CAREER DESCRIPTION

DESCRIPTION
The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) invites you to join our growing TEAM! We are now accepting on-line applications to fill the position of Staff Attorney.

WHO WE ARE
Established in 1945, the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) provides retirement, death, disability and cost-of-living benefits to retirees of the County of Orange and certain County districts. Serving approximately 48,000 members, OCERS is governed by a ten-member Board of Retirement that is responsible for managing a $21 billion dollar fund. For more information about OCERS, please click here.

Mission
OCERS mission is to provide secure retirement and disability benefits with the highest standards of excellence.

Vision
OCERS vision is to be a trusted partner providing premier pension administration, distinguished by consistent, quality member experiences and prudent financial stewardship.

Values

• Open and Transparent
• Commitment to Superior Service
• Engaged and Dedicated Workforce
• Reliable and Accurate
• Secure and Sustainable

T HE OPPORTUNITY
The Staff Attorney will report directly to the General Counsel and is expected to uphold the highest standards of accountability, Employer focus, and system efficiency. The incumbent will work within general instructions and guidelines, exercising discretion and independent judgment in the performance of duties.

Under the general direction of the General Counsel, the Staff Attorney will represent Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) in administrative hearings and state court writ proceedings arising from appeals of disability retirement determinations, benefit calculation issues, and other issues involving the administration of retirement benefits by OCERS. This includes the review of medical records, employment documents, workers' compensation records, retirement system records, and other related documents; analysis and application of statutes, case law, administrative decisions, and other legal precedent to benefit appeal matters; participation in administrative hearings and writ proceedings; presentation of evidence including examination and cross-examination of witnesses; application of hearing rules, rules of civil procedure and rules of evidence; analysis and preparation of briefs and review of Hearing Officer findings to determine if objections are warranted.

The Staff Attorney will also provide advice and counsel to OCERS staff on the application of retirement laws, as well as other laws in the administration of a public agency.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Include but are not limited to the following:

• Review and evaluate medical records, employment records, application materials, and other information and determines relevance for inclusion in an administrative record
• Participate in monthly meetings of the OCERS Board and the OCERS Disability Unit to discuss disability cases to be presented to the Board of Retirement or the Disability Committee and provide input on whether the evidence presented supports the recommended actions
• Prepare briefs, pre-hearing statements, motions, and other legal documents, necessary to obtain a complete administrative record and to adequately represent OCERS in administrative benefit hearings and state court writ proceedings
• Represent OCERS in administrative hearings and state court writ proceedings, which include offering objections, taking testimony, submitting written and oral evidence, and providing oral arguments
• Ensure that the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937, Federal and State statutes, the OCERS Hearing Rules, and OCERS policies are followed throughout the administrative hearing process
• Confer with and provide legal advice to OCERS on legal questions; prepare formal opinions as to the interpretation of the laws governing OCERS; and review contracts, leases, and other legal documents
• Perform a wide variety of legal research
• Perform other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum qualifications required for entry into the classification

Education and/or Experience
Must have a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited U.S. law school. Two years of post-bar legal experience handling administrative hearings, civil litigation, arbitrations, mediations, or other similar proceedings that required the analysis and presentation of evidence, motion or brief writing, and analysis of findings. Up to one year of pre-bar administrative hearing or similar work can be substituted for post-bar experience.

Special Notes, Licenses, or Requirements:

• Active membership in the State Bar of California and in good standing
• Compliance with continuing legal educational requirements of the State Bar of California
• A valid California class C driver’s license or the ability to arrange necessary and timely transportation for field travel
• May be required to use personal vehicle
• A complete background investigation is required; a felony or misdemeanor conviction may be a disqualifying factor from employment

Please click here (Download PDF reader)for additional information about the Staff Attorney classification.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities necessary to perform essential duties of the position include:

Knowledge of:

• Rules of evidence, civil procedure, and the conduct of administrative hearings and state court writ proceedings
• The 1937 County Employees Retirement Law, current regulations, and statutes as they relate to OCERS
• The organization, powers, and limitations of county government
• The California Constitution
• Legal research methods and application of legal principles
• Telephone, office, and online etiquette
• Computer applications and hardware related to the performance of the essential functions of the job

Skills/Ability to:

• Prepare, present, and conduct administrative benefit hearings and state court writ proceedings
• Prepare complex legal documents such as pre-hearing statements, briefs, motions, and legal opinions
• Prepare persuasive briefs
• Analyze legal problems and apply legal principles and practices
• Present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form
• Effectively perform legal research
• Perform job functions independently and in an ethical and objective manner
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with all levels of management, staff, consultants, retirement system members, and others, encountered in the course of work
• Maintain a professional demeanor in volatile situations which require a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy
• Work cooperatively with others
• Conduct comprehensive and analytical reviews of medical records
• Understand and communicate complex medical and legal concepts
• Demonstrate strict confidentiality, professionalism, integrity, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations at all times
• Use standard office equipment such as: computer, printer, scanner, fax machine, and photocopier

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that are customarily required to successfully perform the essential functions of this class.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Speak and hear well enough to communicate in English clearly and understandably in person, over the telephone, and in small or large groups.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms, and shoulders repetitively to operate a telephone, keyboard, and write
• Mental stamina to interact professionally with members of the Board of Retirement, Employers, peers, and retirement system members
• Vision sufficient to read fine print and a computer monitor
• Independent body mobility, agility, and stamina to stand, walk, stoop, bend, and twist, to access a standard office environment
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time
• Body strength sufficient to lift up to 15 pounds and carry files

Environmental Conditions

• The primary work place is in an office environment working with standard office equipment
• Peripheral office equipment generates a quiet to moderate noise level
• Operates in an environment that includes elected officials, non-elected officials, government agencies, community interest groups, and the general public in the development and coordination of OCERS affairs
• Out of area travel may be required to attend professional conferences, due diligence, and meetings

BENEFITS
OCERS offers a competitive benefits package that includes a choice of several health plans, annual leave, and paid holidays. Additionally, OCERS has a defined benefit pension plan which has reciprocity with the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and a deferred compensation 457 plan. OCERS offers up to an annual $10,000 Educational and Professional Reimbursement, a $3,500 taxable optional benefit plan, and a flexible/hybrid work schedule.
For additional information and details about the OCERS pension and benefits offered, please click here.
OCERS Human Resources Department will screen all application materials to identify qualified candidates. Applications submitted without a completed supplemental information form will be disqualified from further consideration. After screening all applications, the more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process and notified via e-mail of all further procedures applicable to their application status.

Applications Appraisal Panel (AAP) | Application Rating (Refer/Non-Refer):
Application materials will be rated by a panel of job knowledge experts for those qualifications most needed to perform the duties of the job. The more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step. All notifications regarding this recruitment will be sent via e-mail.

Qualifications Appraisal Panel | Oral Interview:
Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job.

Based on OCERS needs and the number of applications received, the selection procedures listed above may be modified, and all affected candidates will be notified. Only on-line applications with the completed supplemental questions will be accepted.

E-mail is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct e-mail address is on your application and only use one e-mail account.

Your application should highlight all of the areas in which you have developed expertise, matching your professional experience with the specific qualifications listed above.

It is recommended that you record or print your confirmation page, as this verifies receipt of your on-line application.

You may apply on-line at the OCERS website: https://www.ocers.org/careers-ocers.

For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Felicia Durrah at (714) 569-4810 or email fdurrah@ocers.org.

Do not submit resumes to this email address as they will not be considered in lieu of the required application process.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please see the below for important information regarding COVID-19 related requirements:

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and laws, regulations, and policies regarding COVID-19 are subject to change. The position for which you are applying may be required to adhere to any applicable State or County Public Health Orders. You will receive notification of any requirement as it applies to this position.

NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.

Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com," "ocgov.com," and "ocers.org." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.

EEO INFORMATION

OCERS, as an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Administrative Management *
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits - such as a variety of health plan options, sick and vacation time and paid holidays - we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as:

• Retirement: Benefits are provided through the Orange County Employees' Retirement System (OCERS). Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
  http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information.
• Paid Leave: Twelve holidays per year plus sick and vacation time
• Health & Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
• Dental Insurance: County pays 100% of employee and dependent premiums
• Paid Life Insurance: $100,000 life insurance policy
• Paid Accidental & Death and Dismemberment Insurance: $100,000 AD&D insurance policy
• Paid Short & Long Term Disability insurance programs
• 457 Defined Contribution Program

• Effective 07/01/20, management employees who are sworn Public Safety Managers receive health insurance benefits through the AOCDS Medical Benefit Plans.

Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.