Closing Date: 29th October, 2026
Description:
Job Description and Duties:This is a 12-month limited-term position and may be extended to a maximum of 24-months and/or may become permanent based on operational needs.
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Legal Division is recruiting to hire one Limited Term full-time Attorney IV position within its Information, Technology and Administrative Litigation (ITAL) Branch. This is a 12-month limited term position and may be extended to a maximum of 24-months and/or may become permanent based on operational needs. We seek a diverse pool of applicants with a wide range of experiences, including individuals with relevant lived experience such as personal experience with the social safety net or the child welfare system.
CDSS is a large department charged with administering and supervising county administration of all public social services programs in the State. To support public social service delivery, CDSS enters into thousands of contracts, interagency agreements, memoranda of understanding, data sharing agreements and grants each year. In addition, CDSS has a multi-billion-dollar portfolio of automated information technology systems and is further developing its robust technology platform to support data-driven policy decision making. The work of the ITAL Branch is to support these efforts by providing well-researched legal analysis and expert advice to management at all levels and to the divisions responsible for administering or overseeing these programs and their related functions.
We are looking for a detail-oriented, self-motivated candidate that possesses strong interpersonal communication skills and who demonstrates excellent analytical abilities.
Under the direction of the Senior Assistant Chief Counsel or Assistant Chief Counsel, the Government Transactions Attorney IV will perform some of the most sensitive and complex legal work including assignments involving a high degree of difficulty and with statewide programmatic implications. The successful candidate will be expert in, and have extensive demonstrated experience in independently providing house counsel or governmental representation in the majority of these areas: state and federal procurement and contracting laws and policies; contract and grant development, evaluation and monitoring; the legal issues presented in information technology procurements both large and small; privacy and confidentiality; and contract management and compliance principles. The successful candidate will also be someone who can gain both the trust and support of, and work cooperatively with, management and staff at all levels. Experience acting as a lead or mentor is desired but not required.
The Department of Social Services does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.
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=33873060&name=DS_SNRPARecruitLTAttyIV(955).pdf)
Working Conditions:
Travel, including overnight, may be required.
The physical work location is negotiable and can be based out of any CDSS Legal Division office statewide (Monterey Park, Riverside, Oakland, or Sacramento.)
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 IV (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5780)
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 IV (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5780)
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist (https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobApplicationPackageChecklist.aspx?JobControlId=535990)
- Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=33873060&name=DS_SNRPARecruitLTAttyIV(955).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 CalCareer Account (electronic application) is automatically redacted upon submission.
Applications will be accepted from current members of the California State Bar who are currently employed in a California civil service position at the Attorney IV level, those with current list eligibility for appointment to the Attorney IV level, candidates with SROA/Surplus eligibility, or candidates with reinstatement rights to this level. Interested applicants must submit a resume, a Statement of Qualifications, and a standard State Application Form (STD 678) and must clearly indicate the basis of hiring eligibility on the STD 678. Applicants must also attach the following items:
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 CalCareer Account (electronic application) is automatically redacted upon submission.
Applications will be accepted from current members of the California State Bar who are currently employed in a California civil service position at the Attorney IV level, those with current list eligibility for appointment to the Attorney IV level, candidates with SROA/Surplus eligibility, or candidates with reinstatement rights to this level. Interested applicants must submit a resume, a Statement of Qualifications, and a standard State Application Form (STD 678) and must clearly indicate the basis of hiring eligibility on the STD 678. Applicants must also attach the following items:
Statement of Qualifications
Keeping the Desirable Qualifications in Mind, Please Answer the Following Three Questions. Each Question Is to Be Numbered and Started on A Separate Page. an Answer to A Single Question Must Not Exceed One Page. Standard 1” Inch Margins and 12-Point Type Are Required. in Order to Be Considered for The Position, Your Soq Must Meet the Above Requirements.
Keeping the Desirable Qualifications in Mind, Please Answer the Following Three Questions. Each Question Is to Be Numbered and Started on A Separate Page. an Answer to A Single Question Must Not Exceed One Page. Standard 1” Inch Margins and 12-Point Type Are Required. in Order to Be Considered for The Position, Your Soq Must Meet the Above Requirements.
- Describe Your Knowledge Of, and Experience with State or Federal Contracting in Connection with A Vendor Performance Issue. Include an Example of A Situation that Demonstrates Your Ability to Analyze Complex Procurement or Contracting Issues, Taking Applicable Policy Into Consideration.
- Describe Your Experience, with A
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