements Other - Cover letter is required and must be no more than two pages, describing your interest in the position and what makes you the best candidate for the job is required. 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: Qualifications:A good work ethic is essential to the success of the Attorney I or Attorney III. Prior experience in the typical areas of law is not required but helpful. The selected candidate may need to travel on occasion, sometimes overnight, to represent the Department or provide training. Enthusiastic individuals and individuals from diverse backgrounds who are interested in programs advancing the employment opportunities, independence, and equality of Californians with disabilities and joining a high-performing, collegial team are encouraged to apply. Conflict of Interest Disclosure Requirements:Selected candidates may be subject to rules imposed by the Department regarding conflict of interest and disclosure.