Job Posting: Medical Consultant I (Psychiatrist)

Department of Social Services

JC-500438
-
Medical Consultant I (Psychiatrist)
MEDICAL CONSULTANT I (PSYCHIATRIST), DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

$13,372.00 - $19,790.00 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: Until Filled

Job Description and Duties

This advertisement is posted as until filled. Applications will be reviewed on the 5th business day of each month, and candidates may or may not be selected for interviews. However, the Job Control will remain open until the vacancy is filled.

Under the direction of the Team Manager (TM)(DESA I), the Medical Consultant (MC I) - Psychiatrist, in conjunction with Disability Evaluation Analyst staff, adjudicates applications for disability benefits under the Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and/or Medi-Cal programs. The MC reviews case histories, evaluates and interprets medical reports, and evaluates possible effects of medical or surgical treatment in relationship to program requirements. The MC provides assessments of the applicant's functional abilities based on program guidelines. The MC is a full participant on the team and is involved in decision-making regarding team endeavors related to the team's quality, workflow and production.

What will you do?

We are seeking medical consultants who are passionate about furthering the Department’s mission. You will:

• Work in partnership with Disability Evaluation Analysts to evaluate medical evidence and make informed determinations on disability claims in compliance with Social Security and Medi-Cal program regulations.
• Review medical records, interpret findings, and establish the medical onset of disability; assess the severity of impairments and determine applicants’ residual functional capacity (RFC).
• Contribute to enhancing the quality of consultative reports, developing medical panels, and providing training and mentorship to Disability Evaluation Analysts and staff.

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

Need assistance in applying for positions, taking an examination, or interview preparation? Connect with our staff by contacting us at Recruiter@dss.ca.gov Information about applying for a state job can be found here: Three Steps to a State Job.

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

Working Conditions

This is a part-time (up to 19/20-timebase)

We have offices throughout California including Sacramento, Roseville, Stockton, Fresno, Glendale, Covina, Oakland, Los Angeles, San Diego, La Jolla, and Rancho Bernardo.

This position is eligible for a Hybrid telework option, after successful completion of a formal training period.

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. Headquarter location may be designated on the selected candidate's primary residence location, and/or the closest CDSS location in accordance with operational need and available space. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.

Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-500438
Position #(s):
800-982-7785-VAR
Working Title:
Medical Consultant I (Psychiatrist)
Classification:
MEDICAL CONSULTANT I (PSYCHIATRIST), DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
$13,372.00 - $18,342.00 A
$14,017.00 - $19,232.00 B
$14,425.00 - $19,790.00 C
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
5
Work Location:
Los Angeles County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Part Time - 1/2 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.

Who are we?

The Disability Determination Service Division (DDSD) is a dedicated team committed to setting the national standard for quality service. Our mission is to foster respect and trust within the California DDSD through everything we do. Our twelve adjudication branches are tasked with processing disability claims for benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income, and Medi-Cal Disability programs. Additionally, our Central Support Services Branch provides essential systems and administrative support to our adjudication branches.

We understand that our staff play a vital role in delivering services to disabled Californians. We are committed to investing in our team, learning from one another, and genuinely caring for our colleagues. We support flexible work schedules and actively seek innovative strategies to enhance our program’s outcomes.



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.
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.

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

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: Until Filled

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 - 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 and Pay
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.
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:
  • Compassion - Passion for helping others.
  • Teamwork - Dedication to working in a team environment.
  • Detail Oriented - Ability and desire for efficiency.
  • Self-motivated
  • Ability to work independently
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Commitment to customer service to internal and external stakeholders
  • Proficient in reviewing and interpreting medical records and reports
  • Effective time management skills
  • Reliable attendance

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.


Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Summary of benefits:
• Health, Dental & Vision Benefits
• Paid Holidays, Sick & Vacation
• Retirement (CalPERS)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401 (k) & 457 plans
• Military Leave
• Reimbursement Accounts
• Public Transit Subsidy
• Onsite security
• Telework
• Retention pays

Contact Information

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

Hiring Unit Contact:
Caroline Wong
(310) 615-2831
Caroline.Wong@ssa.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

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