Counsel to the Ombudsperson Division (Attorney III)

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. 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. 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.