Surveys Senior Counsel

This position is contingent upon Legislative and Governor's approval and enactment of the 2026-27 Budget Act.

About the Role

The Office of Plan Monitoring (OPM) evaluates and ensures health care service plan regulatory compliance, quality improvement, and network adequacy related to the provision of managed health care services. Under the general direction of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Division of Plan Surveys (DPS) within the OPM, the Attorney III performs complex and sensitive legal work for the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) related to regulation and enforcement pursuant to the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975.

The Attorney III will work on medical surveys of DMHC's licensed full-service and specialty health plans to assess compliance with state and federal laws. This role involves survey planning and coordination, reviewing health plan documents, analyzing survey findings, and providing legal advice on corrective action plans. The position also includes reviewing referrals to the DMHC’s Office of Enforcement and periodically traveling to health plan facilities.

Responsibilities

• Participate in survey planning and coordination activities.
• Review health plan documents and surveyors' work product.
• Perform complex legal analysis of survey findings.
• Provide legal advice and counsel to DPS and DMHC management on corrective action plans.
• Review and recommend actions on referrals prepared by DPS attorneys to the DMHC’s Office of Enforcement.
• Travel to and work on-site at health plan facilities as needed.

Requirements

• Background and interest in health care law, health care industry trends, and legislative/regulatory processes.
• Experience in consumer advocacy, health care, government public service, or data/policy analysis.
• Experience analyzing, interpreting, and implementing newly enacted legislation.
• Ability to serve as a lead attorney, providing guidance on complex, difficult, or sensitive legal issues.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others, including non-legal staff.
• Ability to prioritize workload and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Professional and effective oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.

Qualifications

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must submit a copy of your high school transcripts or college/university transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts may be accepted during the application process; however, submission of official transcripts may be required prior to appointment.

Working Conditions

• Work in a climate-controlled cubicle and/or office environment with artificial lighting.
• Eligible for hybrid telework, subject to operational needs and State/DMHC Telework Policy.
• All teleworking employees must be California residents and maintain California residency.
• DMHC has locations in Downtown Sacramento and Rancho Cordova, both close to light-rail with various amenities.

Special Requirements

• Background investigation clearance required prior to hire.

Pay

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

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(s) included in this job advertisement do not include the temporary salary reduction.

Department Information

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 protects the health care rights of 30.2 million Californians by regulating health care service plans, assisting consumers, and preserving the financial stability of the managed health care system.

DMHC values diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where employees from various backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences can thrive. The department offers a "Someone Like Me" program to connect prospective employees with current staff for insights into DMHC culture.