Job Description And Duties
The Office of Legal Affairs (OLA), Employment Advocacy and Prosecution Team (EAPT) assists in investigations into employee misconduct, advises on disciplinary decisions, and pursues disciplinary actions on behalf of CDCR. In addition, EAPT litigates requests to file charges with the State Personnel Board (SPB), appeals to the SPB, or whistleblower complaints before the SPB, and defends or prosecutes petitions for writs of administrative mandamus before the superior and appellate courts. EAPT works with highly sensitive and confidential information and requires employees to maintain strict confidentiality.
Under supervision and direction of the EAPT Chief Deputy General Counsel (CDGC) and Assistant CDGC, the Assistant Chief Counsel supervises, directs, and manages the work of EAPT Vertical Advocates, who represent the best interests of CDCR throughout the adverse action process, as well as providing legal support to CDCR on employee discipline matters and matters related to CDCR's internal affairs investigations.
This advertisement is for an Attorney, Assistant Chief Counse I position located out of the EAPT office in Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino County. This position is eligible for hybrid telework.
Human Resources Technology System
The California Department of Corrections Rehabilitation (CDCR) Headquarters has implemented a new automated system to streamline the hiring process.
The Human Resources Technology System (HRTS) is an intuitive, user-friendly system that provides the applicant access to real-time updates throughout the hiring process.
HRTS will require new candidates to set up an account, which allows them to track their application’s progress. Through their account portal, candidates will also be able to provide any additional information needed in the hiring process, including setting up interviews as needed. After the final filing date, applicants will receive an email from DoNotReply@cdcr.ns2cloud.com or DoNotReply@CDCR (depending on the email provider), with direction on creating and/or accessing their account.
For HRTS communication, this is in reference to Job Requisition (JR) 4510.
CDCR/CCHCS employees are encouraged to use their existing CDCR email on their applications.
Note:
Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.
Effective July 1, 2025, the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) was implemented in response to the status of the State budget. PLP 2025 requires that each full-time employee receive a 4.62% reduction in pay in exchange for eight (8) hours of PLP 2025 leave credits monthly through October 31, 2026. Salaries do not reflect the recent changes.
See Essential Functions Attached To The Duty Statement.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions:
The Office of Legal Affairs provides a secure access facility with complimentary parking and is situated in Rancho Cucamonga within the 91731 zip code. At the time of appointment, the successful candidate may be required to work out of their headquarters office in accordance with the current Governor's executive orders.
Telework
Hybrid telework schedules may be available for employees who can satisfactorily perform their essential work functions independently and remotely in accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy. Telework is only available to California state residents who reside in and remain in the state.
Travel
On occasion, travel may be necessary to a CDCR institution or location throughout the state for site inspections or interviews, State Personnel Board appearances, and court appearances, among other things. Days of work may include any day of the week, and hours may include non-standard business hours.
$900 monthly pay differential
Hybrid Telework
Laptop and cell phone provided
Free on-site parking
Minimum Requirements: You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
ATTORNEY, ASSISTANT CHIEF COUNSEL
Additional Documents
Job Application Package Checklist
Duty Statement
Position Details:
Job Code #
JC-533365
Position #(s)
065-400-5871-025
Working Title
ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL
Classification
ATTORNEY, ASSISTANT CHIEF COUNSEL
$14,513.00 - $17,742.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions
1
Work Location
San Bernardino County
Telework
Hybrid
Job Type
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
Vision
We enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs.
Mission
To facilitate the successful reintegration of the individuals in our care back to their communities equipped with the tools to be drug-free, healthy, and employable members of society by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative, and restorative justice programs, all in a safe and humane environment.
Commitment
CDCR and CCHCS are committed to transforming the correctional landscape to create safer, more professional, and more fulfilling environments for our employees, the incarcerated population, and those supervised in our communities. Through systemwide improvements grounded in proven and emerging practices, we aim to strengthen rehabilitation, enhance workplace satisfaction, and support successful reentry into the community through our institutions, parole, and community partnerships. Our shared mission is to promote safety, wellness, and human dignity while fostering positive change for all those who live and work within our institutions and communities.
CDCR and CCHCS are committed to building an inclusive respectful workplace. We are determined to attract and hire candidates from all communities and empower employees from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences. We are proud to foster inclusion and drive collaborative efforts at all levels of the Department.
CDCR and CCHCS strive to collaborate with the community to enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs. Incumbents establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within the department, other governmental agencies, health care partners, and communities.
Special Requirements
The position:
(s) require(s) a(n) active California State Bar Membership License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hire.
The position:
(s) require(s) an activie California Driver's License or the ability to obtain transportation to sites throughout the state.
Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts.
Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver’s license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.
Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you should include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board.
Applicants who completed their education outside of the US (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of U.S. course/degree equivalency. Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at NACES | National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.
Candidates new to CDCR/CCHCS are required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan Fingerprinting prior to appointment.
When submitting supporting documents, PDF file format is preferred.
CDCR/CCHCS utilizes E-Verify to confirm candidate’s identity and employment authorization. For more information about E-Verify, you may go to http://www.e-verify.gov/.
Final Filing Date: 10/16/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications
Experience supervising subordinate employees.
Experience analyzing and resolving complex legal issues.
Experience leading or mentoring attorneys.
Experience working with and resolving issues with opposing counsel, oversight agencies, or internal stakeholders.
Experience with trials or evidentiary hearings in state or federal court or before administrative agencies, or with writs or appeals to the Superior Court or to Courts of Appeal.
Knowledge or experience with laws related to the investigation and discipline of peace officers.
Shall create and promote an equitable and inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated and valued.
Benefits:
Benefit information can be found on the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website, www.calhr.ca.gov, and the CalPERS website, www.calpers.ca.gov.
Information on benefits afforded by membership in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System can be found on the CalHR Salary and Benefits website at www.calhr.ca.gov/employees/pages/salary-and-benefits.aspx.
Information on the benefits and protections provided to public employees by the State Civil Service Act can be found on the CalHR website at https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Training/Pages/performance-management-merit-system-principles.aspx.
Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary website at https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-State-Civil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx.
This webpage is intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact: Elizabeth Campa
(279) 223-4754
Elizabeth.Campa@cdcr.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact: Office of Civil Rights
(916) 255-0458
M_CivilRights@cdcr.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Statement Of Qualifications
In four pages or less using 12-point font, double-spacing, and one-inch margins, describe your experience and how you meet the first six desirable qualifications. Include your name on the first page. State the desirable qualification in numerical order and respond with your answer. Do not provide a single narrative response.
Failure to follow the Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) formatting instructions will result in disqualification of the application process.
Examination Information
To obtain list eligibility for the Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel classification, before applying for the position(s), you should first take and pass the examination here Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel Examination
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
