Closing Date: 27th July, 2026
Description:
Job Description and Duties:The California Department of Social Services' Legal Division, Family and Adult Programs Policy and Litigation Branch (FAB) is seeking to recruit one (1) qualified, competent and enthusiastic attorney to serve as Assistant Chief Counsel (ACC) in FAB.
This ACC position is one (1) of three (3) ACC positions within the branch. Under the general direction of the Senior Assistant Chief Counsel, the ACC will, in collaboration with the other ACCs, be expected to work independently with minimal supervision in the planning, organizing and supervision of a dynamic and hard-working team of six (6) attorneys and expanding, who provide critical and complex legal guidance, analysis and work product. FAB is committed to providing oral and written legal guidance that is timely, responsive, and accurate. The ACC is expected to perform their own assigned highly sensitive and complex assignments. In addition to substantive legal work, the ACC will be responsible for executing management responsibilities that include but are not limited to: assessing workload and staffing; preparing position justifications; recruitment; completion of probation reports and annual reviews; and development of administrative processes to facilitate staff work.
The ACC is expected to be an expert or possess the skills and experience to be able to quickly attain an expertise in the laws, regulations and policies applicable to the programs served by the branch as well as possess general knowledge of government, legislative and litigation requirements and processes. Knowledge of, or experience with, providing policy-focused legal advice to a public entity is preferred.
This position is pending DOF approval.
If you would like to share how you learned about this career opportunity, please take a moment to complete our brief Recruitment Survey. (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VLRZMVQ)
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)
Follow us on LinkedIn (https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Landing/Jobs/Steps.aspx) to stay updated on our latest opportunities.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=32666747&name=DS_7.14SNRPARecruitACCinBlanket910(1).pdf)
Working Conditions:
Work Location: Monterey Park, Riverside, Oakland, or Sacramento
This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor's 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) 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. For positions advertised in more than one location, 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.
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.
Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.
Minimum Requirements:
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5871)
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.
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 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 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:
Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5871)
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist (http://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobApplicationPackageChecklist.aspx?JobControlId=524782)
- Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=32666747&name=DS_7.14SNRPARecruitACCinBlanket910(1).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.
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 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 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.
Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications or Supplemental Questionnaire Must Be Submitted Along with Your Application to Be Considered for This Position. Applications Submitted without An Soq May Be Disqualified for This Position.
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.
Applicants Must Submit a Two-Page Maximum (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.
Resume - a Resume Is Required and Must Be Included.
Applicants Who Fail to Include These Items And/or Follow the Above-Established Requirements May Not Be Considered.
This Position Is Subject to Fingerprinting Clearance by The Department of Justice.
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 Educa
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.
Applicants Must Submit a Two-Page Maximum (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.
Resume - a Resume Is Required and Must Be Included.
Applicants Who Fail to Include These Items And/or Follow the Above-Established Requirements May Not Be Considered.
This Position Is Subject to Fingerprinting Clearance by The Department of Justice.
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 Educa
