Closing Date: 21st October, 2026
Description:
Job Description and Duties:The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Legal Division is recruiting to hire one permanent full time Attorney IV within the Information, Technology & Administrative Litigation (ITAL) Branch.
Join our close-knit team to support our clients in achieving CDSS' mission to serve, aid and protect needy and vulnerable children and adults in ways that strengthen and preserve families, encourage personal responsibility and foster independence. In support of this mission, the ITAL Branch strives to be an agency-wide legal resource achieving client objectives through collaboration, education, and advocacy. We are looking for someone who is ready to test their knowledge in information governance and data management and their skill in advising in the areas of risk under department policy and both state and federal law related to the classification, identification, preservation, collection, review and disclosure of records. We are looking for a highly motivated, customer-service oriented individual with excellent communication and writing skills with a strong interest in the legal and technical aspects of information governance for a public entity and a desire to work in a fast-paced, high-performance legal team.
Under the direction of the Senior Assistant Chief Counsel or Assistant Chief Counsel, the Attorney IV will perform the most sensitive and complex legal work at the highest degree of difficulty. Working collaborative with the Privacy Attorney IV, the Information Governance Attorney IV serves as the Department's subject matter expert on information governance. In this context the Attorney IV advises on information security, audit compliance, and access and disclosure of public records. In addition, for pre-litigation and litigation matters the Attorney IV provides legal advice and consultation on; E-Discovery, legal holds, records collection and review. Information governance primarily includes the following areas: the California Public Records Act; the Information Practices Act; application of privileges and exemptions to records relative to the aforementioned Acts as well as in the litigation context; service of process; and other information requests from State Agencies, the Legislature, researchers, stakeholders and the public.
The successful candidate will also develop and present training to lawyers and non-lawyers on these issues and will keep abreast of evolving law and emerging technologies in these areas. They will have extensive experience in independently providing house counsel or governmental representation in these or other related areas. 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://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=33719566&name=DS_SNRPARecruitAttyIV(014).pdf)
Working Conditions:
This work location is very convenient! This location is two blocks from the light rail and public transportation: within walking distance to the State Capitol, parks, restaurants, farmer's 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 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=534653)
- Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=33719566&name=DS_SNRPARecruitAttyIV(014).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.
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 address your knowledge and experience with the Desirable Qualifications. Applications submitted without an SOQ will not be considered. A resume is not required and will not take the place of an SOQ.
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 Bureau of Investigation. A criminal conviction in and of itself will not necessarily bar an offer of employment.
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
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 submit a three-page maximum (12-point Arial font type, standard margins) STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS (SOQ).
The SOQ should address your knowledge and experience with the Desirable Qualifications. Applications submitted without an SOQ will not be considered. A resume is not required and will not take the place of an SOQ.
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 Bureau of Investigation. A criminal conviction in and of itself will not necessarily bar an offer of employment.
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
