Job Posting: Lived Expert Engagement Manager

Department of Social Services

JC-491510
-
Lived Expert Engagement Manager
STAFF SERVICES MANAGER I

$7,172.00 - $8,910.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 9/24/2025

Job Description and Duties

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of California's children and families? The Safety, Prevention and Early Intervention Branch is looking for two Staff Services Manager I Specialists to lead the Children and Family Services Division's coordination of Lived Expert Engagement. These positions are responsible for ensuring that CFSD programs are informed by individuals who have experience in the child welfare system as a youth, parent, caregiver or Tribal representative. These positions will facilitate authentic partnership of individuals with lived expertise in the development and implementation of policies, practices and programs that promote the safety, permanency and well being of families. The SSM I Specialists work collaboratively with division staff, contractors, trainers and stakeholders to recruit and train lived experts, train staff and partners to engage lived experts in meaningful dialogue, and ensure equitable compensation across programs. These positions will also promote and track inclusion and impact of expert input from a continuous quality improvement lens. 

If you would like to share how you learned about this career opportunity, please take a moment to complete our brief Recruitment Survey.

Need help with applying for positions, taking an examination, or preparing for interviews? Our team is here to support you, reach out anytime at Recruiter@dss.ca.gov. For guidance on applying for a state job, visit Three Steps to a State Job. 
 
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You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

Some travel may be required.

This work location is very convenient! The CDSS is located 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 is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order N-22-25 and at the sole discretion of the Department of Social Services under California Government Code Section 14200. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be re-evaluated at any time. The incumbent will be expected to report for in office work and attend work related in-person events as deemed operationally necessary. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the CDSS policies. 

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-491510
Position #(s):
800-540-4800-XXX
Working Title:
Lived Expert Engagement Manager
Classification:
STAFF SERVICES MANAGER I
$7,172.00 - $8,910.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
2
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of fellow Californians while achieving your career goals? Do you set high standards for yourself and enjoy a collaborative and challenging work environment? The mission of the California Department of Social Services is to serve, protect, and support the people of California experiencing need in ways that empower wellbeing and disrupt systemic inequities. The vision of the California Department of Social Services is to provide quality services with a commitment to an inclusive, diverse, and equitable California where all people can thrive.

The vision of the Children and Family Services Division (CFSD) is for every child to live in a safe, stable, permanent home, nurtured by healthy families and strong communities. The Safety, Prevention and Early Intervention Branch (SPEIB) advances CFSD's vision by: (1) holding primary responsibility for policy development and oversight of the emergency response and pre-placement practices administered by county public child welfare protection programs; (2) providing oversight and other supports for a wide range of community-based services, including state and local child abuse prevention councils, community-based organizations that provide early intervention and treatment services that are designed to increase family strengths and capacity to provide children with a stable and supportive family environment; and (3) providing administrative support to the Division.

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

  • 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 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. 

Applications must include a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). Clearly label the SOQ, re-state each question, and organize a detailed response directly under each numbered question. 

The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) are read and serves as a documentation of your ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. 

The SOQ should be no longer than two pages, single-spaced. 

1) Describe your personal or professional experience working within child welfare and/or a related field.
2) Describe your experience in working with or engaging lived experts and/or working with Tribal representatives on a shared outcome.
3) Describe your experience in training, coaching, and communicating complex information to diverse audiences.  
4) Describe your experience in development and oversight of contracts.

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. 

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: 9/24/2025

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
N/A
Attn: Classification & Certification Unit
P.O.Box 944243, MS 8-15-58
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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Statement of Qualifications - SOQ) IS REQUIRED. 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:

We encourage applications regardless of whether you think you meet 100% of these skills below. Please highlight your knowledge, skills, and experience related to the below desirable qualifications in your application package.
  • Extensive knowledge of the public child welfare system, including practice and policy.
  • Experience working with children, youth, parents, caregivers, and Indian custodians with lived experience in the child welfare system to advance shared goals.  
  • Knowledge of ICWA and state tribal consultation policies.
  • Knowledge of policy-making and administrative processes including state and federal legislation, regulatory and budgetary processes and the roles of the various branches and levels of government.
  • The ability to foster collaboration, mutual respect and teamwork, and maintain a balance of assertiveness and diplomacy in meeting common goals.
  • The ability to translate complex policy information for diverse audiences. 
  • The ability to plan implementation of and manage complex projects to completion within specified time frame

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:
Sabrina Forte
(916) 533-1500
Sabrina.Forte@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.

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. 

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:
 
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