Position Information

Knowledge of:

• Public sector retirement system operations and services.
• Role and authority of the Board of Retirement, Chief Executive Officer and others responsible for policy and management related actions within a retirement agency.
• Provisions of the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937, California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013, the Ralph M. Brown Act, Public Records Act and other laws governing the operations of a public employee retirement system.
• Principles and practices of civil, constitutional and administrative law, and recent court cases, rulings and judgments related to retirement or employment operations.
• The legislative process with respect to the introduction, review and comment on proposed legislation.
• Sources, principles and practices of legal research.
• Rules of evidence, civil discovery rules, and the conduct of writ and appeal proceedings.
• Provisions of law and rules of procedure governing the conduct of hearings before administrative bodies.
• Methods and techniques of preparing and presenting legal documents such as pleadings, motions, opinions, and contracts.
• Modern office practices and methods including computer equipment and specialized applications relevant to the work performed.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary and punctuation.
• Federal and State laws, rules and regulations governing pension systems, retirement plan administration and accounting requirements.

Ability to:

• Research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, and precedents to matters of civil, constitutional and administrative law.
• Analyze and appraise a variety of legal documents and instruments; prepare and draft clear and concise legal documents.
• Present oral and written statements of fact, law and argument in a clear, logical and persuasive manner.
• Represent CCCERA before multiple bodies with respect to retirement and employment related legal matters.
• Exercise good judgment and discretion in handling confidential matters.
• Organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.
• Use tact, prudence and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computers and specialized software applications relevant to work performed.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Establish, maintain and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Demonstrate strict confidentiality, professionalism, integrity and compliance with applicable laws and regulations at all times.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be

Graduation from an accredited school of law and five (5) years progressively responsible legal program experience to include presentation of legal arguments before administrative hearings, writ of mandate proceedings, arbitrations, mediations or other similar proceedings.

Licenses and Certifications:

Current membership in the State Bar of California; licensed to appear before Federal and State Courts in California.

Physical Demands

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.  This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required.  Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.  Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.  Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds with the proper use of equipment.

Environmental Elements

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.  Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. 

Disaster Service Worker:

All Contra Costa County Employees’ Retirement Association (CCCERA) employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with CCCERA requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency, therefore, employees must be residing within 200 miles of Concord, CA on scheduled work days.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

It is the policy of CCCERA to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identify, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.