Closing Date: 19th 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.
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Legal Division, is recruiting to fill one permanent full-time Assistant Chief Counsel (ACC) position in the Personnel Bureau of the Information, Technology & Administrative Litigation Branch (ITAL). The ITAL Branch strives to provide comprehensive legal services to all divisions within CDSS to support the work of our clients whose mission is to serve, protect, and support the people of California experiencing need in ways that empower wellbeing and disrupt systemic inequities. We collaborate with our departmental partners and program clients to assist in achieving Department objectives through innovative branch practices that create more efficient, inclusive and transparent operations. 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 ITAL 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. Under the general direction of the Senior Assistant Chief Counsel, the ACC is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and reviewing the work of Senior Attorneys, Attorneys, and Paralegals who provide governmental employment law support, legal advice, document review and representation department-wide.
The ACC is expected to be an expert in the laws, regulations and policies applicable to the programs within their Bureau as well as possess general knowledge of government, legislative, and litigation requirements and processes.
In addition, the ACC participates as a member of the Branch and Legal management teams in the development and implementation of departmental policies related to the subject program areas as well as Branch and Legal Division policies.
Minimal 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=32834389&name=DS_SNRPARecruitITALACCPersonnel.pdf)
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://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.
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 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. the Department Strives to Carry out Its Mission of Providing Aid, Services and Protection to Needy Children and Adults. at The Same Time, We Strive to Strengthen and Encourage Individual Responsibility and Independence for Families. Cdss Employees Are Our Most Important Resource in Serving California's Needy and Vulnerable Children and Families. Come Join Our Team to Experience What It Is Like to Enjoy 'work with A Purpose'.
The Ital Branch Strives to Provide Comprehensive Legal Services to All Divisions Within Cdss to Support the Work of Our Clients in Helping Vulnerable Californians Thrive. We Collaborate with Our Departmental Partners and Program Clients to Assist in Achieving Department Objectives Through Innovative Branch Practices that Create More Efficient, Inclusive and Transparent Operations.
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=526499)
- Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=32834389&name=DS_SNRPARecruitITALACCPersonnel.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 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. the Department Strives to Carry out Its Mission of Providing Aid, Services and Protection to Needy Children and Adults. at The Same Time, We Strive to Strengthen and Encourage Individual Responsibility and Independence for Families. Cdss Employees Are Our Most Important Resource in Serving California's Needy and Vulnerable Children and Families. Come Join Our Team to Experience What It Is Like to Enjoy 'work with A Purpose'.
The Ital Branch Strives to Provide Comprehensive Legal Services to All Divisions Within Cdss to Support the Work of Our Clients in Helping Vulnerable Californians Thrive. We Collaborate with Our Departmental Partners and Program Clients to Assist in Achieving Department Objectives Through Innovative Branch Practices that Create More Efficient, Inclusive and Transparent Operations.
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 Both Encompass the Desirable Qualifications and Describe Your Leadership Philosophy and Experience in Employing that Philosophy. Include in Your Response Information Regarding Your Experience In, and Approach To, Reviewing and Editing the Work of Others.
A Resume or Cover Letter in Lieu of The Soq Responses Will Disqualify an Applicant from Consideration. a Standard or Generic Soq Will Disqualify an Applicant from Consideration. Application Packages Received without The Soq Will Not Be Considered.
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 Bu
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 Both Encompass the Desirable Qualifications and Describe Your Leadership Philosophy and Experience in Employing that Philosophy. Include in Your Response Information Regarding Your Experience In, and Approach To, Reviewing and Editing the Work of Others.
A Resume or Cover Letter in Lieu of The Soq Responses Will Disqualify an Applicant from Consideration. a Standard or Generic Soq Will Disqualify an Applicant from Consideration. Application Packages Received without The Soq Will Not Be Considered.
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 Bu
