Closing Date: 13th August, 2026
Description:
Job Description and Duties:The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Legal Division is recruiting to fill one permanent full-time Attorney III position in its Community Care Licensing (CCL) Enforcement Branch.
The office location for this position is in Monterey Park.
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 employee's residence. For travel purposes, reimbursement would be based on the office location.
As one of the most experienced attorneys, the Attorney III is an expert in the most complex and sensitive legal work related to laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to Programs administered by the Department. This includes providing advice to the Community Care Licensing Division and applicable county clients, and regularly appearing before administrative tribunals throughout the state representing the interests of those receiving care or residing in community care facilities or children's residential program such as resource family homes, short-term residential therapeutic programs, child care centers, family child care homes, residential facilities for the elderly and adult residential facilities. The Attorney III serves a critical role in enforcing the statutes and regulations of the Licensing Division and prosecuting cases that jeopardize the health and safety of children, the elderly and dependent adults in licensed or approved facilities.
The Attorney III develops evidence, strategies and tactics to litigate a wide range of cases that may involve license revocations, license application denials, and employee and licensee exclusion actions. The Attorney III works with licensing clients, witnesses and victims, medical staff, qualified experts, investigators, criminal prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, and others to effectively prosecute complex and sophisticated cases including child maltreatment and elder abuse. As such, Attorney III must possess expertise in the application of evidentiary rules, hearsay exception statutes, and other trial-related theory. Attorney III must also be adept at facilitating settlements and negotiating stipulations where appropriate. The Legal Division's offices provide a dynamic and collegial environment in which its attorneys enjoy the satisfaction of public service and the rewards of conducting important work. Its attorneys should be self-motivated, possess strong interpersonal communication skills and demonstrate excellent analytical abilities. Travel may be required for hearings and to meet with clients and/or witnesses as needed.
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=32767309&name=DS_RPARecruitAttybehindS.Lui.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://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=32767309&name=DS_RPARecruitAttybehindS.Lui.pdf) 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 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.
We believe the diversity of our employees and our partners bring their unique ideas and perspectives that inspire innovative solutions to further our mission. Embark on a career path filled with purpose and fulfillment surrounded by a team of dedicated legal professionals in a collaborative, dynamic environment.
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 (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5795)
- Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=32767309&name=DS_RPARecruitAttybehindS.Lui.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.
We believe the diversity of our employees and our partners bring their unique ideas and perspectives that inspire innovative solutions to further our mission. Embark on a career path filled with purpose and fulfillment surrounded by a team of dedicated legal professionals in a collaborative, dynamic environment.
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.
In addition to the STD. 678 job application, applicants must also attach a SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS (SOQ). 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 and shall not exceed two pages (12-point type). 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. Application packages received without an SOQ will not be considered. A resume and cover letter are encouraged, but are not required, and will not take the place of the SOQ.
This position is subject to fingerprinting clearance by the Department of Justice.
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: 8/13/2026
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.
In addition to the STD. 678 job application, applicants must also attach a SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS (SOQ). 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 and shall not exceed two pages (12-point type). 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. Application packages received without an SOQ will not be considered. A resume and cover letter are encouraged, but are not required, and will not take the place of the SOQ.
This position is subject to fingerprinting clearance by the Department of Justice.
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: 8/13/2026
