ATTORNEY IV

Serves as the Department of Developmental Services’ (Department) lead and subject matter expert on legal issues involving the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), including eligibility under the Early Start program under Part C and special education programs under Part B, and on Provisional Lanterman eligibility under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act. Provides legal expertise on federal Medicaid compliance, the Home and Community Based Services Waiver Program, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services audits. Handles significant administrative, state, and federal litigation for the Department, and advises on complex and sensitive legal matters, including California Public Records Act requests, conservatorship assignments and litigation, statutory and regulatory interpretation, and transactional matters.

Advises Department Executive Staff on directive, regulatory, and litigation strategy, and provides ongoing updates on the status of complex matters.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Department’s lead and subject matter expert on IDEA, including Early Start (Part C) and special education (Part B) programs, and Provisional Lanterman eligibility.
• Provide legal expertise on federal Medicaid compliance, Home and Community Based Services Waiver Program, and CMS audits.
• Handle significant administrative, state, and federal litigation for the Department.
• Advise on complex legal matters, including California Public Records Act requests, conservatorship assignments and litigation, statutory and regulatory interpretation, and transactional issues.
• Advise Department Executive Staff on litigation strategy and provide updates on complex legal matters.
• Maintain normal and consistent work hours, averaging 40 hours per week; work in excess of 40 hours as needed to complete assignments.
• Be available to clients between core working hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., unless official state business requires otherwise.
• Maintain individual and master Outlook calendars; obtain supervisory approval for time away from the office exceeding 90 minutes.
• Act as the Attorney of the Week (AOW) and arrange alternate coverage if unavailable between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• Transport legal files and documents to locations inside and outside the normal worksite for hearings and meetings; file boxes may weigh up to 50 lbs. each.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid, in-office/telework position under Government Code 14200; may be subject to change.
• Incumbent may be required to report to the office or any designated location at any time.
• Telework agreements can be modified or cancelled at any time.
• All commute expenses to the reporting location are the responsibility of the selected candidate.
• Candidates must be residents of the State of California at the time of appointment.
• Moderate to occasional daytime and overnight statewide travel may be required.
• Lawful authorization to work in the United States is required; the Department does not sponsor employment visas for this position.

Requirements

• Active California State Bar License; a copy will be required prior to hiring.
• Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) addressing:
  • Interest in working as an Attorney IV for the California Department of Developmental Services.
  • Experience handling complex legal issues relating to Medicaid, IDEA, and other complex transactional or litigation matters.
• If using list eligibility from an online exam, documentation (e.g., transcript, degree, license) verifying Minimum Qualifications (MQs) must be included with the application.

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge of:
  • Conducting legal research and preparing legal products.
  • Timely opening and closing assigned cases and maintaining case files.
  • Submitting updated monthly reports to the Chief Counsel and Assistant Chief Counsels.
• Ability to:
  • Interact independently, professionally, and courteously with departmental Executive team and program managers while managing multiple tasks with stringent deadlines.
  • Communicate effectively in writing and verbally, including through documents and electronic devices.
  • Use Microsoft Word, Outlook, Westlaw, Adobe, and other computer tools or systems utilized by the Office of Legal Affairs.
  • Handle multiple tasks and effectively prioritize workloads.

Pay

Entrance salary rate of $13,313.00 per month for the Attorney IV classification. Effective July 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a 4.62% salary reduction in exchange for eight hours per month of Personal Leave. Salary range: $11,993.00 - $16,096.00 per month. New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families.
• Retirement benefits through CalPERS.
• Additional benefits may be outlined in employee collective bargaining contracts.
• For more information, visit the CalHR Benefits Website and CalPERS Health Benefit Summary.

About the Department

The California Department of Developmental Services (Department) provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and related conditions. Services are delivered through state-operated developmental centers, community facilities, and contracts with 21 nonprofit regional centers. Regional centers serve as local resources to help access services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Department Website