Lead Administrative Law Judge (Hybrid)

Closing Date: 20th October, 2025

Description:

Presides over hearings in CDSS and DHCS Program areas, which may include program areas such as CalWORKs, CalFresh, Medi-Cal, IHSS, Scope of Benefits, Resource Family Approval, and Covered California, among others. Handles all types of hearings, which may include complex and/or sensitive cases. Interprets and applies various provisions of federal and state statutes, regulations and department policies. Rules on objections and subpoena requests raised during the process of hearing a case, addresses postponement requests, sets continued hearings, and addresses other case management issues to maintain proper flow of cases assigned by the Supervising Administrative Law Judge (SALJ). Submits timely and legally correct final and proposed decisions as delegated, at a rate and quality consistent with State Hearings Division (SHD) standards. By virtue of hearing primarily, CalWORKs, CalFresh, and Medi-Cal cases, becomes a subject matter expert with ability to consult with and answer questions for other ALJs on cases or various points of law; serves as a source of referrals to legal sources, prior decisions/samples, and other resources. May serve as reviewer of proposed decisions submited by other ALJs, and/or as duty judge who reviews /rules on pre-hearing matters such as requests for expedited hearings, bifurcations, subpoena request, postponement and reopen requests, among other pre-hearing issues. Participates on special projects as assigned, including but not limited to implementation of best practices identified from any special projects, and attends SHD internal meetings and external meetings as assigned.
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You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions:
This position can be assigned to Sacramento, 95814 OR Oakland, 94612. Partial Telework. Travel required, but not limited to; Counties of Sacramento & Alameda.

This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor's Executive Order N-22-25 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 2025 Canned Language for Job Postings 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.

Minimum Requirements:
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Administrative Law Judge

Additional Documents
Job Application Package Checklist
Duty Statement

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 provide timely, independent and impartial due process hearings and produce timely, legally correct decisions. We maintain the integrity of the state hearing process, provide efficient administration of the state hearing process, communicate with counties, claimants, and others to achieve an efficient and effective state hearing process and identify and influence various issues that arise in the state hearings process that appear inconsistent with existing law or policy.

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.

• Subject to fingerprinting and criminal record clearance by Department of Justice and 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 not complete. 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.
• Training and Development assignments may be considered based on the availability of eligible candidates and are subject to approval by the Hiring Authority prior to appointment. Training and Development assignments are temporary in nature and shall not exceed twenty-four (24) months.
• 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.
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How to Apply:
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Attn: Classification & Pay Unit
744 P Street, MS 8-15-58
Sacramento, CA 95814
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Social Services
California D

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