Closing Date: 17th August, 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 fill one limited term - full-time Attorney IV position in its Community Care Licensing (CCL) Enforcement Branch. The office location for this position is in Sacramento. This position allows for a Hybrid work environment with 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.
The CCL Enforcement Attorney IV represents the Department as the highest-level enforcement attorney involved in the most complicated and politically sensitive licensing cases. These cases primarily involve issues concerning physical, sexual or financial abuse to the state's most vulnerable populations. In addition, the Attorney IV conducts or leads the most complex, high-level, and/or politically sensitive special projects.
The selected candidate must be able to demonstrate the highest level of expertise in licensing investigations and preparation of sexual and physical abuse cases, reviewing sensitive evidence and in conducting witness interviews with children, the elderly, and individuals with developmental disabilities. The Attorney IV also has the most experience in dealing with expert witnesses, hearing practices and procedures, conducting sensitive and difficult negotiations and providing the Deputy Director, Director, and managers with advice regarding such sensitive matters. The Attorney IV must be capable of independently functioning under pressure in politically sensitive situations, and must be able to meet strict deadlines, and/or on an expedited basis with the highest degree of autonomy.
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 (V)
Follow us on LinkedIn (https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Landing/Jobs/Steps.aspx) 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=32940511&name=1.DS_RPARecruitAttyIV-ENF.pdf)
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.
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 (http://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobApplicationPackageChecklist.aspx?JobControlId=527487)
- Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=32940511&name=1.DS_RPARecruitAttyIV-ENF.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.
Interested applicants MUST submit the following application materials:
1. Completed State Employment Application Form (STD 678). Include the Job Title of this position in the “Examination or Job Title for Which You Are Applying” section located on Page 1 of the STD 678.
2. 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 employed in a California civil service position at the Attorney IV level, who have current list eligibility for appointment to the Attorney IV level, who have SROA/Surplus eligibility, or who have reinstatement rights to this level. Selected candidate will be subject to a criminal record background check fingerprint clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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 postmarke
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.
Interested applicants MUST submit the following application materials:
1. Completed State Employment Application Form (STD 678). Include the Job Title of this position in the “Examination or Job Title for Which You Are Applying” section located on Page 1 of the STD 678.
2. 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 employed in a California civil service position at the Attorney IV level, who have current list eligibility for appointment to the Attorney IV level, who have SROA/Surplus eligibility, or who have reinstatement rights to this level. Selected candidate will be subject to a criminal record background check fingerprint clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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 postmarke
