Information Governance Attorney IV

Job Description and Duties

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Legal Division is recruiting to hire one permanent full time Attorney IV within the Information, Technology & Administrative Litigation (ITAL) Branch.

Join our close-knit team to support our clients in achieving CDSS’ mission to serve, aid and protect needy and vulnerable children and adults in ways that strengthen and preserve families, encourage personal responsibility and foster independence. In support of this mission, the ITAL Branch strives to be an agency-wide legal resource achieving client objectives through collaboration, education, and advocacy. We are looking for someone who is ready to test their knowledge in information governance and data management and their skill in advising in the areas of risk under department policy and both state and federal law related to the classification, identification, preservation, collection, review and disclosure of records. We are looking for a highly motivated, customer-service oriented individual with excellent communication and writing skills with a strong interest in the legal and technical aspects of information governance for a public entity and a desire to work in a fast-paced, high-performance legal team.

Under the direction of the Senior Assistant Chief Counsel or Assistant Chief Counsel, the Attorney IV will perform the most sensitive and complex legal work at the highest degree of difficulty. Working collaborative with the Privacy Attorney IV, the Information Governance Attorney IV serves as the Department’s subject matter expert on information governance. In this context the Attorney IV advises on information security, audit compliance, and access and disclosure of public records. In addition, for pre-litigation and litigation matters the Attorney IV provides legal advice and consultation on; E-Discovery, legal holds, records collection and review. Information governance primarily includes the following areas: the California Public Records Act; the Information Practices Act; application of privileges and exemptions to records relative to the aforementioned Acts as well as in the litigation context; service of process; and other information requests from State Agencies, the Legislature, researchers, stakeholders and the public.

The successful candidate will also develop and present training to lawyers and non-lawyers on these issues and will keep abreast of evolving law and emerging technologies in these areas. They will have extensive experience in independently providing house counsel or governmental representation in these or other related areas. Experience acting as a lead or mentor is desired but not required.

The Department of Social Services does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.

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Working Conditions

This work location is very convenient! This location is two blocks from the light rail and public transportation: within walking distance to the State Capitol, parks, restaurants, farmer’s markets and the Golden 1 Arena. Our building has easy access to I-5, Highway 50, and Highway 80.

This position may be eligible for Hybrid work. In-person attendance is required based on the operational needs of the position and in accordance with the Statewide Hybrid Telework Policy, Government Code section 14200, and any applicable department telework requirements. The successful candidate must reside in California at the time of appointment. Proof of California residency may be required.
Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.

Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications or Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with your application to be considered for this position. Applications submitted without an SOQ may be disqualified for this position.

Do not include any confidential information in any documents (i.e., application, resume, or transcripts) you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include but is not limited to: Social Security Number (SSN), birthday and/or age, photos, student/other ID number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, exam results, LEAP status, and marital status. Confidential information submitted via a CalCareer Account (electronic application) is automatically redacted upon submission.

In addition to the STD. 678 job application, applicants must also submit a three-page maximum (12-point Arial font type, standard margins) STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS (SOQ).

The SOQ should address your knowledge and experience with the Desirable Qualifications. Applications submitted without an SOQ will not be considered. A resume is not required and will not take the place of an SOQ.

Hiring is subject to State civil service Super SROA/Surplus policies and procedures. Applicants must be current members of the California State Bar.

The selected candidate will be subject to a criminal record background check clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A criminal conviction in and of itself will not necessarily bar an offer of employment.

This position is designated under the Conflict-of-Interest Code.

You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD 678). You may be disqualified from the hiring and selection process if the employment history is inaccurate or incomplete. Resumes will not take the place of employment history.

If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts for verification. If selected, you may be required to provide official transcripts at the time of hire.

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview, but they must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

A. Extensive experience providing advice to a public entity at all staffing and executive levels on the California Public Records Act, Information Practices Act, subpoenas, service of process, discovery (including E-Discovery), legal holds, and other disclosures of electronically stored information and records.

B. Knowledge of effective training techniques and presentations. Experience providing training to professional and non-professional audiences.

C. Demonstrated ability to clearly and effectively communicate legal advice, orally and in writing, at both the executive and staff level.

D. Demonstrated ability to interact effectively across a department and the ability to build strong and effective working relationships with; colleagues, program staff, management, and staff of other state and federal agencies, while working independently and as part of a team.

E. Willingness and ability to perform duties in a customer service-oriented manner; keeping clients and management informed of significant issues with an emphasis on giving the client the ability to make informed decisions with explanations of appropriate risks.

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California has a generous benefits package that includes medical coverage, CalPERS pension upon retirement, two weeks paid vacation per year, two weeks paid sick leave per year, two paid Professional Development Days, one paid Personal Holiday, pre-tax parking fee program.

TRANSPORTATION REIMBURSEMENT

• Public transit (mass transit) passes.

o 100 percent discount on public transit passes sold by state agencies, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

o 100 percent reimbursement on public transit passes purchased by state employees, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.

• Vanpool drivers and riders

o 100 percent reimbursement on the monthly fee, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.

Click here to view all the attractive benefits available to state employees! Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025

Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 - Salaries do not reflect reductions from the Personal Leave Program, please see the applicable Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for additional information on the length and percentage of reductions.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications - (SOQ) Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.