Closing Date: 31st July, 2026
Description:
Job Description and Duties:Presides over hearings in CDSS and DHCS Program areas, which may include program areas such as CalWORKs, CalFresh, Medi-Cal, IHSS, Scope of Benefits, Resource Family Approval, and Covered California, among others. Handles all types of hearings, which may include complex and/or sensitive cases. Interprets and applies various provisions of federal and state statutes, regulations and department policies. Rules on objections and subpoena requests raised during the process of hearing a case, addresses postponement requests, sets continued hearings, and addresses other case management issues to maintain proper flow of cases assigned by the Supervising Administrative Law Judge (SALJ). Submits timely and legally correct final and proposed decisions as delegated, at a rate and quality consistent with State Hearings Division (SHD) standards. By virtue of hearing primarily Title IV-E, Family Resource Approval, Covered California, and Modified Adjusted Gross Income cases, becomes a subject matter expert with ability to consult with and answer questions from other ALJS on cases or various points of law; serves as a source of referrals to legal sources, prior decisions/samples, and other resources. Participates in special projects as assigned, including but not limited to implementation of best practices identified from any special projects, and attends State Hearings Division internal meetings and external meetings as assigned. May occasionally be asked to provide guidance to ALJs or staff in directing or redirecting cases; and, investigate compliance requests.
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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 (https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Landing/Jobs/Steps.aspx)
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You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=32749386&name=DS_ACRABALJDutyStatement(Rev8.5.25)(3).pdf)
Working Conditions:
Statewide
This position may be eligible for Hybrid work. In-person attendance is required based on the operational needs of the position and in accordance with Executive Order N-22-25 (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.ca.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F03%2FRTO-EO-3.3.25_-GGN-signed.pdf&data=05%7C02%7CJessica.J.Cooper%40dss.ca.gov%7C84bbb4f50aea47f5097408dda45c9b91%7C0235ba6b2cf04b75bc5dd6187ce33de3%7C1%7C0%7C638847439836139480%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=FdCOI205eH2D8D%2BTiXWuxpHwxtiiD7Y0GDgkApzNL2w%3D&reserved=0) the Statewide Hybrid Telework Policy, Government Code section 14200, and any applicable department telework requirements. The successful candidate must reside in California at the time of appointment. Proof of California residency may be required.
Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.
Minimum Requirements:
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Administrative Law Judge (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=6016)
Additional Documents
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.
We Provide Timely, Independent and Impartial Due Process Hearings and Produce Timely, Legally Correct Decisions. We Maintain the Integrity of The State Hearing Process, Provide Efficient Administration of The State Hearing Process, Communicate with Counties, Claimants, and Others to Achieve an Efficient and Effective State Hearing Process and Identify and Influence Various Issues that Arise in The State Hearings Process that Appear Inconsistent with Existing Law or Policy.
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 Have 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:
Administrative Law Judge (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=6016)
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist (http://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobApplicationPackageChecklist.aspx?JobControlId=525654)
- Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=32749386&name=DS_ACRABALJDutyStatement(Rev8.5.25)(3).pdf)
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.
We Provide Timely, Independent and Impartial Due Process Hearings and Produce Timely, Legally Correct Decisions. We Maintain the Integrity of The State Hearing Process, Provide Efficient Administration of The State Hearing Process, Communicate with Counties, Claimants, and Others to Achieve an Efficient and Effective State Hearing Process and Identify and Influence Various Issues that Arise in The State Hearings Process that Appear Inconsistent with Existing Law or Policy.
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 Have 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 in 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 Cal Career Account (electronic Application) Is Automatically Redacted upon Submission.
Subject to Fingerprinting and Criminal Record Clearance by Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This Position Is Designated Under the Conflict-Of-Interest Code.
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.
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: 7/31/2026
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 Cal Career Account at Www.Cal Careers.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
Subject to Fingerprinting and Criminal Record Clearance by Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This Position Is Designated Under the Conflict-Of-Interest Code.
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.
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: 7/31/2026
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 Cal Career Account at Www.Cal Careers.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
