Job Posting: Policy Attorney

Department of Social Services

JC-472849
-
Policy Attorney
ATTORNEY III

$10,536.00 - $14,879.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 4/18/2025

Job Description and Duties

The CDSS Legal Division is recruiting to fill one permanent, full-time Attorney III position in FAB. FAB provides legal support to various divisions within CDSS which administer the following public social service programs, among others:

• CalFresh and nutrition programs
• CalWORKs Eligibility and Employment
• Cash Assistance Payments for Immigrants
• Child Care and Development
• Civil Rights for Public Social Service Programs
• Disaster Services
• Housing and Homelessness
• Immigration & Refugees
• In-Home Supportive Services
• Trafficking and Crime Victim Assistance

The successful candidate for this Attorney III position will be assigned to one or more of the public social services programs supported by FAB. The Attorney III should have knowledge and experience of, or possess the skills and experience to learn, the applicable state and federal statutes, regulations, case law, policies, and guidance applicable to FAB’s program clients.

Under supervision of an Assistant Chief Counsel and/or the Senior Assistant Chief Counsel, the Attorney III will perform legal work in FAB, including: reviewing, researching, and interpreting federal and state laws and regulations, case law, and program guidance; advising on funding issues and parameters of broad discretionary authority; drafting legislation including trailer bill and budget bill language; assisting in the drafting and reviewing of program policy guidance; and providing substantive litigation support to the Office of the Attorney General.

Please let us know how you learned about this career opportunity by taking the brief survey that follows: Recruitment Survey.

Would you like more information regarding career opportunities with the CDSS?  We’d love to hear from you!  Please contact us at Recruiter@dss.ca.gov and include the job classification and job control number in the subject line.  Information about applying for a state job can be found here: Three Steps to a State Job.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

Work Location: Monterey Park, Riverside, Oakland, or Sacramento

This position is eligible for telework under Government Code section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. While assigned to the Sacramento office, the physical work location is negotiable and can be based out of any of the Department’s Legal Division offices statewide (Monterey Park, Riverside, Oakland, and Sacramento). For individuals assigned to work locations outside of the Sacramento office, travel to Sacramento will be required.

Except when required to report to the office, this position allows for telework at an alternative work location. An alternative work location would be the employee’s residence. For travel purposes, reimbursement would be based on the office location.

Depending on distance, air travel may be required.

This position may be eligible for hybrid telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time. Specific telework arrangements may be discussed in more detail with the respective hiring manager. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the Department of Social Services policies. Please note, if this position is being advertised in multiple locations, the headquarter location will be designated based on the selected candidate's primary residence location, and/or the closest CDSS location.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-472849
Position #(s):
800-310-5795-032
Working Title:
Policy Attorney
Classification:
ATTORNEY III
$10,536.00 - $14,879.00 A
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of fellow Californian’s while achieving your career goals? The mission of the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is to serve, aid and protect needy and vulnerable children and adults in ways that strengthen and preserve families, encourage personal responsibility and foster independence. CDSS values diversity at all levels of the organization and is committed to fostering an environment in which employees and partners from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees and our partners bring their unique ideas and perspectives that inspire innovative solutions to further our mission.

CDSS oversees and coordinates an array of safety net and emergency response programs, and the delivery of social services totaling $50 billion in partnership with the State’s 58 counties as well as community services providers. In support of those efforts, the CDSS Legal Division’s Family and Adult Programs Policy & Litigation Branch (FAB) provides timely, responsive, thorough and accurate legal services. We are a dynamic, collaborative and energetic legal team that provides diverse, complex, challenging and, at times, cutting edge legal guidance for some of the largest public social service programs in the nation.


CDSS Guiding Principles

 

Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Accessibility. Belonging.

We ensure opportunities for everyone to participate in a meaningful way in fulfilling the mission and vision of CDSS.

 

Community Engagement

We prioritize the lived experiences of community members as a driving force behind the creation, implementation, desired impact, or change of programs and services.

 

Empowerment

We engage, operate, and advocate from the understanding that each community and person has desires and capabilities to lead in their own life.

 

Quality Services

We provide services that align intent and impact by ensuring that they are accessible, community driven, interconnected, and continuously improved.

 

Data Defined Outcomes

We equitably collect and analyze data, take data-driven action, and measure outcomes relevant to those we serve, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Special Requirements

Please Note:  A Statement of Qualifications or Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with your application in order to be considered for this position.

 

Do not include any confidential information on 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 and RESUME, applicants must also submit a two-page maximum (Arial 12-point type, 1” margins) STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS (SOQ). The SOQ is a narrative discussion of how the applicant’s education, training, experience, and skills meet the job description, desirable qualifications, and duty statement for the position. The SOQ will also serve as documentation of your ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing, since this is a critical factor to successful job performance. Application packages received without the SOQ will not be considered.

This position is subject to fingerprinting clearance by the Department of Justice.

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 not complete. 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.

Training and Development assignments may be considered based on the availability of eligible candidates and are subject to approval by the Hiring Authority prior to appointment. Training and Development assignments are temporary in nature and shall not exceed twenty-four (24) months.

 

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.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 4/18/2025

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).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Attn: Classification & Pay Unit
P.O.Box 944243
Sacramento, CA 94244-2430

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Classification & Pay Unit
744 P Street, MS 8-15-58
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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 required and must be included.
  • Statement of Qualifications -

    (SOQ) Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.

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

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. Education, training and/or experience to successfully perform policy legal work that includes, but is not limited to: in-depth research and analysis of federal and state statutes, regulations, and case law; providing verbal guidance and formulating strategic approaches to implement that guidance; drafting well-reasoned and concise written legal opinions and guidance; analyzing and drafting proposed legislation; assisting in the drafting and review of proposed regulations; and providing substantive litigation support to the Office of the Attorney General on program specific litigation;

B. Knowledge of the State’s administration, its agencies and departments, the role and responsibilities of state and federal oversight agencies and county administration of public social service programs;

C. Ability to independently research and learn about CDSS programs and policies to facilitate accurate and thorough legal services that are responsive to the Department’s needs;

D. Ability to communicate effectively and accurately, both orally and writing, on complex legal issues;

E. Possession of superior interpersonal skills and ability to work independently, collaboratively and effectively with legal colleagues, program staff and executives, other state departments, federal and county partners, California Health and Human Services Agency, Department of Finance and the Governor’s Office;

F. Ability to produce work that is both thorough and on-time;

G. Detail oriented; and

H. Willingness and ability to perform all duties in a customer service-oriented manner.

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

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact:
Tuyen Nguyen
(916) 639-8603
tuyen.nguyen@dss.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:
EEO Office
(916) 657-2326
EEOoffice@dss.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.

Examination Information

Those interested in obtaining employment with any state agency must apply and compete through the state hiring and recruitment process.  

To apply for the examination for this position, click on the link below to search for the examination and follow the “How to Apply” instructions in the examination announcement:

CalCareers Exam/Assessment Search

Successful examination applicants are placed on an eligibility list.  If you already have list eligibility for this classification, you do not need to retake the examination.  Applicants should refer to their examination results or check their CalCareer account for specific list eligibility expiration dates and to re-take the examination when necessary.  For questions regarding the examination process, please contact the Examination Unit at: Examinations@dss.ca.gov.

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.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job