Closing Date: 5th August, 2026
Description:
Job Description and Duties:This position is eligible for telework under Government Code section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. 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 locations outside of the Sacramento office, travel to Sacramento will be required. Our ideal candidate is a highly motivated, detail-oriented individual with excellent communication and writing skills and who is an innovative problem-solver. The successful candidate should have demonstrated experience, providing representation. They will also be someone who can work cooperatively with a customer-service focus.
The Information, Technology & Administrative Litigation (ITAL) Branch within the California Department of Social Services' (Department) Legal Division is seeking to recruit one qualified, competent and enthusiastic attorney to serve as an Assistant Chief Counsel (ACC) in ITAL. Under the general direction of the Senior Assistant Chief Counsel, and in collaboration with two other ACCs, the Compliance ACC works independently with minimal supervision in the planning, organizing and supervision of a team of attorneys and paralegals, who provide critical and complex legal guidance, analysis and representation.
The Branch is a collaborative and cohesive environment, and the successful applicant will be responsible for promoting that environment, fostering career growth, and overseeing the professional development of team members. In addition to substantive legal work, the ACC is responsible for: assessing workload and staffing; preparing position justifications; recruitment; probation reports and annuals 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 quickly attain an expertise in the laws, regulations and policies applicable to the areas served by ITAL as well as possess general knowledge of government, legislative and litigation/administrative law requirements and processes.
ITAL strives to provide the highest level of service to all divisions within CDSS that supports the work of our clients to serve, protect, and support the people of California experiencing need in ways that empower wellbeing and disrupt systemic inequities. We collaborate with our administrative partners and program clients to assist in achieving Department objectives through innovative Branch practices that create more efficient, inclusive and transparent operations.
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://www.linkedin.com/company/california-department-of-social-services/?viewAsMember=true) to stay updated on our latest opportunities.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. (https://www.linkedin.com/company/california-department-of-social-services/?viewAsMember=true)
Working Conditions:
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://www.linkedin.com/company/california-department-of-social-services/?viewAsMember=true) 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.
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? Join the California Department of Social Services (cdss) Whose Mission Is to Serve, Protect, and Support the People of California Experiencing Need in Ways that Empower Wellbeing and Disrupt Systemic Inequities. Cdss Supports Programs Which Serve More than Eight Million People Across Our State. This Work, Accomplished Every Day, Provides Stability, Opportunity and Promotes Wellness in Communities Throughout California. Cdss Employees Are Our Most Important Resource in Serving Californians in Need. Come Join Our Team to Experience What It Is Like to Enjoy 'work with A Purpose'.
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 (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5871)
- Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=32666445&name=DS_SNRPARecruitACCinBlanket910.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? Join the California Department of Social Services (cdss) Whose Mission Is to Serve, Protect, and Support the People of California Experiencing Need in Ways that Empower Wellbeing and Disrupt Systemic Inequities. Cdss Supports Programs Which Serve More than Eight Million People Across Our State. This Work, Accomplished Every Day, Provides Stability, Opportunity and Promotes Wellness in Communities Throughout California. Cdss Employees Are Our Most Important Resource in Serving Californians in Need. Come Join Our Team to Experience What It Is Like to Enjoy 'work with A Purpose'.
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.
In Addition to The Std. 678 Job Application, Applicants Must Also Submit a Three-Page Maximum (12-Point Arial Font Type, Standard Margins) Statement of Qualifications (soq). the Soq Should Address Your Knowledge and Experience with The Desirable Qualifications. Applications Submitted without An Soq Will Not Be Considered. a Resume Will Not Take the Place of An Soq.
Hiring Is Subject to State Civil Service Super Sroa/surplus Policies and Procedures. Applicants Must Be Current Members of The California State Bar.
The Selected Candidate Will Be Subject to A Criminal Record Background Check Clearance by The Department of Justice and The Federal Bureau of Investigation. a Criminal Conviction in And of Itself Will Not Necessarily Bar an Offer of Employment.
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: 8/5/2026
Who May Apply:
Individuals Who Are Currently i
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.
In Addition to The Std. 678 Job Application, Applicants Must Also Submit a Three-Page Maximum (12-Point Arial Font Type, Standard Margins) Statement of Qualifications (soq). the Soq Should Address Your Knowledge and Experience with The Desirable Qualifications. Applications Submitted without An Soq Will Not Be Considered. a Resume Will Not Take the Place of An Soq.
Hiring Is Subject to State Civil Service Super Sroa/surplus Policies and Procedures. Applicants Must Be Current Members of The California State Bar.
The Selected Candidate Will Be Subject to A Criminal Record Background Check Clearance by The Department of Justice and The Federal Bureau of Investigation. a Criminal Conviction in And of Itself Will Not Necessarily Bar an Offer of Employment.
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: 8/5/2026
Who May Apply:
Individuals Who Are Currently i