Attorney III

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About the role

Under the direction of the Assistant Chief Counsel, the Attorney III in the Office of Plan Licensing (OPL) performs sensitive and complex legal work for the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) relating to health care service plans. Duties include providing direction and leadership pertaining to plan benefits and plan and provider payment, risk and delegation arrangements, implementation of compliance with Director’s Letters, review of complex legal matters, and conducting legal research in connection with the administration and regulation of health plans pursuant to the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975 (Act) and the implementation of Federal Health Care Reform.

Responsibilities

• Provide direction and leadership on plan benefits, provider payment, risk, and delegation arrangements.
• Implement compliance with Director’s Letters and review complex legal matters.
• Conduct legal research related to the administration and regulation of health plans under the Knox-Keene Act and Federal Health Care Reform.

Working Conditions

The DMHC has locations in Downtown Sacramento and Rancho Cordova, both close to light-rail with various amenities. The incumbent will work in a climate-controlled cubicle and/or office environment with artificial lighting. This position may be eligible for hybrid telework, subject to operational needs and State/DMHC Telework Policies. All teleworking employees must be California residents and maintain California residency per Government Code 14200.

Requirements

Minimum requirements are outlined in the Class Specification for Attorney III. Key qualifications include:

• Possession of a valid license to practice law in California.
• Experience in legal research, analysis, and providing legal advice on complex matters.
• Knowledge of health care law, including the Knox-Keene Act and Federal Health Care Reform, is highly desirable.

Desirable Qualifications

• Expertise in health care service plan programs, benefits, operations, reform, and trends.
• Background or specialty in the health care industry.
• Experience providing consultation services to management.
• Ability to lead and assist in developing and implementing new policies and procedures.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated good judgment in following established procedures.
• Ability to adjust to shifting priorities and meet deadlines.

Special Requirements

• A background investigation, including fingerprinting and a California Department of Justice criminal records inquiry, is required for all non-DMHC employees prior to hire.
• Applicants must exclude confidential information (e.g., Social Security Number, birthday, driver’s license number unless required, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, age) from submitted documents.

Pay

$10,852.00 - $15,325.00 per month. New to State candidates will be hired at the minimum salary of the classification or the minimum of the alternate range, if applicable.

Schedule

Permanent, full-time position. Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the temporary Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025), which directs a temporary reduction in pay in exchange for PLP 2025 leave credits. The salary range listed does not include this temporary reduction.

Benefits

For information on benefits, visit the CalHR Benefit Summary page.

About the Department

The mission of the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) is to ensure health plan members have access to equitable, high-quality, timely, and affordable health care within a stable health care delivery system. The DMHC regulates health care service plans, assists consumers through a Help Center, educates consumers on their rights, and preserves the financial stability of the managed health care system. The department values diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where employees from varied backgrounds can thrive.

DMHC serves 30.2 million Californians and offers a Someone Like Me program to connect prospective employees with current staff for insights into the department’s culture.

Note: This position requires submission of a cover letter describing your interest in the Attorney III role within the Office of Plan Licensing. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.