Closing Date: 2nd July, 2026
Description:
Job Description and Duties:The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Legal Division, Information Governance Bureau, is recruiting to fill one permanent full-time Assistant Chief Counsel (ACC) position in the Legal Division. The position will be located in Sacramento, Oakland, Riverside or Monterey Park.
Under the general direction of the Senior Assistant Chief Counsel, the ACC is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and reviewing legal case assignments of attorney, paralegal and administrative staff. The legal staff is predominantly responsible for providing legal support for five statewide litigation offices representing Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD). The ACC works closely with CAL Policy Branch to coordinate implementation of statewide policy determinations through Enforcement and CCLD. The ACC also coordinates workload and administrative functions with Special Counsel assigned to the Office of the Chief Counsel/Deputy Director.
The Assistant Chief Counsel is an expert in the laws and regulations relating to Community Care Licensing, specifically relating to the enforcement actions to revoke and deny licenses, approvals, registries and to exclude employees of licensed facilities who have not complied with the statutes and regulations of the Community Care Licensing. The ACC is expected to be an expert in administrative hearing procedures and possess general knowledge of government, legislative and litigation requirements and processes that will enable the ACC to chair various core committees that shape the branches policy development, training standards, and forms and procedures.
The Assistant Chief Counsel participates as a member of the management team in the development and implementation of Departmental policies. The Assistant Chief Counsel is expected to work independently with minimal supervision in the planning, organizing, directing, and supervising of the attorney, paralegal and administrative staff to ensure that each employee completes his or her work in a professional, responsible, accurate and timely manner. The Assistant Chief Counsel is also expected to be competent, responsive and professional in communicating with internal as well as external stakeholders and representing the Department in all forums.
The Assistant Chief Counsel position is high profile and requires extensive contacts both within and outside the Department and regular consultations with CDSS Deputy Directors, as well as statewide program staff. Travel is required.
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.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=32360118&name=DS_RPARecruitACCbehindJ.Woodford(1).pdf)
Working Conditions:
This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor's Executive Order N-22-25 (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=32360118&name=DS_RPARecruitACCbehindJ.Woodford(1).pdf) 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.
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 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=521971)
- Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=32360118&name=DS_RPARecruitACCbehindJ.Woodford(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 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.
This Position Is Designated Under the Conflict-Of-Interest Code
Applicants Must Also Attach a Summary of Qualifications (soq), Which Shall Be No Longer than Two Pages (12-Point Type), Cover Letter, and A Resume. the Soq Is a Narrative Discussion of How the Applicant's Education, Training, Experience, and Skills Meet the Job Description 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. Applications Received without The Soq, Cover Letter, and Resume Will Not Be Considered.
Applications Will Be Accepted from Current Members of The California State Bar Who Are Currently in The Classification, Eligible for Lateral Transfer, Eligible for Reinstatement, Have List 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).
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.
If You Are Meeting Minimum Qualifications with Education, You Must Include
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.
This Position Is Designated Under the Conflict-Of-Interest Code
Applicants Must Also Attach a Summary of Qualifications (soq), Which Shall Be No Longer than Two Pages (12-Point Type), Cover Letter, and A Resume. the Soq Is a Narrative Discussion of How the Applicant's Education, Training, Experience, and Skills Meet the Job Description 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. Applications Received without The Soq, Cover Letter, and Resume Will Not Be Considered.
Applications Will Be Accepted from Current Members of The California State Bar Who Are Currently in The Classification, Eligible for Lateral Transfer, Eligible for Reinstatement, Have List 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).
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.
If You Are Meeting Minimum Qualifications with Education, You Must Include
