Overview
About this Role
All employees shall possess the general qualifications, as described in California Code of Regulations Title 2, Section 172, which include, but are not limited to integrity, honesty, dependability, thoroughness, accuracy, good judgment, initiative, resourcefulness, and the ability to work cooperatively with others.
This position requires the incumbent to maintain consistent and regular attendance; communicate effectively (orally and in writing) in dealing with the public and/or other employees; develop and maintain knowledge and skill related to specific tasks, methodologies, materials, tools, and equipment; complete assignments in a timely and efficient manner; and adhere to departmental policies and procedures.
All California Department of Public Health (CDPH) employees perform work that is of the utmost importance, where each employee is important in supporting and promoting an environment of equity, diversity, and inclusivity, essential to the delivery of the department’s mission. All employees are valued and should understand that their contributions and the contributions of their team members derive from different cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences, supporting innovations in public health services and programs for California.
Job Summary
This position supports CDPH’s mission and strategic plan by being responsible for complex and sensitive legal work that has significant fiscal, policy, and political impact on the Department.
The Attorney III is assigned to the Office of Legal Services’ (OLS) Public Health Programs (PHP) team and will provide legal and policy advice on matters of law pertaining to assigned CDPH Center(s), Division(s), Office(s) (CDOs) and/or program(s). The Attorney III also independently advises decision makers, both within the Department and outside the Department [e.g., the California Health and Human Services (CHHS) Agency and the Governor’s Office], regarding novel theories and emerging legal issues within his/her area(s) of legal specialization.
Key Responsibilities
Provides written and oral legal advice to the Department on complex matters of law pertaining to assigned CDOs and/or programs. Advises on statutory and regulatory requirements for the conduct of state business including but not limited to, contracts, information management, public records disclosure, open meeting laws, review and drafting of legislation and regulations, and such other legal issues as may arise. Undertakes legal research in complex areas of both federal and state law and provides oral and written legal analysis to key decision makers within and outside of the Department, including staff within Department programs, the OLS Deputy Director and Chief Counsel, and the CDPH Director. Serves as a lead in advising the Director, Executive staff, upper management, the CHHS Agency, and the Governor’s Office, as needed.
Provides expert legal and policy advice to the CDPH Director, the OLS Deputy Director and Chief Counsel, Department Executive staff, the CHHS Agency, and management on complex legal issues related to his/her assigned CDOs and/or programs. Works with assigned CDOs and/or programs and the Office of Legislative and Governmental Affairs (LGA) to develop positions and legislation to solve sensitive and complex problems of the Department, and to develop innovative theories and solutions to emerging issues. Prepares and reviews contracts, notices, bill analyses, regulations, decision memorandum, and other documents of legal consequence. Coordinates with other OLS attorneys to ensure consistent legal interpretation, strategy, and advice on such issues.
Acts as a litigation liaison with the California Attorney General’s Office (AGO). Coordinates and oversees CDOs and/or programs’ responses to formal discovery and litigation-related Public Records Act requests propounded in connection with pending trial court matters. Drafts factual summaries and legal points and authorities in support of Department positions. Provides litigation support to the AGO in litigation filed against, or involving the Department stemming from, among other things, Administrative Procedure Act challenges, as well as administrative decisions on appeal, which includes, but is not limited to, legal correspondence, negotiation, and developing strategies and tactics in matters of significance to the Department.
Provides immediate expert oral or informal written advice to program management, as needed, regarding topical matters, including compliance with state administrative requirements. May act in a lead capacity in responding to inquiries from the Governor’s Office, the CHHS Agency, the Press Office, other state agencies, and the public on assigned issues and projects.
Perform other Attorney III job-related duties as required.
Qualifications
All employees shall possess the general qualifications, as described in California Code of Regulations Title 2, Section 172.
Conflict of Interest (COI)
Background Check and/or Fingerprinting Clearance
Medical Clearance
Travel
Bilingual: Pass a State written and/or verbal proficiency exam
License/Certification: Active membership in the California State Bar
About California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
CDPH works to protect the public's health in the Golden State and helps shape positive health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. The Department's programs and services, implemented in collaboration with local health departments and state, federal and private partners, touch the lives of every Californian and visitor to the state 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Our Shared Vision
CDPH public health professionals, researchers, scientists, doctors, nurses, and other staff members have a shared vision to protect and improve the health of all Californians. We are dedicated to public service and passionate about our work and the people and communities we serve and protect.
Diversity Statement
At CDPH, equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.
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