Closing Date: 20th November, 2025
Description:
Job Description and Duties:The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Legal Division is recruiting for up to three permanent, full-time Attorney III positions in its Children's and Community Care Licensing Policy Branch (CAL), Children's Policy and Children's Oversight Bureaus (CAL Children's). Attorneys in the CDSS Legal Division provide critical legal services to the CDSS in its mission (https://www.cdss.ca.gov/home/about-cdss) to serve, protect, and support the people of California.
As an attorney in CAL, you will join a team of talented and passionate attorneys from a variety of backgrounds who work on child welfare programs (https://cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/guides) serving children and families. In a highly inclusive environment, CAL attorneys balance collaboration with independence to provide comprehensive legal support to the diverse programs overseen or administered by the Children and Family Services Division (CFSD) of CDSS, a leader in the national child welfare space.
The legal issues in child welfare are frequently complex, politically sensitive, and closely scrutinized by child welfare advocates, the public, the media, and various state and federal oversight agencies. The successful candidate will be primarily assigned to provide legal policy support to the CFSD in areas such as:
- Mandated Reporting, Child Welfare Investigations, Child Welfare Training, and Child Fatalities
- Family Finding, Child and Family Teaming, Transitional Aged Youth, and Independent Living Services
- Wraparound Services, foster youth education, and foster youth behavioral health
As an experienced attorney, the Attorney III is an expert, or has the ability to acquire expertise, in state and federal child welfare law, regulations, and policies. Experience working for or with other governmental departments or agencies, advocacy groups, legislative staff, and stakeholder workgroups is a plus. The successful candidate will conduct research, prepare correspondence, provide oral and written legal opinions, analyze and advise on pending legislation impacting foster care and child welfare, assist in drafting and reviewing CDSS regulations, review and advise on federal proposals affecting child welfare, draft legislation, and other duties as assigned. The Attorney III will also provide litigation support to the Office of the Attorney General on behalf of the Department as necessary. In addition to other duties, the successful candidate may be required to prepare legal pleadings and represent the Department before the Department of Health Care Services' Office of Administrative Hearings and Appeals in relation to financial audits of short-term residential therapeutic programs.
If you would like to share how you learned about this career opportunity, please take a moment to complete our brief Recruitment Survey. (https://cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/guides)
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
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.
Working Conditions:
This work location is very convenient! The CDSS is located two blocks from the light rail and public transportation: within walking distance of the State Capitol, parks, restaurants, farmers' markets and the Golden 1 Arena. Our building has easy access to I-5, Highway 50, and Highway 80.
The Legal Division uses a hybrid telework model to provide all employees with an avenue to telework while ensuring business and operational needs are met. 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 successful applicant's residence. For travel purposes, reimbursement would be based on the assigned office location.
This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor's Executive (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) 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.
Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.
Minimum Requirements:
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Attorney III (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5795)
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.
The CDSS Legal Division has two Program Litigation Branches that are dedicated to providing legal advice and services to the various Divisions within the Department. The Legal Division's Program Litigation Branches are dedicated to providing legal advice and services to the Divisions of the Department responsible for administering or overseeing numerous social service programs and related functions.
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 III (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5795)
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist (http://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobApplicationPackageChecklist.aspx?JobControlId=498191)
- Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=29755991&name=DS_SNRPARecruit3CALAttyIIIs(007_095_108).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.
The CDSS Legal Division has two Program Litigation Branches that are dedicated to providing legal advice and services to the various Divisions within the Department. The Legal Division's Program Litigation Branches are dedicated to providing legal advice and services to the Divisions of the Department responsible for administering or overseeing numerous social service programs and related functions.
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.
Do not include any confidential information on 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.
A Statement of Qualifications must be submitted along with your application to be considered for this position. Interested applicants must submit:
A Statement of Qualifications must be submitted along with your application to be considered for this position. Interested applicants must submit:
